Fishing at Chapek Reservoir, Saunders County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Chapek Reservoir lies within the bounds of Saunders County, Nebraska. Country round the bank runs to pine and birch. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our Saunders County list holds plenty of bigger water. Wahoo at 2.4 miles is the nearest place to stop. It is 30 miles to Lincoln, the nearest city. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Chapek Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Records held for Saunders County cover common carp, bluegill, green sunfish and channel catfish. The county list is broader than any single water. On Chapek Reservoir a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 76°F; by January the average is down near 22°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Break-up comes around mid March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Climate figures give an open season running mid March to mid December. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. The season on Chapek Reservoir rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Roberts Reservoir at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm before you fish Chapek Reservoir.