Fish Hatchery Lake Fishing in Cherry County, Nebraska

• Overview

  In Nebraska, Fish Hatchery Lake belongs to Cherry County. Height above sea level is 2,461 feet. Small at around 5 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Our Cherry County list holds plenty of bigger water. The closest town, Valentine, is 1.4 miles distant. Further out sit Rosebud (29 miles) and Mission (29 miles). Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Fish Hatchery Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Cherry County records list white sucker, common carp, green sunfish and rock bass among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Hatchery Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 74°F, while January sits near 21°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late March. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about early December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Expect Fish Hatchery Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Valentine State Fish Hatchery takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Mill Pond at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Fish Hatchery Lake before loading the car.