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Long Lake is the crown jewel of Washburn County in northwest Wisconsin — a sprawling, spring-fed lake near the village of Sarona that locals and visitors alike call the "Walleye Capital of Wisconsin." Stretching nearly nineteen miles with roughly ninety-nine miles of largely undeveloped shoreline, it is one of the largest and most celebrated recreation lakes in the Northwoods.
This guide pulls together everything you need to make the most of Long Lake in every season: where the fish are biting, where to launch your boat, where to stay, what to do on and off the water, and where to find a hot meal with a lake view. Whether you are planning a summer fishing trip, shopping for lakefront property, or just looking for a relaxing weekend up north, you will find a starting point here.
Long Lake sits a short drive from Spooner, Rice Lake, Birchwood and the famous Hayward lakes region, making it an easy basecamp for a wider Northwoods getaway. Its size and depth give it room for serious anglers, watersports, quiet paddling coves and family beach days all at once.
Why Long Lake is called the "Walleye Capital of Wisconsin"
The nickname is more than marketing. Long Lake's deep, moderately fertile, spring-fed water grows healthy populations of walleye, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has long managed the lake with that fishery in mind. A 2022 DNR comprehensive survey produced a walleye population estimate along with index data for northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish, confirming what generations of anglers already knew: this is a genuine walleye factory.
But walleye are only the headline. Long Lake also holds muskellunge, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and a deep bench of panfish including crappie, bluegill and jumbo perch. Few lakes in the state offer this much variety across this much water, which is why it draws tournament anglers, fly-in cabin renters and weekend families season after season.
New to the lake? Start with our Fishing Long Lake overview, then dive into the species guides for walleye, musky, pike & bass and panfish. Heading up in winter? See Ice Fishing on Long Lake.
Fishing Long Lake: the species at a glance
Long Lake's structure — steep rock and gravel drop-offs, deep basins, weedy bays and classic Northwoods points — gives every kind of angler something to work with. Here is how the major species break down across the seasons.
| Species | Where & how | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Backtroll Lindy or Roach rigs with redtail chubs along rock and gravel drop-offs | Spring & fall; low light |
| Muskellunge | Cast or troll large baits over weed edges and points (no ice targeting allowed) | Summer & fall |
| Northern Pike | Weedbeds and bays; tip-ups with golden shiners in winter | Year-round; great on ice |
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | Weed edges, wood and rock; catch-and-release open year-round | Late spring through fall |
| Panfish (crappie, bluegill, perch) | Brush, weed flats and deep basins; light tackle and minnows | All seasons, prime on ice |
Motor trolling is permitted on Long Lake with up to three hooks, baits or lures per angler. Regulations change, so always confirm current size and bag limits with the Wisconsin DNR before you fish. Our fishing report and seasonal patterns page breaks down month by month what is working.
Get out on the water
With four public boat launches, picnic areas and a swimming beach, Long Lake is genuinely easy to access — you do not need to own lakefront to enjoy a day on the water. Trailer in, carry in a kayak, or rent a cabin with a dock and step right off the shore.
Boat Launches & Access
The four public landings, ramp tips and where to park your trailer.
Find a launch →Lake Map & Depth
Depth, structure, key bays and points to fish — and the DNR data behind them.
See the map →Boating & Watersports
Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and tubing — plus on-water etiquette.
Plan a day →Things to do in every season
Long Lake is a four-season destination. Summer brings fishing, swimming, paddling and pontoon sunsets. Fall delivers trophy musky weather and quiet color. Winter turns the lake into a hub for ice fishing, snowmobiling on nearby Trail 28, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The surrounding Sarona area adds golf, miles of ATV and snowmobile trails, and easy day trips to Spooner and Hayward.
Beaches & Swimming
Where to cool off, family-friendly shallow spots and the public beach.
Hit the beach →Where to stay on Long Lake
Lodging on Long Lake ranges from cozy lakeside cabins and classic Northwoods resorts to modern vacation rentals and the lakefront cabins right at The Landing. Many include a private dock, fire pit and gear like row boats and kayaks — ideal for an all-season fishing or family getaway.
If you are dreaming bigger, Long Lake also supports an active lakefront real estate market, from buildable lots to chalet-style homes with open water views. Our guides cover both the short stay and the long haul.
Lakefront Cabins at The Landing
Stay on the water all season, steps from the restaurant.
See the cabins →The Landing on Long Lake
Founded in 2020 and named for its ideal setting on the water, The Landing on Long Lake is the lake's go-to spot for food, drinks and a view. The newly updated menu keeps the familiar favorites while introducing new flavors, with daily specials that change with the seasons and the catch.
Come hungry: the kitchen is known for a full pound of walleye breaded or broiled and drizzled with the signature Landing sauce, crispy battered perch tacos with slaw, jumbo grilled shrimp, and a loaded burger with smoked bacon, Monterey beer cheese, onion rings and BBQ. Pair it with a Bloody Mary — homemade mix with all the fixings and a snit of domestic beer on tap.
You can arrive by car or by boat, gather friends and family for events, and stay the weekend in the lakefront cabins. It is the easiest way to experience everything Long Lake has to offer in one stop.
Address: N1262 County Highway MD, Sarona, WI 54870
Hours: Mon–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–7pm
Phone: (715) 354-2045
Long Lake, Wisconsin: frequently asked questions
How big is Long Lake in Sarona, Wisconsin?
Long Lake in Washburn County covers about 3,478 acres with a maximum depth near 74 feet. It runs roughly nineteen miles end to end and has close to ninety-nine miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest lakes in northwest Wisconsin.
What fish are in Long Lake?
Long Lake is best known for walleye — it is called the "Walleye Capital of Wisconsin" — but it also holds muskellunge, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as crappie, bluegill and perch. See our species guides for techniques and seasons.
Is there public boat access on Long Lake?
Yes. Long Lake has four public boat launches along with picnic areas and a public swimming beach, so you do not need to own lakefront property to enjoy a day on the water. See our boat launches and access guide for details.
Where is Long Lake and what towns are nearby?
Long Lake is near the village of Sarona in Washburn County, northwest Wisconsin. It is a short drive from Spooner, Rice Lake, Birchwood and the Hayward lakes region, which makes it a convenient basecamp for a wider Northwoods trip. See our Sarona and area guide.
Can I ice fish on Long Lake?
Yes, Long Lake is a popular ice-fishing destination for walleye, northern pike and panfish. Note that musky may not be targeted through the ice at any time. Always check current ice conditions and DNR regulations first — see our ice fishing guide.