Long Lake is a large natural lake spanning 4.46 miles in central Kalamazoo County, situated within the boundaries of the City of Portage. Located in a glacial outwash plain containing mostly well-drained loamy sands, the lake offers excellent warmwater fishing opportunities. Residential development surrounds most of the shoreline, with the exception of the north end, which features valuable wetland areas and marshy habitat. The lake supports abundant forage species including bluntnose minnows, brook silversides, and mayflies, creating ideal conditions for a diverse and thriving fish community. Long Lake maintains high water quality as an oligotrophic waterbody, with alkalinities ranging from moderate to hard and alkaline pH readings. In late summer, water temperatures range from 75°F at the surface to 51°F at 45 feet, with a split thermocline present between 16-19 feet and 21-24 feet.