The Ultimate Guide: The Best Places to SUP Fish in Nebraska
Nebraska, known for its vast plains and fertile lands, is often overlooked as a fishing destination. However, this landlocked state offers excellent opportunities for Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) fishing enthusiasts. With numerous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs scattered throughout the state, anglers can enjoy a unique fishing experience while paddling on their SUPs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 20 of the best places for sup fishing in Nebraska, detailing the best types of lures or bait to use, the target species of fish, and the ideal time of year to visit each spot.
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Lake McConaughy.
Lake McConaughy, located in the western part of the state, is one of Nebraska's premier SUP fishing destinations. Anglers can target walleye and white bass using crankbaits, soft plastics, and live minnows. The best time to visit is during late spring and early summer when the water temperatures are rising. In June 2021, a local angler caught a trophy walleye measuring 30 inches at this location.
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Merritt Reservoir.
Merritt Reservoir, situated in central Nebraska, offers a serene setting for SUP fishing enthusiasts. This location is known for its abundant largemouth bass population, and topwater lures, such as frogs and poppers, work wonders here. May and June are the prime months for bass fishing, and in May 2022, an angler landed a massive 22-inch largemouth bass.
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Calamus Reservoir.
Head to Calamus Reservoir in north-central Nebraska for some exciting SUP fishing action. This lake is a prime spot for targeting northern pike and bluegill. Large spoons and spinnerbaits are effective for pike, while small jigs and live worms entice bluegill. The best time to fish for northern pike is during the spring spawn, and in April 2023, an angler caught a 40-inch pike at Calamus Reservoir.
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Sherman Reservoir.
Sherman Reservoir, located near Loup City, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts seeking walleye and crappie. Jigs and minnow imitations work well for walleye, and small jigs or soft plastics are ideal for crappie. The spring and fall months offer the best fishing opportunities. In September 2022, a local angler caught a 14-inch crappie at this location.
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Harlan County Reservoir.
This expansive reservoir in south-central Nebraska provides excellent SUP fishing opportunities for catfish and white bass. Stinkbaits and cut baits are the go-to options for catfish, while white bass eagerly take small crankbaits and inline spinners. Spring and early summer are the prime seasons for both species. In May 2021, an angler landed a 35-pound flathead catfish at Harlan County Reservoir.
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Lake Ogallala.
Lake Ogallala, located near the city of Ogallala, offers SUP anglers the chance to catch trout and largemouth bass. Spinners and spoons are effective for trout, while bass prefer soft plastics and crankbaits. Spring and fall are the best times to fish for both species. In October 2022, an angler caught a 23-inch rainbow trout at this location.
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Elwood Reservoir.
Elwood Reservoir, situated in southern Nebraska, is an underrated destination for SUP fishing. Anglers can target channel catfish and walleye using nightcrawlers and swimbaits, respectively. The summer months, especially July, offer the best chances of landing these species. In July 2021, a local angler caught a 29-inch walleye at Elwood Reservoir.
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Lake Minatare.
Lake Minatare, near Scottsbluff, is another fantastic SUP fishing spot, famous for its wiper and crappie fishing. Anglers should use crankbaits and jigs to target wipers, while crappie prefer small jigs or live minnows. Spring and fall are the best seasons to fish for both species. In May 2023, an angler caught a 20-inch wiper at Lake Minatare.
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Enders Reservoir.
Enders Reservoir, located in southwest Nebraska, provides an exciting SUP fishing experience with its healthy population of largemouth bass and bluegill. Topwater lures and soft plastics are popular choices for bass, while bluegill can be caught using small jigs or live worms. Spring and early summer are the prime months for bass fishing. In June 2022, an angler caught a 19-inch largemouth bass at Enders Reservoir.
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Medicine Creek Reservoir.
Medicine Creek Reservoir, in the south-central part of the state, is an ideal spot for SUP anglers targeting crappie and walleye. Small jigs and live minnows are the preferred baits for both species. The best time to fish is during the spring and fall months. In April 2022, an angler caught a 25-inch walleye at Medicine Creek Reservoir.
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Swanson Reservoir.
