The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides access for anglers at Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge where fishing is compatible with other refuge programs, activities, and purposes.

Northern pike are the primary species caught, although occasional yellow perch and walleye are caught. Bullheads and carp are also found in Refuge waters. Fishing success is usually best in Long Lake Creek near where it enters Long Lake because fish concentrate here. Long Lake is shallow and generally does not support sport fish, except when water flows into the lake at high levels. These high flows improve water quality and allow fish to survive for a number of years. However, winter kills and decreased water quality can erase fish populations.

Regulations

All State regulations apply to fishing on Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Open Areas

Fishing is only allowed on Long Lake Creek. These areas designated in green on the map. Fishing is not permitted on Unit 2 and Unit 3.

Shore Access

Shoreline access is provided along the Refuge Headquarters entrance road, B-dike and the South Fishing Area along the township road that borders the South Refuge Boundary - areas designated in pink on map. Fishing from bridges is prohibited. An accessible pier is provided for public use.

Fishing Hours

Fishing is permitted only during daylight hours.

Parking

Parking areas are provided at each of the access areas: south of the North Bridge, and south of the South Bridge. Anglers can park along ‘B’ dike provided vehicles are parked not to obstruct traffic. This is the main entrance road into the Refuge and is often used by large delivery trucks. Vehicles obstructing traffic will be cited. Keep in mind that shoulders of dikes may be soft after rain or snow melt.

Ice Fishing

Ice-fishing is permitted. Ice houses are allowed, but must be removed by March 1. After March 1, ice houses must be removed on a daily basis. Vehicles are not permitted on the ice or off established trails including county, township, and refuge roads. Snowmobiles and other off road machines are not permitted anywhere on the refuge.

NORTHERN PIKE (Pike family)

Found Statewide in a variety of habitat this popular fish was named our State Fish by the 1969 Legislative Assembly.

WALLEYE (Perch family)

The walleye is a fisherman’s favorite eating fish. They are a dark olive color with an over-all brown mottling and a white belly. A black blotch on the lower rear portion of the top dorsal fin identifies this fish.

YELLOW PERCH (Perch family)

This panfish has dark bars running up and down its yellow-green sides.

BULLHEAD (Catfish family)

The bullhead is built heavier that the catfish but does not get as large in size. It is darker in color and has a rounded, slightly notched tail. Members of the catfish family do not have scales.

CARP (Minnow family)

This olive-yellow or olive-red large-scaled fish has two small fleshy barbels on each side of its upper jaw. The carp is an introduction to America that has been detrimental to “sport” fishes.

SUCKER (Sucker family)

The suckers have small sucker-like mouths.