Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir 25-C Fishing in Gage County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir 25-C lies within the bounds of Gage County, Nebraska. Lake country bush runs right down to the water. Roughly 86 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The edge runs 1.5 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. On our Gage County list it sits near the top for size. Some 13 miles away sits Hickman, the nearest settlement. Lincoln sits 25 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir 25-C

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. County-wide records name common carp, flathead catfish, orangespotted sunfish and green sunfish. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At this water light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 23°F and July at about 77°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid March. In an average year the thaw lands around mid March and the freeze near mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Anyone fishing this water regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir 7-A at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat access at this water as something to verify.