Smith Reservoir Number 1 Fishing in Holt County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Smith Reservoir Number 1 lies within the bounds of Holt County, Nebraska. The bank is 1,903 feet above sea level. At 6 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Atkinson lies 16 miles from the water. The big place round here is Sioux Falls, 129 miles distant. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Smith Reservoir Number 1

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Survey and observation records for Holt County include common carp, green sunfish, white sucker, brown trout and redfin pickerel. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Take this water a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 75°F and January near 21°F on the long-run figures. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. 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. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. On this water the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, MMK Reservoir Number 1 is 4.6 miles off. The position on this water is worth confirming on the day.