Fishing at Verdon Lake, Richardson County, Nebraska

• Overview

  Nebraska holds Verdon Lake, in Richardson County. It lies 938 feet above sea level. With some 31 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Some 8.8 miles away sits Falls City, the nearest settlement. For a city, Lincoln is 67 miles off. If this one is busy: Stanton Lake within 7.9 miles, Bean Creek Reservoir 5-4 at about 14 miles, Kirkmans Cove Lake within 14 miles, Abel Lake at about 15 miles and Nishnabotna Lake within 17 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Verdon Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Across Richardson County, recorded fish include common carp, flathead catfish, green sunfish, stonecat and yellow bullhead. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Verdon Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 78°F for July and 24°F for January. Hard water is a season in its own right here. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early March. Average temperatures cross freezing around early March in spring and again near late December in autumn. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. On Verdon Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. 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, Stanton Lake at 7.9 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Verdon Lake is worth confirming on the day.