Fishing Alexandria Reservoir in Jefferson County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Jefferson County, Nebraska, is where Alexandria Reservoir sits. Around the bank it is rolling bush. With some 37 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Bank access stretches around 1.1 miles in total. For a base, Fairbury sits 10 miles out. Lincoln is the closest city, 52 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Alexandria Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Survey and observation records for Jefferson County include green sunfish, flathead catfish and orangethroat darter. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Alexandria Reservoir the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 78°F at the top of summer and 24°F at the bottom of winter. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Winter locks it down, and early March brings it back. On average, early March opens the water and late December closes it again. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. On Alexandria Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Cub Creek Reservoir 17-A, 7.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for Alexandria Reservoir.