Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River
lake in Nebraska
Calamus offers a mix of shoreline structure, islands and river channel edges ideal for sight-casting and topwater fly work in summer through fall.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Fish are actively bulking up for winter
- 01Fish are actively bulking up for winter, leading to aggressive feeding.
- 02Predatory species will be targeting baitfish and crayfish.
- 03Warmer afternoons might still see some insect activity, but subsurface presentations are generally more effective.
- 04Focus efforts around submerged cover, drop-offs, and rocky areas.
- 05Water temperatures are gradually dropping, influencing fish behavior to deeper, more consistent temperatures.
Past reports week by week
12 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer, effective year-round for imitating leeches and baitfish, which are key food sources for many predatory species in the fall as they prepare for winter.
Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White)
An excellent baitfish imitation, effective for predatory species like Walleye, Muskellunge, Pike, Sauger, Wiper, and Perch as they actively feed in fall waters.
Crayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for many warmwater and coolwater species in the fall, making this a crucial subsurface pattern when stripped along the bottom.
Buy at AmazonPerch Pattern
Many predatory species in Calamus Reservoir/River, such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge, actively prey on perch, especially in the fall as baitfish school up.
October Caddis (Dry)
October Caddis is a significant fall hatch, and opportunistic feeders like Walleye, Crappie, Perch, Bluegill, and Panfish may key in on these larger insects, especially on warmer afternoons.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
A proven general searching nymph, effective year-round for imitating various aquatic insects. It's a reliable subsurface pattern as insect activity tapers off in fall.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs remain an active food source in the fall, especially around weed beds and submerged vegetation. Stripping this pattern slowly can entice a variety of panfish and predatory species.
Where to fish and who to ask
Burwell Public Access / Calamus Reservoir Marina
Primary launch and shore-fishing area near Burwell used by most visiting anglers.
Ranch Trail / North Arm Access
Less-trafficked shore and boat access into the north arm known for smallmouth concentrations.
South Shore Point
Rocky point fishery favored for wipers and bass chasing shad schools.
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Nebraska season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Quick answers
Common questions about Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River.
What flies work best on Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River right now are Scud (80% confidence), Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White) (80% confidence), Crappie Jig Fly (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River?
Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River holds Walleye, Bluegill, Panfish, Crappie, Catfish, Muskellunge. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Calamus Reservoir / Calamus River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.