Papillion Creek Reservoir D-38 Fishing in Douglas County, Nebraska

• Overview

  In Nebraska, Papillion Creek Reservoir D-38 belongs to Douglas County. Height above sea level is 1,119 feet. The water measures roughly 4 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is a small entry by Douglas County standards. The nearest place of any size is Chalco, 3.1 miles away. Omaha is the closest city, 12 miles away. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Papillion Creek Reservoir D-38

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Across Douglas County, recorded fish include bluegill, common carp, yellow bass and black crappie. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Anyone new to this water should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 76°F, the coldest about 21°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Look for the thaw near mid March; the fishing lifts straight after. From about mid March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Expect this water to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. A slipway half a mile out gives trailer access. A parking area is marked roughly half a mile out. A platform or pier sits within half a mile. A picnic area is mapped about half a mile away. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Wiebe Reservoir at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. For this water in particular, ask before you travel.