Fishing at Curtiss Lake, Arthur County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Curtiss Lake is an Arthur County water, Nebraska side. Elevation runs to 3,609 feet. At 9 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Arthur County standards. Ogallala lies 29 miles from the water. Sutherland lies 40 miles off, Grant another 49 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Curtiss Lake

  National data lists it as swamp or marsh: shallow, weedy and awkward to fish from the bank. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Arthur County: chain pickerel, rock bass and yellow perch. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. The shape of Curtiss Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 24°F and July at about 73°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid March. From about mid March to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Plan any trip to Curtiss Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Haythorn Lake sits 3.9 miles off and takes the overflow. For Curtiss Lake in particular, ask before you travel.