Holmes Lake near Lincoln: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Lancaster County entry here is Holmes Lake, in Nebraska. The ground round it is pine and birch. Roughly 107 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. A shoreline of some 2.5 miles keeps the choices simple. Few waters listed in Lancaster County are bigger. For a base, Lincoln sits 2.1 miles out. After that come Waverly at 11 miles and Eagle at 11 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Holmes Lake

  The basin has been measured to about 16 feet. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Across Lancaster County, recorded fish include green sunfish, common carp, flathead catfish, bluegill and black bullhead. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Holmes Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 23°F to 78°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Once it clears, about mid March, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, mid March opens the water and mid December closes it again. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Holmes Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records put this down as public water. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. Fishing from a pier is possible half a mile away. There are picnic tables half a mile away. There are toilets half a mile off. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Wedgewood Lake is 2.1 miles off. Signs at Holmes Lake carry more weight than any list.