Fishing Branched Oak Lake
AKA: Branched Oak Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Branched Oak Lake, NE
Crappie Fishing
The state record for both species exceed 4 pounds, so crappie grow big in Nebraska. With a history of good crappie fishing, Branched Oak Lake continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Branched Oak Lake offers very good channel catfish fishing these days. The typical fish are about 3 to 8 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 40 pounds, and Branched Oak Lake holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Walleye Fishing
Decent schools of walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Branched Oak Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white perch and wiper at Branched Oak Lake in Nebraska.
Branched Oak Lake Fishing Video
The largest of the Salt Valley lakes, Branched Oak Lake is an 1,800 surface-acre lake in the southeast part of the state. Excellent catfish and crappie fishing are the main draw for anglers. The lake also has healthy populations of bass and sunfish.
Branched Oak Lake, located near Malcolm, Nebraska, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Covering over 1,800 acres, this picturesque lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Branched Oak Lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a favorite spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass. Anglers can explore the lake's diverse underwater structures, including submerged timber, weed beds, and drop-offs, to target these prized fish.
Plenty of access to the lake makes this an easy lake to fish from shore. Kayak and canoes are a great way to cruise around the lake and do a little fishing while getting a bit of exercise. Multiple boat ramps are available for fishing and pleasure boats alike. Branched Oak Marina offers boat rentals, slips, boating gear and fishing tackle. The Boat House Bar & Grill offers a varied menu for hungry vacationers.
Primary fish species residing in Branched Oak Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Branched Oak Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: SEVERAL
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Branched Oak Lake provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the beautiful surroundings and tranquil atmosphere. The lake allows for various water activities, such as motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Whether it's a leisurely boat ride or an adventurous water sports experience, Branched Oak Lake offers a delightful boating adventure.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Branched Oak Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
402 783-3311
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Area Eleven Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, north side, off W Davey Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Area Six Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Branched Oak Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Branched Oak State Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off N 126th Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Homestead Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off W Raymond Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Middle Oak Creek Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Branched Oak Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Branched Oak Marina
10001 W. Davey Road
Raymond, NE 68428
402 783-3311
Fishing Guides On Branched Oak Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.
Camping options are available near Branched Oak Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers several campgrounds with amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Branched Oak Lake provides the opportunity to wake up to serene lake views, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Branched Oak SRA Campground - 402 783-3400
Branched Oak Lake NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Branched Oak Lake
Branched Oak State Recreation Area
12000 W Branched Oak Rd
Raymond, NE 68428
402 783-3400
Fishing lakes in each state.
080124
Branched Oak Lake in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA
Fishing at Branched Oak Lake, in Nebraska.
Excellent catfish and crappie fishing in southeast NE.
