Winter is one of the best times to fish Long Lake. The ice opens up the whole lake to anglers on foot or by sled, and the same structure that holds fish in summer keeps producing through the hard-water season. Walleye, trophy northern pike and slab panfish are all on the menu — just remember that musky may not be targeted through the ice at any time in Wisconsin.
What is biting through the ice
Walleye
Minnows are the winter standard for Long Lake walleye, and fish are often found in roughly six to fifteen feet of water near the same breaks and flats they use in open water. The morning and evening low-light windows see the best action, so set up before first light and stay through dusk.
Trophy northern pike
Long Lake gives up some genuine trophy pike in winter. Anglers take them from the weedbeds, with productive water historically found to the north of Kunz Island and in Gruenhagen Bay. Tip-ups baited with large golden shiners or redtail chubs over and along green weed edges are the classic winter presentation.
Panfish
Crappie, bluegill and perch keep the action steady all winter. Look for panfish over deeper basins and along weed edges, and jig small spoons or teardrops tipped with waxies or spikes. A flasher or sonar makes a huge difference for finding and triggering them.
Gear and presentation
| Setup | Best for |
|---|---|
| Tip-ups + golden shiners / redtail chubs | Northern pike and walleye on weed edges |
| Jigging rod + minnow or spoon | Active walleye on breaks and flats |
| Light jig + waxie/spike | Crappie, bluegill and perch over basins |
| Flasher / sonar | Finding fish and dialing in the bite at any depth |
Ice safety first
No fish is worth a trip through the ice. Ice thickness is never uniform — current, springs, pressure cracks and changing weather can leave thin spots even on a frozen lake. Check conditions locally before you go, talk to area bait shops, carry ice picks and a spud bar, wear a flotation suit, never go out alone on early or late ice, and give inflows and pressure ridges a wide berth. When in doubt, stay off.
Want to fish dawn to dusk? Stay right on the water in our lakefront cabins, warm up with a meal at The Landing, and check the fishing report before you drill.
Ice fishing FAQ
What can you catch ice fishing on Long Lake?
Walleye, trophy northern pike, and panfish such as crappie, bluegill and perch are the main winter targets. Musky may not be targeted through the ice at any time in Wisconsin.
Where do you catch pike through the ice here?
Trophy pike come from the weedbeds, with productive areas historically north of Kunz Island and in Gruenhagen Bay. Tip-ups baited with large golden shiners or redtail chubs along weed edges are the standard winter presentation.
How thick should the ice be?
Ice is never completely safe and thickness varies across a lake. Always check current local conditions, talk to area bait shops, carry safety gear, and follow Wisconsin DNR ice-safety guidance. When in doubt, stay off the ice.
Do I need a license to ice fish?
Yes, a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required for ice fishing, and normal size and bag limits apply. Confirm current regulations with the Wisconsin DNR before you head out.