Fishing McDonald Reservoir in Phelps County, Nebraska

• Overview

  McDonald Reservoir is one of the Phelps County waters in Nebraska. The bank is 2,244 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 4 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Holdrege is the closest place, 11 miles off. Then Alma, 16 miles, and Arapahoe, 22 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on McDonald Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. On McDonald Reservoir the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort. Structure you can see is usually matched by structure you cannot.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 76°F, the coldest about 24°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Once it clears, about mid March, the fishing comes on quickly. The water is typically free of ice between mid March and mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It holds true on McDonald Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping flags this water as intermittent: it can be dry for part of the year, so check before travelling. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Peterson South Reservoir at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. For McDonald Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.