Fishing Lake MacBride
AKA: Lake Macbride State Park
Popular Fish Species Lake MacBride, IA
Walleye Fishing
In recent years, over 3 million walleye fry have been stocked into Lake MacBride. As a result of this good fisheries management by Iowa Department of Natural Resources, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake MacBride this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing
Since 2020 over 350,000 hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, have been stocked into Lake MacBride. Wipers are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake MacBride, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Lake MacBride, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish, thanks to stocking programs by Iowa DNR. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. 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. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to 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.
Lake MacBride Fishing Video
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.
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.
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.
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
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
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.
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.
Fishing Guides On Lake MacBride
Hersh Fishing Guide Service - bass, panfish, musky
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Macbride State Park Campground - 319 624-2200
Scales Pointe Camping - 319 665-3474
Sugar Bottom Campground - 319 338-3543
Coralville Dam Complex Campgrounds - 319 338-3543
Cottonwood Campground - 319 338-3543
Sugar Bottom Recreational Area Campground - 319 338-3543
Tailwater East Campground - 319 338-3543
Lake MacBride IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake MacBride
Lake Macbride State Park
3525 Hwy 382 NE
Solon, IA 52333
319 624-2200
Fishing lakes in each state.
062724
Lake MacBride in IA
IOWA
Fishing for bass, crappie and wipers in central IA.
