Schaaf Reservoir in Holt County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Holt County entry here is Schaaf Reservoir, in Nebraska. Elevation runs to 1,578 feet. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Holt County. 21 miles away sits O'Neill, the nearest town. Further out sit Atkinson (26 miles) and Wagner (26 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Schaaf Reservoir

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Across Holt County, recorded fish include common carp, green sunfish, white sucker, brown trout and redfin pickerel. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. At Schaaf Reservoir the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 20°F to 76°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Break-up comes around late March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice clears near late March and comes back about early December in a typical year. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. It sets the rhythm of the year at Schaaf Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Witt Reservoir Number 1 at 5.3 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Schaaf Reservoir before loading the car.