The muskellunge is Wisconsin's state fish and the ultimate freshwater predator, famous as the "fish of ten thousand casts." Long Lake's size, depth and abundant forage give these apex hunters room to grow, and a serious musky angler can find genuine trophy potential here in the heart of Washburn County.
Musky fishing is a commitment. You may go hours between follows, then have the fish of a lifetime appear behind your bait at the boat. Patience, big baits and a good figure-eight at boatside are the names of the game.
Musky season on Long Lake
Wisconsin's general inland musky season typically opens in early May and runs through December 31 on open water only. Crucially, musky may not be targeted through the ice at any time, so Long Lake's musky fishing is an open-water pursuit from spring through late fall. Always confirm the current season dates and the minimum length limit with the Wisconsin DNR before you head out.
Where to find them
Muskies relate to structure and ambush points. On Long Lake, focus on and around healthy weed beds, rock bars and drop-offs, prominent points, and shorelines with submerged wood or other cover. Edges are everything: the deep weed line, the tip of a point, or the spot where a rock bar meets a basin are classic places a big fish will set up to feed.
As the season progresses, fish often shift from shallower summer weeds toward deeper structure and bigger forage in the fall, which is when many of the largest muskies are caught.
Tactics by season
| Season | Approach |
|---|---|
| Early summer | Bucktails and topwater over and along weed beds as fish get active in warming water |
| Mid-summer | Some of the highest catch rates of the year; cover water with bucktails, glide baits and crankbaits on points and bars |
| Fall | Trophy time — bigger rubber baits, jerkbaits and live suckers worked slowly near deep structure |
Whatever you throw, finish every cast with a wide, smooth figure-eight at the boat — a huge number of muskies commit only at the very end of the retrieve.
Handle them with care
Muskies are a low-density, slow-growing trophy fishery, and most anglers practice catch and release to keep it strong. Use heavy tackle so you can land fish quickly, keep them in the water, carry the right release tools (long pliers, a hook cutter, a big cradle or net), and support the fish until it swims off on its own. A healthy release today is someone's fish of a lifetime tomorrow.
Make a weekend of the hunt: book a lakefront cabin, refuel at The Landing, and check conditions on the fishing report.
Musky fishing FAQ
When does musky season open on Long Lake?
Wisconsin's general inland musky season usually opens in early May and runs through December 31 on open water. Dates and length limits can change year to year, so confirm with the Wisconsin DNR before fishing.
Can you ice fish for musky on Long Lake?
No. In Wisconsin, musky may not be targeted through the ice at any time. Musky fishing on Long Lake is strictly an open-water pursuit. In winter, anglers target walleye, pike and panfish instead.
When is the best time to catch a big musky here?
Some of the highest catch rates come in mid-summer when fish are active in warm water, while fall produces many of the largest muskies as they feed up before winter.
Where should I start fishing for musky?
Target weed beds, rock bars and drop-offs, points, and shorelines with submerged wood. Work the edges of these features, and always finish casts with a figure-eight at the boat.