Nebraska offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.
The best times to fish in Nebraska are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Nebraska.
| Month | Nebraska Fishing Location |
| January | Platte River near Louisville – Trout and walleye. |
| February | Elkhorn River near Waterloo – Ice fishing for crappie and bluegill. |
| March | Harlan County Reservoir south of Alma – Bass and catfish. |
| April | Calamus Reservoir in the Sandhills – Walleye, pike, and bass. |
| May | Sherman Reservoir near Loup City – White bass, wipers, and catfish. |
| June | Lake McConaughy in Ogallala – Rainbow trout, salmon, and walleye. |
| July | Merritt Reservoir near Valentine – Smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. |
| August | Mississippi River – Catfish and sauger. |
| September | Niobrara River – Brown and rainbow trout. |
| October | Lake Ogallala in Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area – Walleye and bass. |
| November | Box Butte Reservoir near Hemingford – Trophy walleye and rainbow trout. |
| December | Big Alkali Lake near Lakeside – Ice fishing for crappie and bluegill. |
In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Nebraska. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.
Snake River (May, June) – Targeting brown trout.
Niobrara River (July, August) – Targeting smallmouth bass.
Blue Creek (April, May) – Targeting rainbow trout.
North Platte River (March, April) – Targeting brown trout.
Dismal River (June, July) – Targeting rainbow trout.
Loup River (May, June) – Targeting smallmouth bass.
Cedar River (June, July) – Targeting brown trout.
Medicine Creek (March, April) – Targeting rainbow trout.
Calamus River (May, June) – Targeting smallmouth bass.
Elkhorn River (April, May) – Targeting brown trout.
Wood River (June, July) – Targeting rainbow trout.
Platte River (March, April) – Targeting brown trout.
South Loup River (May, June) – Targeting smallmouth bass.
Calamus Creek (April, May) – Targeting brown trout.
White River (June, July) – Targeting rainbow trout.
Long Pine Creek (May, June) – Targeting brown trout.
Keya Paha River (July, August) – Targeting smallmouth bass.
Rock Creek (March, April) – Targeting rainbow trout.
Loup Canal (May, June) – Targeting brown trout.
Middle Loup River (April, May) – Targeting rainbow trout.
Lake McConaughy (May, June) – Targeting walleye and wipers.
Merritt Reservoir (April, May) – Targeting trout and channel catfish.
Calamus Reservoir (June, July) – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass.
Harlan County Reservoir (July, August) – Targeting largemouth bass and catfish.
Sherman Reservoir (May, June) – Targeting walleye and largemouth bass.
Branched Oak Lake (April, May) – Targeting crappie and walleye.
Pawnee Lake (June, July) – Targeting catfish and bluegill.
Lake Wanahoo (May, June) – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass.
Lewis and Clark Lake (April, May) – Targeting walleye and catfish.
Lake Ogallala (June, July) – Targeting trout and walleye.
Lake Maloney (April, May) – Targeting crappie and catfish.
Lake Minatare (May, June) – Targeting walleye and smallmouth bass.
Swanson Reservoir (June, July) – Targeting crappie and walleye.
Red Willow Reservoir (May, June) – Targeting crappie and walleye.
Willow Creek Reservoir (April, May) – Targeting trout and bass.
Iron Horse Trail Lake (June, July) – Targeting catfish and bluegill.
Lake Yankton (May, June) – Targeting walleye and catfish.
Johnson Lake (June, July) – Targeting walleye and crappie.
Lake Zorinsky (April, May) – Targeting crappie and largemouth bass.
Lake Scottsbluff (May, June) – Targeting catfish and bluegill.
These Nebraska-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Hooks Guide Service | Republican City, NE |
| Fish Nebraska Guide Service | Alma, NE |
The best times to fish for wipers in Nebraska are during the warmer months of May, June, July, and August. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch wipers. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing wipers are Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, and Elwood Reservoir.
The best times to fish for brown trout in Nebraska are during the cooler months of spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch brown trout. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing brown trout are the North Platte River, Snake River, and Blue Creek.
The best times to fish for rainbow trout in Nebraska are during the cooler months of spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch rainbow trout. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing rainbow trout are the North Platte River, Snake River, and Blue Creek.
The best times to fish for largemouth bass in Nebraska are spring and early summer, particularly April, May, and June. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch largemouth bass. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing largemouth bass are Branched Oak Lake, Harlan County Reservoir, Pawnee Lake, and Sherman Reservoir.
The best times to fish for smallmouth bass in Nebraska are spring and early summer, particularly May, June, and July. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch smallmouth bass. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing smallmouth bass are the Missouri River, Calamus Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir, and Sherman Reservoir.
The best times to fish for carp in Nebraska are during the warmer months of May, June, July, and August. Carp are more active in the summer when the water temperatures are higher. Early morning and late evening are the most productive times to catch carp. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing carp are Branched Oak Lake, Pawnee Lake, Lake Wanahoo, and Holmes Lake.
The best times to fish for yellow perch in Nebraska are spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch yellow perch. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing yellow perch are Harlan County Reservoir, Lake McConaughy, Branched Oak Lake, and Pawnee Lake.
The best times to fish for catfish in Nebraska are during the warmer months of May, June, July, and August. Late evening and nighttime are the most productive times of the day to catch catfish. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing catfish are the Missouri River, Elkhorn River, Platte River, and Harlan County Reservoir.
The best times to fish for crappie in Nebraska are spring and fall, particularly April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch crappie. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing crappie are Branched Oak Lake, Pawnee Lake, Harlan County Reservoir, and Lewis & Clark Lake.
The best times to fish for musky in Nebraska are May, June, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch them. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing musky are Merritt Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and Calamus Reservoir.
The best times to fish for pike in Nebraska are during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. March, April, October, and November are good months to target pike. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to catch them. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing pike are Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, Sherman Reservoir, and Calamus Reservoir.
The best times to fish for walleye in Nebraska are April, May, June, and September. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times to catch them. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for walleye fishing are Lake McConaughy, Merritt Reservoir, Harlan County Reservoir, and Calamus Reservoir.
The best times to fish for sauger in Nebraska are March, April, and May. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for catching sauger. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for sauger fishing are the Missouri River, Platte River, and Lake McConaughy.
The best times to fish for freshwater drum in Nebraska are spring and summer, particularly April through August. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to catch freshwater drum. Some of the top locations in Nebraska for fishing freshwater drum are the Missouri River, Platte River, and Lewis & Clark Lake.
Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Wyoming. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Colorado. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Idaho.
