Dead Cow Lake Fishing in Sheridan County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Nebraska holds Dead Cow Lake, in Sheridan County. Everything around it is rolling bush. At 22 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Sheridan County standards. The closest town, Gordon, is 32 miles away. It is 203 miles to Greeley, the nearest city. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Dead Cow Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Species logged across Sheridan County include white sucker, brown trout, rock bass and yellow perch. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Dead Cow Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 72°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 late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Open water usually runs from late March until about early December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. At Dead Cow Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Ruby Lake, 1.2 miles out. Check the position at Dead Cow Lake before loading the car.