Arrowhead Lake in Jefferson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Arrowhead Lake lies in Jefferson County, in Nebraska. Beyond the shoreline you have mixed forest. Around 72 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. A plain outline means the drop-off does the work that bays would elsewhere. On our Jefferson County list it sits near the top for size. Nearest place of any size is Wymore, 11 miles away. Beatrice follows at 13 miles, then Fairbury at 17 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Arrowhead Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Fish documented in Jefferson County include green sunfish, flathead catfish and orangethroat darter. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Arrowhead Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 77°F and January reads 24°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Ice-out usually falls in mid March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The lid tends to go about mid March and return around late December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Arrowhead Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Big Indian Creek Reservoir 6-E, 1.7 miles out. Signs at Arrowhead Lake carry more weight than any list.