Fishing Wagon Train Lake

AKA: Wagon Train Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Wagon Train Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Wagon Train Lake, NE

Popular Fish Species Wagon Train Lake, NE

Walleye Fishing

Wagon Train Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods 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.

Wagon Train Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Wagon Train Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually 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 prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. 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.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Wagon Train Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.

Wagon Train Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch, wiper and muskie at Wagon Train Lake in Nebraska.

For those who enjoy slower-paced water sport activities, Wagon Train Lake is an ideal getaway. There is a 5 mile per hour speed limit everywhere on the lake. This 315-acre lake located in the southeast corner of the state, is ideal for kayaks, canoes and non-powered boats of all kinds. The lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, wiper, channel catfish, and walleye. There is a nice boat ramp with a dock on the east side of the lake where Park Road intersects the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Wagon Train Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Wagon Train Lake Amenities

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

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Wagon Train Lake State Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Park Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.