Bellwood Reservoir 3-B Fishing in Butler County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Bellwood Reservoir 3-B belongs to Butler County, Nebraska. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. Surface area runs to about 13 acres — small enough to read in one session. Nearest place of any size is Columbus, 9.3 miles away. It is 48 miles to Lincoln, the nearest city. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Bellwood Reservoir 3-B

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Butler County records list common carp, green sunfish, tadpole madtom, black bullhead and flathead catfish among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Work this water in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 76°F in July and bottoms out near 22°F in January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid March. Ice usually gives way near mid March, and forms again about mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. It holds true on this water more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Bellwood Reservoir 3-C, 1 mile away. Confirm access to this water locally before you travel.