Chain Lakes, Nebraska: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Nebraska holds Chain Lakes, in Brown County. It sits at 2,654 feet above sea level. With some 77 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Ainsworth at 23 miles is the nearest place to stop. Valentine is 51 miles and Burwell 57 miles. Within a short run: Clear Lake at 1.1 miles, Diamond Lake 1.6 miles off, Willow Lake at 2.1 miles, Enders Marsh 2.3 miles off and Robinson Lake at 2.5 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Chain Lakes

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across Brown County, recorded fish include common carp, rock bass, white sucker and rainbow trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Chain Lakes the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 74°F and January near 21°F on the long-run figures. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. After late March the shallows warm and the fish move up. Ice clears near late March and comes back about early December in a typical year. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Time your trip to Chain Lakes by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Clear Lake is 1.1 miles distant. Check the position on Chain Lakes before loading the car.