Who’s biting?
That is the question, isn’t it? Here’s a few facts and tips I’ve noticed to help you in your pursuit of some of Nebraska’s aquatic species.
How I Target Bass in Nebraska’s Small Lakes
A practical, experience-based guide from The Central Fly
Where I Look First
- Plant edges in shallow clear water — bass sit right on the weedline in 1–4 feet of water.
- Clearings inside thick weeds — perfect ambush points.
- Near sunfish beds — if you find bluegill, a bass is never far away.
My Go-To Setup & Presentation
Wacky Rig — simple, natural, and effective.
- Cast exactly where you believe the bass is holding.
- Let it sink naturally.
- Slowly twitch it back toward you.
- Pause often — subtle movements get the bite.
- Gold or red glitter worms work extremely well in sunny clear water.
Conditions That Produce Best
- Sunny days
- Clear water
- Little to no wind
- Water temps between 60–80°F
- Visible plant edges and shallow cover
- Any signs of sunfish or baitfish
My Biggest Tip
“When you arrive at a lake, think like your target species. Take a few minutes to look around before you cast as far as you can, and always gravitate toward underwater structure.”