Indian Creek Reservoir 5-A, Nebraska: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Gage County, Indian Creek Reservoir 5-A is a Nebraska water. It sits at 1,378 feet above sea level. At 17 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The closest town, Beatrice, is 12 miles distant. Hickman follows at 13 miles, then Wilber at 13 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Indian Creek Reservoir 5-A

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Across Gage County, recorded fish include common carp, flathead catfish, orangespotted sunfish, green sunfish and stonecat. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At this water light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 23°F in January up to 77°F in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid March. Open water usually runs from mid March until about mid December. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. This water fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Indian Creek Reservoir 12-A, 0.7 miles away. Treat this water as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.