Blue Catfish

Central Nebraska might not be the first place that comes to mind for trophy blue catfish, but Broken Bow offers access to some surprisingly good fishing. The Middle Loup River, flowing near Broken Bow, and specifically Sherman Reservoir, hold some impressive blue cats. The blues here aren't as abundant as in southern fisheries, but the chance for a truly large fish makes it worthwhile. Late spring and early summer, after the spawn, is when the blues are most active. Cut bait, especially oily fish like shad or even commercially prepared catfish bait, is the go-to. Focus your efforts on deeper holes and channels within the river or near the dam at Sherman Reservoir. A key tip: heavy tackle is essential, as these fish can be powerful. Also, be aware of strong currents in the river; proper anchoring is crucial. The blue catfish in this region are opportunistic feeders, so don't be afraid to experiment with different baits to find what they're biting on.