Long Branch near Macon: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  In Missouri, Long Branch belongs to Macon County. The ground round it is open valley. The closest town, Macon, is 6 miles away. Then La Plata, 14 miles, and Marceline, 25 miles. Nearest other option: Atlanta City Lake after 4.2 miles, Macon Lake at 5.4 miles, Still Hildreth Lake after 7.4 miles, Daniel Boone Lake at 12 miles and Wood Lake after 13 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Long Branch

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. The outside of each bend cuts deepest and holds the better fish. Gravel runs and silted pools fish quite differently, so treat them apart. Fish documented in Macon County include black bullhead, bluegill and green sunfish. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Anyone new to Long Branch should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 77°F at the top of summer and 25°F at the bottom of winter. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Expect Long Branch to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. A boat ramp sits about half a mile from the water. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Atlanta City Lake, 4.2 miles out. Where Long Branch is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.