Lothrop Reservoir in Saline County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lothrop Reservoir is listed under Saline County, Nebraska. The country round it is pine and birch from end to end. At roughly 7 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. 1.4 miles away sits Crete, the nearest town. Wilber is 9.6 miles and Milford 12 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Lothrop Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Saline County, recorded fish include common carp, flathead catfish and stonecat. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Take Lothrop Reservoir a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 77°F, while January sits near 23°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Look for the thaw near mid March; the fishing lifts straight after. Climate averages put the opening at about mid March and the closing near mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Plan around that when you fish Lothrop Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Should this one be busy, Doane Lake is 0.6 miles off. Check the current arrangement for Lothrop Reservoir.