Fishing at Jones Reservoir, Nuckolls County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Jones Reservoir lies within the bounds of Nuckolls County, Nebraska. Height above sea level is 1,677 feet. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Superior sits 20 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Lincoln sits 81 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Jones Reservoir

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. County-wide records name common carp, flathead catfish, stonecat, black bullhead and channel catfish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Jones Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 77°F in July and bottom out at 24°F in January. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid March. Ice clears near mid March and comes back about mid December in a typical year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Time your trip to Jones Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Whithorn-Brown Reservoir, 3.4 miles out. For Jones Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.