Fishing Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-12a in Johnson County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Look for Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-12a in the Johnson County part of Nebraska. It sits in lake country bush country. This is a pocket water of some 7 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Hickman sits 13 miles from the bank. Beyond it, Tecumseh at 15 miles and Syracuse at 16 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-12a

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Across Johnson County, recorded fish include common carp, green sunfish and johnny darter. The county list is broader than any single water. Read this water before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 77°F and January near 23°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid March. From about mid March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Time your trip to this water by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-42 at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Ask locally about this water if anything is unclear.