Fishing Long Branch Lake

AKA: Longbranch Lake

Most Popular Fish
Long Branch Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Long Branch Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Long Branch Lake, MO

Long Branch Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Long Branch Lake has a well-established population of largemouth bass. Anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Long Branch Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

To fish for catfish on Long Branch Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Long Branch Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. The state record channel catfish is over 34 pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Long Branch Lake Popular Fish - Bluegill

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Long Branch Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish and hybrid striped bass at Long Branch Lake in Missouri.

Long Branch Lake Fishing Video

The great outdoors, water sports, boating and fishing make Long Branch Lake an ideal destination for a fishing trip, weekend getaway or an extended vacation. This 2,400-acre lake is located in northeast Missouri, at Macon. The lake has over two dozen miles of shoreline, and dozens of places accessible for fishing from the bank.

Long Branch Lake is situated in northern Missouri and is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities and is home to a variety of fish species.

Largemouth bass is one of the prized catches at Long Branch Lake. Anglers can target these bass using various techniques such as casting with topwater lures, working plastic worms or jigs, or using spinnerbaits. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and rocky areas, offers ideal habitat for largemouth bass. Anglers can experience the thrill of landing a trophy-sized bass while enjoying the scenic beauty of Long Branch Lake.

Long Branch Lake is also known for its catfish population, including channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Anglers can employ different techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait, using stink baits, or drifting with prepared baits to target these catfish. Fishing near the lake's deeper channels, drop-offs, or along the shoreline can increase the chances of hooking into a catfish. These fish provide a thrilling fight and make for a rewarding angling experience.

Bluegill, black and white crappie, and sunfish are other popular fish species found in Long Branch Lake. Anglers can target these panfish using techniques such as bobber fishing with live bait, casting small jigs or spinners, or using fly fishing techniques. The lake's coves, weed beds, and submerged structures serve as excellent habitats for these fish. Anglers can enjoy catching these panfish while enjoying the tranquility of Long Branch Lake.

Hybrid stripers are also present in Long Branch Lake and offer an exciting fishing opportunity. These hybrid fish provide an excellent fight and can be targeted using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or casting with swimbaits or spoons. Anglers can experience the thrill of hooking into a strong and energetic hybrid striper while fishing at Long Branch Lake.

Long Branch Lake in Missouri is a fantastic destination for anglers seeking largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, bluegill, crappie, hybrid stripers, sunfish, and other fish species. With its diverse fishery, picturesque surroundings, and recreational amenities, Long Branch Lake offers an enjoyable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

Bass are the big draw here, but catfish, hybrid striped bass, sunfish and crappie also call this home. Visitors will be happy to know there are three boat launch ramps, a marina, a campground and lodging available.

Primary fish species residing in Long Branch Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Long Branch Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES, 3
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Long Branch Lake provides opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's waters by motorized boats, kayaks, or canoes, allowing them to access different fishing spots and cover more water.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Highway 630 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, at the east end of the Highway 630 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Long Branch Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Visitor Center Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Long Branch Marina Store
29154 Marina Rd
Macon, MO 63552
660 773-5132