Long Prairie River Fishing
Todd County, Douglas County and Morrison County, Long Prairie River State Water Trail.
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First look at the Long Prairie River
Through Todd County, Douglas County and Morrison County, the Long Prairie River cuts its way as a river. Its Minnesota length on the map is about 116 miles. Measured from the route midpoint, Carlos sits about 3 miles off. Its route is the Long Prairie River State Water Trail.
1 active gauge report from the channel. 10 public accesses give boat access.
Discharge on the Long Prairie River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Long Prairie River At Long Prairie, Mn | 246 cfs, 3.26 ft gage height | Nov 11 1:15 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 11, 2026 1:32 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Canoe put-ins along the Long Prairie River
- Long Prairie River, Hwy 29 Access1 ramp, 3 trailer stalls, Douglas County, river mile 91.9
- Long Prairie River, Miltona Carlos Rd Water Access Site Access1 ramp, Douglas County, river mile 91.1
- Long Prairie River, Reynolds Township Access1 ramp, Todd County, river mile 53.4
- Long Prairie River, Long Prairie Accesscarry-in access, 6 trailer stalls, Todd County, river mile 48.3
- Long Prairie River, Browerville Accesscarry-in access, Todd County, river mile 35.2
- Long Prairie River WMA Accesscarry-in access, Todd County, river mile 25.1
- Lake Carlos, Lake Carlos SPK Access2 ramps, 14 trailer stalls, 2 docks, toilet, Douglas County
- Lake Carlos (NE) Access1 ramp, 2 trailer stalls, Douglas County
- Lake Carlos (W) Access1 ramp, 12 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, Douglas County
- Lake Carlos (E) Access1 ramp, 1 trailer stalls, Douglas County
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Kittle route lines, USGS gauges.
Harvest rules on the Long Prairie River
No special regulation names the Long Prairie River, so statewide rows apply.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations. All Minnesota limits.
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Lakes worth a look near Long Prairie River
- Irene Lake5 miles
- Hidden Lake, Douglas County5 miles
- Mill Pond, Douglas County5 miles
- Lake Carlos6 miles
Tackle stops on the way to Long Prairie River
- Spruce Center Baitbait and tackle shop, Miltona, 5 miles
- Chrisopherson Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Douglas, 10 miles
- Christopherson Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Alexandria, 10 miles
- Musky Mayhem Tacklebait and tackle shop, Parkers Prairie, 10 miles
- Pauls Pump & Pantry Picadilly Pizza & Subsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Osakis, 11 miles
Overnight bases for Long Prairie River
- Carlos3 miles
- Miltona4 miles
- Nelson8 miles
- Alexandria11 miles
Rivers surrounding the Long Prairie River
- Spruce Creek, Otter Tail County8 miles
- Sauk River19 miles
- Union Creek30 miles
- Pomme de Terre River31 miles
Counties surrounding Long Prairie River
- Todd County
- Douglas County
- Morrison County
Piscifun reels to pack for the Long Prairie River
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The Long Prairie River, asked by anglers
Which Minnesota county holds the Long Prairie River?
It crosses Todd County, Douglas County and Morrison County.
Which stream trout rules cover the Long Prairie River?
It is not a designated trout stream.
Does a USGS gauge sit on the Long Prairie River?
Readings from 1 USGS gauge are shown above.
Can I put a canoe in the Long Prairie River?
Try Lake Carlos (E) Access, one of 10 public accesses.
Are statewide limits in force on the Long Prairie River?
The statewide table covers it.
Which license do I need on the Long Prairie River?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
Which shop is nearest the Long Prairie River?
Try Spruce Center Bait (5 miles).
How far is the Long Prairie River from a Minnesota city?
Carlos, about 3 miles from the mapped midpoint.
Does the Long Prairie River have walleye?
No DNR species list is published.
Plan a river day on the Long Prairie River
Check the flow and the rules before you drive.