Fishing at Pilger Reservoir 1-B, Stanton County, Nebraska

• Overview

  This water sits in Stanton County, Nebraska. It lies 1,440 feet above sea level. Roughly 41 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The bank runs about 1.0 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. The closest town, Wisner, is 7.1 miles distant. The big place round here is Omaha, 78 miles distant. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Pilger Reservoir 1-B

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Across Stanton County, recorded fish include common carp, bluegill, flathead catfish and freshwater drum. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. This water repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 75°F on average, January about 19°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. From about late March to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Time your trip to this water by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Bordner Reservoir, 0.9 miles away. Signs at this water carry more weight than any list.