Upper South Long Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. DNR lake ID 18009600.
Upper South Long Lake is an 804.3-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Brainerd. Its deepest point reaches 47 ft, and about 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.6 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, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 18009600 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Brainerd |
| Surface area | 804.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 47 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 35% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.6 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 18.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 8.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 7.6 ft, phosphorus 18.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 8.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Upper South Long Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Upper South Long Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 1.08 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.33 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.58 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.67 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.58 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 2.17 | 0.4 to 2.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 17.0 | 4.4 to 49.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.92 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 1.33 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.33 | 0.8 to 6.2 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.08 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.75 | 1.8 to 7.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.83 | 0.5 to 2.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.83 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2019), Northern pike 34.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2019).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Greater redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2019), zebra mussel (listed 2021).
Public boat access
- Upper South Long Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 10 trailer spaces. 5 miles East of Brainerd on MN Hwy. 18, then 4 miles South on Crow Wing Co. Rd. #23. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Grave Lake 3.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- South Long Lake 3.1 mi, Crow Wing County
- Russell Lake 3.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Chrysler Lake 4.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Mud Lake 4.5 mi, Crow Wing County
- Pointon Lake 5.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Butternut Lake 5.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Nokay Lake 5.9 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Upper South Long Lake
How deep is Upper South Long Lake?
Upper South Long Lake reaches a maximum depth of 47 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 35% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Upper South Long Lake?
Upper South Long Lake covers about 804.3 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Upper South Long Lake?
Summer water clarity on Upper South Long Lake averages 7.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Upper South Long Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Upper South Long Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Upper South Long Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, green sunfish in Upper South Long Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Upper South Long Lake?
Upper South Long Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Upper South Long Lake.
How is the walleye population on Upper South Long Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2019, walleye numbers on Upper South Long Lake ran mostly below 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 Upper South Long Lake?
Homes on Upper South 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 Upper South Long Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Upper South Long Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 35% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Upper South Long Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Upper South Long Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Upper South 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 2019), 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.