West Branch

Size
NA
Boat Launch
No
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
No
Species in West Branch

Overview

Outstanding fishing for gamefish and panfish alike. The largemouth bass resource is excellent and has been recognized as one of the Midwest's best. Muskie anglers are active here too! 7,820 acres

West Branch Map

Features

Pomme de Terre Lake lies in the forested, rugged hills of the Ozarks. Clear water, scenic cliffs, hardwoods and cedars all add to the natural beauty of the lake. Over 1 million people visit this Corps of Engineers lake every year. Well known and intensively managed as a trophy muskie lake, Pomme de Terre also offers excellent angling opportunities for largemouth bass, crappie and white bass. Additionally, bluegill, catfish and walleye are available.No-wake buoys are placed near the access and no-boat buoys are located near swimming beaches.

Forage

Gizzard shad are abundant and the principle species. Slow growth during the first year of life keeps them at a small size for gamefish forage. Brook silversides, sunfish and various minnows are extensively used as well. Sucker, freshwater drum, juvenile carp and buffalo are important forage for muskie.

Seasonal Movements

During March and April, walleye migrate to the upper reaches of the Pomme de Terre River for spawning. Some fish move to the face of the dam at the same time. White bass move up the Pomme de Terre River and Lindley Creek during April and May.FORAGE - Gizzard shad are abundant and the principle species. Slow growth during the first year of life keeps them at a small size for gamefish forage. Brook silversides, sunfish and various minnows are extensively used as well. Sucker, freshwater drum, juvenile carp and buffalo are important forage for muskie.

Weather

Current Weather Icon
71°Feels like 71°
High Temperature91°
Low Temperature71°
Sunrise
7:19 AM
Sunset
6:40 PM
Wind Direction
7 mph
South
Precipitation
0 in
Rain
Pressure
29.94 inHg
Stable
Sunny
MondayMo
91° / 71°
Mostly Sunny
TuesdayTu
94° / 71°
Mostly Cloudy with Showers and Chance of Storms
WednesdayWe
82° / 65°
Mostly Cloudy with Showers and Chance of Storms
ThursdayTh
79° / 53°
Partly Cloudy with Showers
FridayFr
66° / 42°
Sunny
SaturdaySa
64° / 43°

Moon Phase

waxing crescent
October 12, 2026
4% Illumination
waxing crescent, getting brighter
Moon Rise and Set
Moon Rise 9:28 AM
Moon Set 7:28 PM
Moon Overhead Underfoot
Overhead 2:31 PM
Underfoot 2:07 AM
waxing crescent
MondayMo10/12
waxing crescent
TuesdayTu10/13
waxing crescent
WednesdayWe10/14
waxing crescent
ThursdayTh10/15
waxing crescent
FridayFr10/16
waxing crescent
SaturdaySa10/17
first quarter
SundaySu10/18
Waterbody poster background

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Top Fish Species

Blue catfish
Blue catfish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths