Fishing at Alkali Lake, Grant County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Alkali Lake is listed under Grant County, Nebraska. It lies 3,802 feet above sea level. At 611 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The perimeter runs near 6.0 miles, so plan the walk before you start. It is among the larger waters listed here for Grant County. Gordon lies 41 miles from the water. Beyond it, Alliance at 48 miles and Pine Ridge at 62 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Alkali Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Grant County records list bluegill, green sunfish, white perch, yellow perch and brown trout among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Alkali Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 22°F to 72°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late March. In an average year the thaw lands around late March and the freeze near early December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Alkali Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Look for a notice board at the entrance. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Tony Lake, 0.9 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Alkali Lake in particular, ask before you travel.