Long Lake is a vast, shallow refuge lake in south-central North Dakota – a 17,000-acre expanse of water and marsh near Moffit, at the heart of the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Known for abundant northern pike and as a major waterfowl stopover, it’s a wild, birds-and-fish destination on the Missouri Coteau southeast of Bismarck. This guide is part of our growing North Dakota Lakes Database.
Long Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~16,932 acres, with about 69 miles of shoreline
- Depth: very shallow – generally about 4-6 feet, and highly variable
- Elevation: ~1,640 ft, on the Missouri Coteau of south-central North Dakota
- Location: Burleigh County, near Moffit, in the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Top fish: northern pike (abundant), with bullhead, carp, and occasional walleye and perch
How big and deep is Long Lake?
Long Lake lives up to its name, stretching across about 16,932 acres with roughly 69 miles of shoreline – yet it’s extremely shallow, generally only 4 to 6 feet deep. Water levels are highly variable, depending on inflows from Long Lake Creek, making it a dynamic system: in good water years it provides an excellent pike fishery, while dry spells shrink it considerably.
Fishing Long Lake
Long Lake is best known for its abundant northern pike, with bullhead and carp also common and walleye and yellow perch turning up in wetter years. A North Dakota fishing license is required, and because this is a national wildlife refuge, you should check refuge angling regulations before fishing. The lake has a fishing pier and bank-access areas; it’s too shallow for outboard-motor boats, so it’s a shore and small-craft fishery.
The wildlife refuge and recreation
The Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a major stop on the central flyway, drawing enormous numbers of ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and shorebirds – making it a premier birding and wildlife-watching destination. An auto tour route and observation areas make it easy to explore. As a refuge, swimming and motorized boating are restricted; the focus is fishing from shore, wildlife viewing and photography.
Water level
Long Lake is a highly dynamic, shallow system whose level swings with creek inflow and drought. The fishery is excellent in wet cycles and can decline sharply in dry ones, so check current refuge conditions before planning a trip.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Long Lake is near Moffit in Burleigh County, south-central North Dakota, southeast of Bismarck off ND-1804. The Missouri River, Bismarck and the prairie pothole country are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license & refuge rules: a North Dakota license is required; check refuge angling regulations.
- Shore fishery: too shallow for outboard boats – fish from the pier and banks.
- Birding: a world-class waterfowl and crane stopover – bring binoculars.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Long Lake, North Dakota?
About 16,932 acres with 69 miles of shoreline – though it’s very shallow (generally 4-6 feet) and highly variable.
What fish are in Long Lake?
Abundant northern pike, plus bullhead and carp, with occasional walleye and yellow perch in wetter years.
Where is Long Lake?
In Burleigh County near Moffit, in the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of Bismarck, North Dakota.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in North Dakota, or head back to the North Dakota Lakes Database.