Guide To Fishing At Lake MacBride

AKA: Lake Macbride State Park

Over a dozen popular fish species reside in Lake MacBride, an 810-acre lake in east-central Iowa, 2 miles northeast of North Liberty. Anglers top choices here are bass, crappie and wipers.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Lake MacBride in Iowa is a premier fishing destination, offering anglers a wealth of opportunities to catch a variety of popular fish species. As one of the largest lakes in the state, Lake MacBride provides ample space for anglers to explore its 812 acres of water.

One of the most sought-after fish species in Lake MacBride is walleye. The lake is known for its excellent walleye fishery, attracting anglers from near and far. Walleye can be found near points, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Anglers can employ various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs or live bait, or jigging vertically to entice these prized game fish.

Black crappie is another popular species in Lake MacBride. Anglers can target crappie near submerged structures, such as fallen trees or brush piles. Small jigs, minnows, or artificial baits are effective in enticing these panfish. Spring and early summer are typically productive times for crappie fishing, especially in shallower areas of the lake.

Largemouth bass are abundant in Lake MacBride and provide exciting fishing opportunities. Anglers can find bass near weed beds, submerged structures, and along the shoreline. Casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits can entice these feisty game fish. With proper technique, anglers can enjoy the thrill of landing largemouth bass in Lake MacBride.

Other popular fish species in Lake MacBride include bluegill, channel catfish, and muskellunge. Bluegill can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets near weed beds or submerged structures. Channel catfish provide excellent angling opportunities and can be targeted using cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait in areas with good cover. Muskellunge, often referred to as muskie, are a prized trophy fish and can be pursued using larger lures or live bait. Anglers targeting muskie should be prepared for a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.

Boating is a popular activity on Lake MacBride, with multiple boat ramps available for easy access. Anglers can enjoy cruising along the lake, finding their favorite fishing spots, and taking advantage of the lake's vast expanse. Whether it's a motorized boat or a kayak, boating adds another dimension of enjoyment to the fishing experience.

Camping facilities are available near Lake MacBride, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for visitors.

Lake MacBride in Iowa provides excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including walleye, black crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and muskellunge. With its boating options, camping facilities, and abundant fish populations, Lake MacBride offers a complete outdoor experience for anglers of all levels, making it a top destination for fishing in the heart of Iowa.

Other species with good populations include catfish, walleye, white bass, bluegill, northern pike and sunfish. Amenities include a fishing jetty and pier, rental boats, a marina, seven boat launch ramps, numerous campgrounds, fish cleaning stations and a dozen miles of shoreline to explore. Lake Macbride State Park has plenty of areas for fishing from the bank, swimming and picnicking.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass, muskie and northern pike at Lake MacBride in Iowa.

Primary fish species residing in Lake MacBride

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake MacBride Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES - 7
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Anglers Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the south arm of the lake, off Anglers Point Road NE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cottage Reserve Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the south arm of the lake, off Cottage Reserve Road Ext, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

North Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the north are of the lake, off Lake McBride Road E, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sailboat Shelter #1 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the north arm of the lake, off Sail Boar Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

West Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lake McBride Road NE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.