North Long

North Long Lake is stocked annually with 3.9 million Walleye fry. Fingerling stocking is done on a contingency basis as needed or as surplus when fish are available and was last done in 2024. Night electrofishing was conducted on September 11th, 2025, to monitor the abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleyes. Total sample time was 2 hours and 10 minutes, which resulted in a YOY Walleye catch rate of 1.4 per hour. This was the first time since 2018 that YOY Walleye were sampled. They ranged in size from 5.4 to 6.4 inches, with a mean length of 6.0 inches. Previous catches ranged from 0 to 53.3 per hour. Age 1 and older Walleyes were captured at a rate of 6.5 per hour. They ranged in length from 7.5 to 25.8 inches and had a mean length of 12.4 inches.

North Long Lake is stocked annually with 3.9 million Walleye fry. Fingerling stocking is done on a contingency or surplus basis when fish are available and was last done in 2024. Night electrofishing was conducted on September 18th, 2024, to monitor the abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleyes. The total sample time was 2 hours, during which no YOY Walleyes were caught. Previous catches have ranged from 0 to 53.3/hour run-time. Walleyes that were age 1 and older were captured at a rate of 7.0/hour run-time. They ranged in length from 11.1" to 19.6" and had a mean length of 13.3".

North Long is a popular 5,998 acre lake located just north of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. North Long has a max depth of 97 feet, however it is known for its shallow sand flats, with 65% being 15 feet deep or less. Walleyes are one of the more popular species on North Long. Walleyes are stocked annually as fry (3,900,000/year) and as fingerlings in even numbered years (2,925 lbs) and were sampled in low numbers in 2024, when compared to similar lakes, at 2.7/gill net. Average length was 15.8 inches, with 49% measuring 14 inches or longer. Walleyes ranged from 10.0 inches to 22.8 inches. Northern Pike were sampled in average numbers at 6.9/gill net. Average length was 22.0 inches, with 22% over 26 inches. A pike over 35 inches was sampled suggesting some angler opportunity for large pike. Anglers are reminded that all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be immediately released under the northcentral pike zone regulation. Largemouth Bass were sampled by a spring electrofishing survey at a rate of 37.0/hour run-time. Average length was 12.7 inches with 27% measuring at least 14 inches in length. The largest bass was nearly 19 inches suggesting angler opportunities for quality bass. In 2021, a new regulation was adopted that reduced the Black Crappie and Sunfish daily limit to 5 each to maintain or improve panfish sizes in North Long Lake. Black Crappies were sampled in high numbers in gill nets (2.8/net) and average numbers in trap nets (0.3/net) compared to similar lakes. Average length was 8.7 inches in gill nets and 9.8 inches in trap nets. Size structure appeared favorable for anglers who desire larger crappie. For both gears combined 54% measured at least 9 inches and 47% measured at least 10 inches. Crappie over 12 inches were sampled. Growth rates were relatively fast with crappie reaching 8 inches as three-year-olds. Bluegills were sampled in average numbers at 8.9/trap net. Average length was 5.8 inches with 28% at least 7 inches in length. Although Bluegill over 8 inches were relatively rare, some over 9 inches were present in the gill net sample. Growth was moderate with Bluegill averaging about one inch per year. Given the moderate growth rates, large Bluegill may be produced in North Long, but it takes a long time to grow them. It is hoped that the 5 fish limit will contribute to a population with more opportunities for large Bluegill.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, and Rock Bass in North Long. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for North Long. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

North Long has a maximum depth of 97 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in North Long is from 2024.

Yes — North Long has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for North Long, covering crappie and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.