Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-28 Fishing in Gage County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Look for Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-28 in the Gage County part of Nebraska. The setting is pine and birch on every side. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Gage County. Tecumseh sits 14 miles from the bank. Beyond it, Hickman at 17 miles and Beatrice at 18 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir J-28

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Public occurrence data for Gage County names common carp, flathead catfish, orangespotted sunfish, green sunfish and stonecat. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of this water decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 24°F in January and 77°F in July. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Look for the thaw near mid March; the fishing lifts straight after. Open water usually runs from mid March until about mid December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Expect this water to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Should this one be busy, Upper Big Nemaha Reservoir 18-A is 0.6 miles off. Rules at this water are worth checking on the day.