Schaffert Reservoir near McCook: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Schaffert Reservoir lies in Red Willow County, in Nebraska. Beyond the shoreline you have open valley. Small enough that any disturbance crosses the whole surface. McCook sits 12 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Cambridge is 15 miles and Oberlin 25 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end. Our records class it as a lake.

• Where to Fish on Schaffert Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Red Willow County include common carp, flathead catfish, rock bass and smallmouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Schaffert Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 77°F and January near 25°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Expect Schaffert Reservoir to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Records show it does not hold water year-round. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Quigley Reservoir sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. For Schaffert Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.