Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Nebraska (Complete Guide)

Nebraska offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Nebraska are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Nebraska.

Month	Nebraska Fishing Location
January	Platte River near Louisville – Trout and walleye.
February	Elkhorn River near Waterloo – Ice fishing for crappie and bluegill.
March	Harlan County Reservoir south of Alma – Bass and catfish.
April	Calamus Reservoir in the Sandhills – Walleye, pike, and bass.
May	Sherman Reservoir near Loup City – White bass, wipers, and catfish.
June	Lake McConaughy in Ogallala – Rainbow trout, salmon, and walleye.
July	Merritt Reservoir near Valentine – Smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
August	Mississippi River – Catfish and sauger.
September	Niobrara River – Brown and rainbow trout.
October	Lake Ogallala in Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area – Walleye and bass.
November	Box Butte Reservoir near Hemingford – Trophy walleye and rainbow trout.
December	Big Alkali Lake near Lakeside – Ice fishing for crappie and bluegill.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Nebraska. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Nebraska

Snake River (May, June) – Targeting brown trout.

Niobrara River (July, August) – Targeting smallmouth bass.

Blue Creek (April, May) – Targeting rainbow trout.

North Platte River (March, April) – Targeting brown trout.

Dismal River (June, July) – Targeting rainbow trout.

Loup River (May, June) – Targeting smallmouth bass.

Cedar River (June, July) – Targeting brown trout.

Medicine Creek (March, April) – Targeting rainbow trout.

Calamus River (May, June) – Targeting smallmouth bass.

Elkhorn River (April, May) – Targeting brown trout.

Wood River (June, July) – Targeting rainbow trout.

Platte River (March, April) – Targeting brown trout.

South Loup River (May, June) – Targeting smallmouth bass.

Calamus Creek (April, May) – Targeting brown trout.

White River (June, July) – Targeting rainbow trout.

Long Pine Creek (May, June) – Targeting brown trout.

Keya Paha River (July, August) – Targeting smallmouth bass.

Rock Creek (March, April) – Targeting rainbow trout.

Loup Canal (May, June) – Targeting brown trout.

Middle Loup River (April, May) – Targeting rainbow trout.

Best Sections of Lakes to Fish in Nebraska

Lake McConaughy (May, June) – Targeting walleye and wipers.

Merritt Reservoir (April, May) – Targeting trout and channel catfish.

Calamus Reservoir (June, July) – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass.

Harlan County Reservoir (July, August) – Targeting largemouth bass and catfish.

Sherman Reservoir (May, June) – Targeting walleye and largemouth bass.

Branched Oak Lake (April, May) – Targeting crappie and walleye.

Pawnee Lake (June, July) – Targeting catfish and bluegill.

Lake Wanahoo (May, June) – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass.

Lewis and Clark Lake (April, May) – Targeting walleye and catfish.

Lake Ogallala (June, July) – Targeting trout and walleye.

Lake Maloney (April, May) – Targeting crappie and catfish.

Lake Minatare (May, June) – Targeting walleye and smallmouth bass.

Swanson Reservoir (June, July) – Targeting crappie and walleye.

Red Willow Reservoir (May, June) – Targeting crappie and walleye.

Willow Creek Reservoir (April, May) – Targeting trout and bass.

Iron Horse Trail Lake (June, July) – Targeting catfish and bluegill.

Lake Yankton (May, June) – Targeting walleye and catfish.

Johnson Lake (June, July) – Targeting walleye and crappie.

Lake Zorinsky (April, May) – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass.

Lake Scottsbluff (May, June) – Targeting catfish and bluegill.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Nebraska

These Nebraska-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Hooks Guide Service	Republican City, NE
Fish Nebraska Guide Service	Alma, NE

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass)

The best times to fish for wipers in Nebraska are during the warmer months of May, June, July, and August. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch wipers. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing wipers are Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, and Elwood Reservoir.

Brown Trout

The best times to fish for brown trout in Nebraska are during the cooler months of spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch brown trout. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing brown trout are the North Platte River, Snake River, and Blue Creek.

Rainbow Trout

The best times to fish for rainbow trout in Nebraska are during the cooler months of spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch rainbow trout. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing rainbow trout are the North Platte River, Snake River, and Blue Creek.

Largemouth Bass

The best times to fish for largemouth bass in Nebraska are spring and early summer, particularly April, May, and June. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch largemouth bass. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing largemouth bass are Branched Oak Lake, Harlan County Reservoir, Pawnee Lake, and Sherman Reservoir.

