Wagon Train Lake near Hickman: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Nebraska holds Wagon Train Lake, in Lancaster County. It lies 1,280 feet above sea level. The water covers around 299 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. There is roughly 3.6 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Size puts it in the front rank of our Lancaster County list. Start from Hickman, 2.4 miles down the road. Lincoln sits 12 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Wagon Train Lake

  The charted maximum sits at about 18 feet. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Lancaster County records list green sunfish, common carp and flathead catfish among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Wagon Train Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 77°F in July and bottoms out near 23°F in January. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid March. 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. Plan any trip to Wagon Train Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. A slipway is marked about half a mile from here. There is a car park, Park, half a mile from the bank. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Salt Creek Reservoir 8-A, 1.4 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Wagon Train Lake in particular, ask before you travel.