Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.
Lake Macbride has hybrids, crappie and walleye, with muskie and bass adding other options. It's separate from nearby Coralville Reservoir, and its boating rules are different. Choose what you want to catch before taking several rods out and trying to cover every fishery at once.
Lake facts
Size: 940 acres
Maximum depth: 45 feet (2003 depth map)
Main fish: Hybrid striped bass, crappie, walleye, muskellunge, largemouth bass and spotted bass
Boating: From Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, there is a 10 hp limit at 5 mph maximum speed.
Where to fish
Small jigs around cover are a starting point for crappie. Hybrids call for finding forage and feeding activity, while bass give you more reason to work shoreline structure. Spotted bass make up a meaningful part of the bass fishery alongside largemouth, so keep identification in mind when comparing catches.
Fishing tips and seasons
The September 2026 report describes abundant crappie, a strong hybrid fishery and improving muskie numbers. Walleye are present in good numbers but can be difficult to catch. Change depth and location before assuming another lure color is the answer. Read current fish rules before keeping a catch, especially when switching between species.
Around the lake
Lake Macbride State Park provides camping and lake recreation. From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, the lake has a ten-horsepower limit and five-mile-per-hour maximum. Check the current signs before launching. A picnic or lakeside trail break can fill the middle of a fishing day, with seasonal facilities and rentals to confirm before travelling.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.