Fishing at Chadron Reservoir, Dawes County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Out in Dawes County, Nebraska, sits Chadron Reservoir. It sits at 3,645 feet above sea level. About 10 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Most waters listed here for Dawes County are larger. The closest town, Chadron, is 5.8 miles away. The big place round here is Greeley, 183 miles distant. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Chadron Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Dawes County records list brown trout, brook trout, white sucker and bluegill among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Chadron Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 24°F in January and 72°F in July. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late March. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late March until roughly early December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Plan any trip to Chadron Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. You can leave the car about 140 yards from the water. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Chadron Reservoir Number 2 sits 0.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Where Chadron Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.