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Fishing Willow Creek Lake

AKA: Willow Creek Reservoir

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Willow Creek Lake, NE

Popular Fish Species Willow Creek Lake, NE


Willow Creek Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Willow Creek 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. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. 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.


Willow Creek Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

To fish for catfish on Willow Creek Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. 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. Willow Creek Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. 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.


Willow Creek Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Willow Creek Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass and wiper at Willow Creek Lake in Nebraska.

Willow Creek Lake Fishing Video

With half the lake designated as a no-wake zone, Willow Creek Lake is an excellent place for fishing. The other half of the lake is open to all boating and water skiing. This 700-acre lake, in the northeast part of the state at Pierce, NE, is home to bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and wiper.

Willow Creek Lake, located near Pierce, Nebraska, is a beloved destination for fishing enthusiasts. Covering over 700 acres, this picturesque lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Willow Creek Lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and walleye. Anglers can explore the lake's shoreline, submerged structures, and weed beds to target these prized fish.

The no-wake area has a considerable amount of brush, trees and vegetation in the water, providing excellent cover for fish and baitfish alike. Virtually all the shoreline is accessible for bank fishing. Fishing from shore is enhanced by seven rock jetties providing anglers additional access to fishing areas. Kayaks, canoes,and all types of fishing boats are used here to access these healthy populations of fish. The Willow Creek SRA Campground offers tent and RV camping with some facilities.

Fishing Boats For Rent In NE

Primary fish species residing in Willow Creek Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass

Willow Creek 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

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Willow Creek Lake provides opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the beautiful surroundings 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, Willow Creek Lake offers a delightful boating adventure.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

548th Avenue North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off 548th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

548th Avenue South Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off 548th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Willow Creek Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, in Willow Creek Recreation Area, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Willow Creek 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 Willow Creek Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully embrace the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers a campground with amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Willow Creek 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

Willow Creek SRA Campground - 402 329-4053

Willow Creek Lake NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Willow Creek Lake
Willow Creek State Recreation Area
54876 852nd Rd
Pierce, NE 68767
402 329-4053

 

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Willow Creek Lake in Nebraska.

Fishing at Willow Creek Lake, in Nebraska.

Bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and wiper fishing in northeast NE.