South Fork Reservoir 11-1 near Seneca: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Within Pawnee County, Nebraska, you have South Fork Reservoir 11-1. The bank is 1,168 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 6 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Most waters listed here for Pawnee County are larger. Nearest place of any size is Seneca, 16 miles away. Then Sabetha, 18 miles, and Tecumseh, 22 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on South Fork Reservoir 11-1

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. County-wide records name flathead catfish, green sunfish, black bullhead, johnny darter and orangespotted sunfish. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The near bank of this water is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 78°F and January near 25°F on the long-run figures. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Break-up comes around early March, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice clears near early March and comes back about late December in a typical year. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Anyone fishing this water regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, South Fork Reservoir 2-10 is 2.4 miles off. For this water, the notice at the access point is the final word.