If there is one fish that built Long Lake's reputation, it is the walleye. This deep, clear, spring-fed lake in Washburn County grows healthy numbers of them, and its mix of rock, gravel, weed and structure gives anglers plenty of ways to connect. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned stick, this guide breaks down how to catch Long Lake walleye through the year.
Walleye are low-light feeders with excellent vision, so dawn, dusk, night and windy, overcast days consistently out-fish bright calm middays. Because Long Lake is clear, that low-light edge matters even more here than on stained water.
Where the walleye live
Long Lake's clarity lets weeds grow to roughly fifteen feet, and walleye use the whole water column depending on the season. A few reliable starting points: steep rock and gravel drop-offs where shallow flats tumble into deep water, the windswept rocky shorelines of the main basin after a good chop, the shallow green weeds at the north end in spring, and the quick drop-off around the small mid-lake hump toward the southern end, which stacks both walleye and northern pike in mid-summer.
Let the lake narrow the search for you: find the edge where bottom content changes (rock to sand, weed to open) along a depth break, and you have found a walleye highway.
Season by season
Spring
Right after ice-out, walleye move shallow to feed. Jigs and bottom rigs tipped with minnows are hard to beat, and slip-bobber rigs with live bait take fish from the shallow green weeds at the north end of the lake. Work rock and gravel shorelines and the first breaks off them.
Summer
As water warms, many fish slide to deeper structure. Target the mid-lake hump and main-basin drop-offs early and late in the day. Slip-bobbers with leeches, deep-diving crankbaits along the breaks, and spinner or bottom-bouncer rigs covering water all produce. Motor trolling is allowed with up to three lures per angler, which is a great way to locate scattered summer fish.
Fall
Fall is trophy time. Many anglers concentrate on the steep rock and gravel drop-offs and slowly backtroll Lindy or Roach rigs tipped with four or six-inch redtail chubs. Slow down, stay on the break, and be ready for the biggest walleye of the year.
Baits & rigs at a glance
| Presentation | When it shines |
|---|---|
| Jig + minnow | Early spring on rock/gravel shorelines |
| Slip-bobber + live bait (minnow/leech) | Spring weeds at the north end; summer over breaks |
| Lindy / Roach rig + redtail chub | Fall backtrolling along deep drop-offs |
| Deep-diving crankbait | Summer, covering main-basin breaks and humps |
| Spinner / bottom-bouncer rig | Locating active summer fish by trolling |
Rules to know
Everyone fishing Long Lake needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Walleye size and bag limits change over time and can differ from statewide defaults, so always confirm the current regulations with the Wisconsin DNR before you keep a fish. Motor trolling is permitted here with up to three hooks, baits or lures per angler.
Plan your trip with our fishing report and seasonal patterns, find a ramp on the boat launches page, and study the water on the lake map and depth guide.
Walleye fishing FAQ
What is the best bait for walleye on Long Lake?
Live bait rules: jigs or slip-bobbers tipped with minnows and leeches in spring and summer, and Lindy or Roach rigs with four to six inch redtail chubs in the fall. Crankbaits and spinner rigs are great for covering water and locating fish.
What depth do you catch walleye on Long Lake?
It changes with the season. In spring, walleye feed shallow on rock shorelines and in green weeds that grow to about fifteen feet. In summer they slide deeper onto drop-offs and the mid-lake hump, where early-morning and evening hours are best.
When is the best time of day to catch walleye here?
Low light is key on this clear lake. Dawn, dusk, after dark, and windy overcast days consistently produce more walleye than bright, calm midday conditions.
Do I need a license, and are there limits?
Yes, a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required. Walleye size and bag limits can change and may differ from statewide rules, so check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations for Long Lake before keeping fish.