Fishing Bluestem Lake
AKA: Bluestem Lake Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Bluestem Lake, NE
White Crappie Fishing
Quality schools of healthy white crappie reside in Bluestem Lake. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Bluestem Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish, 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. 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. Bluestem 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. The state record channel catfish is over Bluestem Lake pounds. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, wiper and northern pike at Bluestem Lake in Nebraska.
Bluestem Lake Fishing Video
Located just southeast of Lincoln, with 325 surface acres, Bluestem Lake has a reputation as a good bass fishing lake. Primitive camping right at the waters edge makes this an ideal place to bring the family.
Bluestem Lake, located near Sprague, Nebraska, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. Covering approximately 750 acres, this picturesque lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Bluestem 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 sought-after fish.
Boating, jet skis, water skiing and swimming enhance the camping experience. One can fish from shore, a canoe or kayak or traditional fishing boats with plenty of fishing room for all. In addition to bass, there is good crappie, walleye and northern pike fishing.
Primary fish species residing in Bluestem Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Bluestem Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NEARBY
Boat Launch Ramp: TWO
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Bluestem Lake provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the beautiful scenery 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, Bluestem Lake offers a pleasant boating adventure.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Area Five Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off W Martel Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Area Three Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off W Sprague Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Bluestem Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off W Sprague Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Bluestem 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 Bluestem Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Bluestem 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
Area Three Campground - 402 796-2362
Area Five Campground - 402 796-2362
Bluestem Lake NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Bluestem Lake
Bluestem SRA
Lancaster County
Sprague, NE 68438
402 796-2362
Fishing lakes in each state.
091624
Bluestem Lake in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA
Fishing at Bluestem Lake, in Nebraska.
Great bass fishing in southeast NE.