Swanson Reservoir, situated near Trenton, is a lesser-known gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. The lake offers excellent fishing for white bass and bluegill, with small jigs and live worms being the most effective baits. Spring and early summer are the best times to fish for both species. In June 2021, an angler caught a 16-inch white bass at Swanson Reservoir.
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Red Willow Reservoir.
Red Willow Reservoir, located in southwest Nebraska, is a popular destination for SUP fishing, known for its diverse fish population. Anglers can target walleye, crappie, and catfish using a variety of baits, including jigs, minnows, and stinkbaits. Each species has its peak season, with spring and fall being the most productive times for walleye and crappie. In September 2023, an angler caught a 31-inch catfish at Red Willow Reservoir.
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Rock Creek Lake.
Rock Creek Lake, nestled in the Pine Ridge region, is a picturesque location for SUP fishing. Anglers can target brook and rainbow trout using flies and small spinners. Spring and early summer are the best seasons for trout fishing. In May 2022, an angler caught a 16-inch brook trout at Rock Creek Lake.
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Box Butte Reservoir.
Box Butte Reservoir, located in the Nebraska panhandle, is an underrated SUP fishing destination. This lake is known for its healthy population of largemouth bass and channel catfish. Topwater lures and soft plastics work well for bass, while catfish prefer stinkbaits and cut baits. The best time to fish for bass is during the spring and fall, while catfish are more active in the summer. In October 2022, an angler caught a 22-inch largemouth bass at Box Butte Reservoir.
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Willow Creek Reservoir.
Willow Creek Reservoir, situated in northeast Nebraska, offers SUP anglers the opportunity to catch northern pike and crappie. Large spoons and swimbaits are effective for pike, while crappie can be caught using small jigs or live minnows. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for both species. In April 2021, an angler caught a 35-inch northern pike at Willow Creek Reservoir.
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Bluestem Lake.
Bluestem Lake, near Sprague, is a peaceful destination for SUP fishing. Anglers can target largemouth bass and bluegill using topwater lures and small jigs, respectively. The best time to fish for bass and bluegill is during the spring and summer months. In June 2023, an angler caught a 20-inch largemouth bass at Bluestem Lake.
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Lake Wanahoo.
Lake Wanahoo, located near Wahoo, is a newer lake that has quickly become a favorite among SUP fishing enthusiasts. This lake offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill. Topwater lures and soft plastics are effective for bass, while bluegill eagerly bite on small jigs or live worms. Spring and early summer are the best seasons for both species. In May 2022, an angler caught a 21-inch largemouth bass at Lake Wanahoo.
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War Axe State Recreation Area.
War Axe State Recreation Area, situated in the northern part of the state, is a tranquil destination for SUP fishing. The lake is known for its crappie and walleye fishing opportunities. Anglers can use small jigs or live minnows for crappie and swimbaits or crankbaits for walleye. The best time to fish for both species is during the spring and fall months. In May 2021, an angler caught a 16-inch walleye at War Axe State Recreation Area.
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Lake Maloney.
Lake Maloney, near North Platte, is a popular SUP fishing spot, known for its healthy populations of walleye and catfish. Anglers can use jigs or live minnows for walleye and stinkbaits or cut baits for catfish. The best time to fish for walleye is during the spring and fall, while catfish are more active in the summer. In September 2022, an angler caught a 28-inch catfish at Lake Maloney.
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Lewis and Clark Lake.
Lewis and Clark Lake, located in the northeast corner of Nebraska, is a massive reservoir offering excellent SUP fishing opportunities. Anglers can target walleye and smallmouth bass using jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The best time to fish for walleye is during the spring and fall, while smallmouth bass fishing peaks in the summer. In August 2023, an angler caught a 20-inch smallmouth bass at Lewis and Clark Lake.
Conclusion.
Nebraska's water bodies provide SUP anglers with numerous fishing opportunities, and the 20 locations mentioned in this guide are just a taste of what the state has to offer. Whether you're seeking trophy-sized walleye, feisty bass, or the thrill of landing a catfish, these diverse fishing spots have something for everyone. Remember to respect local regulations, practice catch-and-release when necessary, and cherish the beauty of Nebraska's natural landscapes as you embark on your SUP fishing adventures. Happy fishing!
Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips.
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