Schoonover Lake, Nebraska: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Sheridan County, Nebraska, is where Schoonover Lake sits. The land about it is mixed forest. This is sizeable water at about 658 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. The perimeter runs near 4.1 miles, so plan the walk before you start. On our Sheridan County list it sits near the top for size. The closest town, Alliance, is 22 miles distant. It is 158 miles to Greeley, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Schoonover Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Species logged across Sheridan County include white sucker, brown trout, rock bass and yellow perch. The county list is broader than any single water. Take Schoonover Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 24°F in January and 73°F in July. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Count the season from break-up, usually mid March. The season between ice runs from about mid March to early December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. It holds true on Schoonover Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Herman Lake at 1.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Schoonover Lake are worth checking on the day.