Nestled amongst popular destinations like National and State Forests, the Paul Bunyan Trail, and Leech Lake, Hackensack and Longville areas and their surroundings have something to offer for everyone. Thousands of acres of public hunting ground and hundreds of lakes in the immediate area offer some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in Minnesota. Known for having a “Small-Town” feel with a big attitude, it is no wonder why this town of just over 300 attracts people from all over the Midwest each summer. Our team of Hackensack and Longville area fishing guides love it when they have the opportunity to bring folks fishing and give them a taste of the North Country.
Young man with a Largemouth bass caught on a Hackensack area lake
Each and every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to take advantage of fishing opportunities in the Hackensack area. Much like its neighboring areas such as Park Rapids, Walker, and Grand Rapids, this gem is a multi-species mecca that provides anglers opportunities to catch trophy bass, walleye, muskie, pike, and panfish. The thing that separates this area from so many others is its wide variety of lakes. Small bodies of water in the Chippewa, to larger masses such as Leech, Woman, and Ten Mile, all present the opportunity to catch these different species in a variety of ways. This large variety caters to each and every level of angling experience. Anyone seeking to wet a line and put fish in the boat have equal opportunities across the board.
If you are looking to target a certain species or just to catch fish while looking at the beautiful and scenic areas that Hackensack has to offer you will love this trip. Not only will you catch fish but you will also get an educational experience on the techniques that trigger these fish to bite.
Walleye
Maybe the most popular species in this area, if not the entire state, is the elusive Walleye. Considering this, there are more than a few lakes within the area that shine when trying to put the “Ol Marble Eye” in the net or livewell. When seeking out these golden beauties, look to lakes such as Woman Lake, Ten Mile Lake, Baby and Wabedo.
Musky and Pike
If casting or trolling for bigger toothier critters is what makes you tick, Hackensack area lakes are known to produce Giant Musky and Northern Pike. The Woman Lake Chain, Baby, Little Boy and Mann are the first of many places to check out. Combined, these lakes can potentially produce 50” muskies and pike that hit that 40” trophy mark. With the abundance of ciscoes and other large baitfish, predators find themselves gorging themselves and growing larger by the year. ll.
Panfish
Maybe more than any other specie, its the panfish smorgasbord of lakes that keep anglers coming back for more. Often times anglers throughout the country cut their teeth at the thought of watching a bobber being pulled under the water surface by a big bluegill. This excitement of a fast and furious bite is something that still makes even the most advanced fisherman grin from ear to ear. When it comes down to lakes, take your pick and start fishing. Larger lakes such as Woman, Ten Mile and Pleasant are all great places for numbers and starting points. All produce quality panfish from bluegills to slab crappies.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
The most commonly overlooked species, but most bountiful both in population and pure trophy potential are the smallmouth and largemouth bass. Our team of Hackensack and Longville area fishing guides love getting our customers on a hot bass bite that oftentimes leaves them with sore arms. Many of the lakes in this area are sure to cause rotator cuff problems later in life if fished often. Largemouth bass are plentiful and waiting to be caught on almost every lake in the area. When looking for largemouth you could throw darts at a dartboard full of lakes to fish, but Pleasant, Moccasin(Catch and Release Only), Baby, and Barnum would be some of the favorites within the area. When fishing for largemouth there are a variety of ways for anglers of all levels.
Smallmouth, or otherwise known as bronzebacks, are pound for pound the hardest fighting fish that swim in Minnesota’s waters. Woman Lake and Ten Mile Lake stand above the rest when it comes to producing trophy sized smallies year in and year out. These lakes have the potential to put out fish commonly in the 17-19” range, and a very good chance to topple the 20” mark!
No matter the method, make sure as you fish be aware of each lake’s regulations and practice CPR. The future of the MN lakes region depends on it!
One happy young fisherman with a great walleye!
Places to Stay
There are many fantastic lodging opportunities in the area. Look to options such as Woman Lake Lodge (named one of the ten best resorts by Explore MN) and Minne Teepee Resort for lodging on Woman Lake.
Ten Mile Lake options include Pinewood Resort, Quietwoods Resort and Happiness Resort. All three provide great fishing areas, swimming beaches, clean cabins and a place to dock your boat. All of these resorts will have the amenities you need for your stay as well as price ranges that fit your pocketbook.
Whether it is fishing, hunting, canoeing, biking, shopping, or enjoying the beauty of the North Country, the entire Hackensack and Longville areas are simply one of the greatest “hidden gem’s” in not only Minnesota, but the entire Midwest. Pack up the truck, hook onto the boat, load up the family and head to the area for the weekend. You will be sure to find yourself making new memories and planning your return stay not long after your first departure.
For more information on the Hackensack, Minnesota be sure to check out their Chamber of Commerce website, https://www.hackensackchamber.com or https://www.longville.com.
Bait Shops to Check Out
Swansons Bait and Tackle or Full Stringer Bait in Tackle in Longville.
