Bear Creek Reservoir 8-C in Gage County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Nebraska, Bear Creek Reservoir 8-C falls inside Gage County. The bank is 1,424 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 18 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Beatrice sits 11 miles from the bank. Beyond it, Wymore at 16 miles and Hickman at 20 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Bear Creek Reservoir 8-C

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Reported across Gage County: common carp, flathead catfish and orangespotted sunfish. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The near bank of this water is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 77°F and January at 23°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around mid March, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, mid March opens the water and mid December closes it again. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Plan around that when you fish this water.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Bear Creek Reservoir 8-B, 2.1 miles out. Nothing on this water should be assumed from this page alone.