Fishing Harlan County Lake
AKA: Harlan County Reservoir, Harlan Lake
Popular Fish Species Harlan County Reservoir, NE
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are now thriving in the waters of Harlan County Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.
White Bass Fishing
After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Harlan County Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Channel Catfish Fishing
The third most popular species in the lake is channel catfish. They can be found all around the lake. In Spring channel cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include flathead and blue catfish.
Harlan County Reservoir Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, white bass, wiper and northern pike at Harlan County Lake in Nebraska.
Located in the south-central part of the state, Harlan County Reservoir is a 13,000-acre lake offering excellent fishing. Walleye, white bass and catfish are the prime targets, but the lake also has nice populations of bass, crappie, white bass and northerns. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. Many fishing tournaments are held each year for walleye, bass, catfish as well as mixed-bag tournaments.
Primary fish species residing in Harlan County Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Harlan County Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
North Shore Marina & Campground
Rentals: Pontoon boats
308 799-2315
Patterson Harbor Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
308 799-4600
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Hunter Cove Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Corp Road B, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Methodist Cove Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Corp Road B, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
North East Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off 1815 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Patterson Harbor Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Marinas
North Shore Marina & Campground
70738 Lake View
Republican City, Nebraska 68971
308 799-2315
Patterson Harbor Marina
12121 Rd 3
Republican City, NE 68971
308 799-4600
Fishing Guides On Harlan County Lake
Hook's Guide Service - walleye, white bass
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Hunter Cove Campground - 308 799-2105
Gremlin Cove Campground - 877 444-6777
Hunter Cove Campground - 308 799-2105
Methodist Cove Campground - 308 799-2105
City Of Alma RV Park - 308 928-3102
Harlan County Lake NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Harlan County Lake
North Shore Marina
70738 Lakeview
Republican City, NE 68971
308 799-2315
Fishing lakes in each state.
020425
Harlan County Reservoir in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA
Fishing at Harlan County Reservoir, in Nebraska.
Walleye, wipers and catfish fishing in south-central NE.
