Fishing Peterson South Reservoir in Phelps County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Peterson South Reservoir falls in Phelps County, part of Nebraska. It sits in rolling bush country. About 4 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Holdrege sits 9.9 miles from the bank. Alma follows at 17 miles, then Arapahoe at 22 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near. The shoreline gives more room than the map suggests.

• Where to Fish on Peterson South Reservoir

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shape of Peterson South Reservoir decides where the fish sit. Keep your shadow off the water when the bank is high.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 76°F, while January sits near 24°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid March. Climate figures give an open season running mid March to mid December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Anyone fishing Peterson South Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This one is mapped as intermittent, so a wasted trip is a real risk in a dry year. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try McDonald Reservoir, 0.9 miles away. Ask locally about Peterson South Reservoir if anything is unclear.