Fishing

During lake construction, trees were left standing in the Long Branch arm of the lake and in the coves along the East Fork arm to provide aquatic habitat when the lake filled. Many of the trees are still standing and will continue to provide habitat for years to come.

The Missouri Department of conservation has stocked the lake with game fish including largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead, blue catfish, bluegill and walleye. The Long Branch Lake fishery is managed on an ongoing basis by the Department of Conservation through regular monitoring of fish populations and management measures to maintain the fishing resource.

Walleye

Periodically, walleye fingerlings are stocked by the Department of Conservation to maintain the population. The most popular time to fish for walleye is during the spring spawn. During spawn, walleye seek out the rock riprap areas of the lake, particularly on the face of the dam. The spring spawn usually occurs over a two week period in late March or early April.

Largemouth Bass

Long Branch is known for good-sized largemouth bass. As a general rule however, anglers usually catch fewer fish.

Catfish

Long Branch is one of the best catfish lakes in the state, particularly for channel and blue catfish.

Crappie

Crappie are still growing slowly in Long Branch Lake. The population is primarily made up of fish less than 8" in length. However, these fish can provide fast action for those who are not particularly interested in size.