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Fishing Johnson Lake

AKA: Johnson Reservoir

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Johnson Lake, NE

Popular Fish Species Johnson Lake, NE

Johnson Lake Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

After several successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Johnson Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Johnson Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Johnson 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.

Johnson Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Johnson Lake holds a plentiful population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. 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 in deeper water.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, wiper and sauger at Johnson Lake in Nebraska.

Johnson Lake Fishing Video

Twelve miles southwest of Lexington, Johnson Lake is an easy getaway for boating and fishing. The 2,068-acre lake has a variety of fish species including bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, sauger and others.

Johnson Lake, located near Lexington, Nebraska, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Covering over 2,000 acres, this beautiful lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Johnson Lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a sought-after spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. Anglers can explore the lake's underwater structures, submerged timber, and weed beds to target these prized fish.

Two fishing piers with handicap access, and plenty of shoreline fishing, makes this a great place to fish for anglers without boats. For those with fishing boats, kayaks or canoes, there is plenty of fishing waters around the lake for both shallow and deep schools of fish. Miles of rip rap and lots of docks give anglers plenty of targets when casting for their favorite species.

Fishing Boats For Rent In NE

Primary fish species residing in Johnson Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass Yellow Perch Sauger

Johnson Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Johnson Lake provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the scenic views and peaceful ambiance. 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, Johnson Lake offers a delightful boating adventure.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lakeshore Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
308 785-4031

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Nautical Rose and Lakeshore Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Lakeview Acres Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

South Inlet Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Johnson Lake Recreation Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Marinas

Captain's Quarters Marina
4 Johnson Lake Dr #30
Johnson Lake, NE 68937
308 785-2092

Fishing Guides On Johnson Lake

Canyon Lakes Guiding Service - wiper, walleye, crappie

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 Johnson Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully embrace the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers campgrounds with amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Johnson 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

Game & Parks Commission Campground - 308 785-2685

Inlet Area Campground - 308 785-2685

Johnson Reservoir NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Johnson Lake
Game & Parks Commission
1 E Park Dr25a
Elwood, NE 68937
308 785-2685

 

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Johnson Lake in Nebraska.

 

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