Bass Fishing In Nebraska

Guide to fishing for spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass in NE.

By Rick Seaman

Nebraska Bass Fishing

Nebraska offers excellent opportunities for bass fishing, with three primary species of bass that attract anglers: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass.

Bass fishing in Nebraska is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass Fishing In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Nebraska

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Nebraska. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 4 to 8-pound range are common in Nebraska. The state record largemouth bass is over 10 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Largemouth bass can be found in numerous lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, including popular fishing spots like Branched Oak Lake, Harlan County Lake, and Lewis and Clark Lake. Largemouth bass are known for their aggressive strikes and can reach impressive sizes, providing anglers with thrilling fishing experiences.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Nebraska

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

Smallmouth bass are typically found in rivers, streams, and certain reservoirs. Some of the best locations for smallmouth bass fishing include the Missouri River, Calamus Reservoir, and Merritt Reservoir. Smallmouth bass are known for their fighting spirit and are highly regarded by anglers for their challenging nature.

Spotted Bass Fishing In Nebraska

Spotted bass, although less common than largemouth and smallmouth bass, can also be found in Nebraska. They are typically found in reservoirs and rivers in the southern part of the state, particularly along the Missouri River. Spotted bass are known for their aggressive feeding habits and can provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers seeking a different bass species to target.

The best time to fish for bass in Nebraska is typically during the spring and fall seasons when water temperatures are ideal for their feeding and spawning activities. During these seasons, bass are more active and can be found near shallow areas, such as weed beds, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines. However, bass fishing can still be productive throughout the year, and anglers can adjust their techniques and locations based on the changing seasons and weather conditions.

Whether targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, Nebraska offers a variety of fishing locations and opportunities for bass anglers. With its scenic lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, the state provides a diverse range of habitats for bass to thrive, making it an appealing destination for bass fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Bass fishing basics video.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Nebraska

You can find bass from many places in NE. Private ponds, rivers and creeks are home to bass here. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. The most consistent stringers tend to come from major lakes including Bluestem Lake, Box Butte Reservoir, Branched Oak Lake, Calamus Reservoir, Conestoga Lake, Davis Creek Reservoir, Elwood Reservoir, Enders Reservoir, Glenn Cunningham Lake, Harlan County Reservoir, Harry Strunk Lake, Hugh Butler Lake, Jeffrey Lake, Johnson Lake, Kimball Reservoir, Lake Maloney, Lake McConaughy, Lake Minatare, Lake Ogallala, Lake Wanahoo, Lewis And Clark Lake, Medicine Creek Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir, Oliver Reservoir, Pawnee Lake, Red Willow Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, Sutherland Reservoir, Swanson Reservoir, Wagon Train Lake, Wehrspann Lake, Whitney Lake and Willow Creek Lake. Ice fishing in Nebraska is popular at numerous lakes in winter.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Nebraska this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

The Nebraska state record largemouth was caught from a sand pit.

The NE state record smallmouth bass was pulled from the Missouri River.

The I-80 sandpit was home to the state record spotted bass.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Nebraska.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Cornhusker State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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