Fishing Long Branch Lake
AKA: Longbranch Lake
Popular Fish Species Long Branch Lake, MO
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.
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.
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.
Long Branch Lake Fishing Video
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.
This 2,400-acre lake is located in northeast Missouri, at Macon. The lake has over 20 miles of shoreline, and dozens of places accessible for fishing from the bank. 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. Largemouth bass are the big draw here. 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
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
Fishing Guides On Long Branch Lake
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 Missouri Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Long Branch State Park Campground - 660 773-5229
Shoemaker's RV Park - 660 773-5313
Long Branch Lake MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Long Branch Lake
Long Branch State Park
28615 Visitor Center Rd
Macon, MO 63552
660 773-5229
Fishing lakes in each state.
021425
Long Branch Lake in MO
MISSOURI
Fishing for bass, catfish and hybrid striped bass in northeast MO.