Smallmouth Bass

The best times to fish for smallmouth bass in Nebraska are spring and early summer, particularly May, June, and July. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch smallmouth bass. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing smallmouth bass are the Missouri River, Calamus Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir, and Sherman Reservoir.

Carp

The best times to fish for carp in Nebraska are during the warmer months of May, June, July, and August. Carp are more active in the summer when the water temperatures are higher. Early morning and late evening are the most productive times to catch carp. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing carp are Branched Oak Lake, Pawnee Lake, Lake Wanahoo, and Holmes Lake.

Yellow Perch

The best times to fish for yellow perch in Nebraska are spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch yellow perch. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing yellow perch are Harlan County Reservoir, Lake McConaughy, Branched Oak Lake, and Pawnee Lake.

Catfish

The best times to fish for catfish in Nebraska are during the warmer months of May, June, July, and August. Late evening and nighttime are the most productive times of the day to catch catfish. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing catfish are the Missouri River, Elkhorn River, Platte River, and Harlan County Reservoir.

Crappie

The best times to fish for crappie in Nebraska are spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch crappie. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing crappie are Branched Oak Lake, Pawnee Lake, Harlan County Reservoir, and Lewis & Clark Lake.

Musky

The best times to fish for musky in Nebraska are May, June, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch them. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing musky are Merritt Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and Calamus Reservoir.

Northern Pike

The best times to fish for pike in Nebraska are during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. March, April, October, and November are good months to target pike. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch them. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing pike are Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, and Calamus Reservoir.

Walleye

The best times to fish for walleye in Nebraska are April, May, June, and September. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times to catch them. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for walleye fishing are Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, Harlan County Reservoir, and Calamus Reservoir.

Sauger

The best times to fish for sauger in Nebraska are March, April, and May. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for catching sauger. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for sauger fishing are the Missouri River, Platte River, and Lake McConaughy.

Freshwater Drum

The best times to fish for freshwater drum in Nebraska are spring and summer, particularly April through August. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to catch freshwater drum. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing freshwater drum are the Missouri River, Platte River, and Lewis & Clark Lake.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Wyoming. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Colorado. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Idaho.

Best Fishing in Nebraska on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake McConaughy: Ice fishing for yellow perch at Lake McConaughy is popular in winter.
Rock Creek Lake: Rock Creek Lake is an excellent spot for ice fishing walleye in the winter. Look for them near underwater structures and use jigging spoons or live minnows.
Elwood Reservoir: Ice fishing for crappie at Elwood Reservoir can be rewarding. Drill holes in the ice near submerged trees and use small jigs or live bait to attract crappie.
Merritt Reservoir: Merritt Reservoir offers good ice fishing for trout in the winter.

Spring

Platte River: In the spring, the Platte River is a great place to catch white bass. These fish move upstream for spawning and can be caught using small jigs or spinners.
Lake Wanahoo: Crappie fishing at Lake Wanahoo is excellent in the spring. Look for them around submerged structures and use small jigs or minnows.
Lake McConaughy: Spring is a prime time for catching walleye at Lake McConaughy. Look for them near rocky areas or drop-offs and use jigs or live bait to tempt them.
Calamus Reservoir: Calamus Reservoir is a top spot in the spring for largemouth bass. Target shallow areas with vegetation and use spinnerbaits or soft plastics.

Summer

Missouri River: In the summer, the Missouri River is a hotspot for catching catfish. Try using stink baits or cut bait near deeper holes or channel edges.
Harlan County Reservoir: Summer is a great time for targeting largemouth bass at Harlan County Reservoir. Look for them near submerged structures like brush piles or docks, and use topwater lures or plastic worms.
Lake McConaughy: For wipers, head to Lake McConaughy in the summer. These hard-fighting hybrids can be found near schools of baitfish. Use crankbaits or jigging spoons.
Branched Oak Lake: Crappie fishing at Branched Oak Lake is excellent during summer. Target submerged brush piles or submerged trees and use small jigs or live minnows.

Fall

Branched Oak Lake: Fall is a great time to catch walleye at Branched Oak Lake. These fish are active during this season and can be found near submerged structures and drop-offs.
Calamus Reservoir: Crappie fishing at Calamus Reservoir is excellent in the fall. Look for them around brush piles and submerged trees.
Sherman Reservoir: Sherman Reservoir is a top spot in the fall for largemouth bass. Target shallow areas with vegetation and use topwater lures or soft plastics.
Merritt Reservoir: Fall is also a good time for catching channel catfish at Merritt Reservoir. Try using stink baits or cut bait near rocky areas or drop-offs. Catfish are feeding heavily as they prepare for winter.