North Long Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. DNR lake ID 18037200.
North Long Lake is a 6,190-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Merrifield. Its deepest point reaches 97 ft, and about 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 15.2 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
Buying or selling on North Long Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on North Long LakeWhat’s my North Long Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18037200 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Merrifield |
| Surface area | 6,190 acres |
| Maximum depth | 97 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 63% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 15.2 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 3 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 15.2 ft, phosphorus 14.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, North Long Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on North Long Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 4.87 | 4.0 to 9.6 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.73 | 3.0 to 7.9 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.13 | 7.1 to 33.9 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.27 | 0.2 to 1.1 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.53 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.27 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.07 | 0.2 to 0.9 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 2.4 | 0.5 to 5.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.8 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 4.0 | 1.0 to 6.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.53 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2021), Northern pike 34.0 in (2021), Walleye 26.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2024), zebra mussel (listed 2014).
Public boat access
- North Long Lake, Merrifield: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 32 trailer spaces. In Merrifield, 0.5 mile West of MN Hwy. 25 on Train Bell Road. Directions
- North Long Lake (S): 1 gravel launch ramp, 2 trailer spaces. 5.5 Miles northwest of Brainerd on the south shore of North Long Lake - Birchdale Rd.. Directions
- North Long Lake (NW): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 8 trailer spaces. 5 miles northwest of Brainerd, off MN Highway #371, on the northwest shore of North Long Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Round Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Little Hubert Lake 2.4 mi, Crow Wing County
- Wise Lake 2.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Gladstone Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Bass Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Hartley Lake 3.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 3.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Lake Hubert 3.6 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about North Long Lake
How deep is North Long Lake?
North Long Lake reaches a maximum depth of 97 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 63% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is North Long Lake?
North Long Lake covers about 6,190 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is North Long Lake?
Summer water clarity on North Long Lake averages 15.2 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does North Long Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes North Long Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel.
What fish are in North Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in North Long Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on North Long Lake?
North Long Lake has 3 public water access sites on DNR record: North Long Lake, Merrifield; North Long Lake (S); North Long Lake (NW).
How is the walleye population on North Long Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1993 to 2021, walleye numbers on North Long Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on North Long Lake?
Homes on North Long Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on North Long Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on North Long Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 63% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 15.2 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on North Long Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5.
Ask us about North Long Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2021), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.