Fishing Ptacek Reservoir in Butler County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Ptacek Reservoir sits within Butler County in Nebraska. The setting is pine and birch. About 4 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Most waters listed here for Butler County are larger. David City lies 9.1 miles from the water. Schuyler is 15 miles and North Bend 17 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Ptacek Reservoir

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Public occurrence data for Butler County names common carp, green sunfish and tadpole madtom. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Anyone new to Ptacek Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 22°F and July at about 76°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Once it clears, about mid March, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, mid March opens the water and mid December closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Anyone fishing Ptacek Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, North Oak Creek Reservoir 6-B at 4.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Ptacek Reservoir carry more weight than any list.