Two Rivers State Recreation Area features over a half dozen lakes, all of which offer slightly different angling opportunities. Though all can be good fishing, Lake #1 is often one of the best choices.
About the Lake
The entire complex is roughly 320 acres. Though small, the lake can reach depths over 20 feet. Two Rivers is located west of Omaha near Venice, Nebraska in Douglas County. Two Rivers #1 is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie, common carp, bigmouth buffalo and other carp species.
Lake Structure
The lake features submerged timber, a dam structure, weedlines, dropoffs, sand flats and mud flats. A large, shallow bay is also present as well as an access bridge that separates Lake #1 and Lake #2.
Ice Fishing
For location, fishing shallower up in the timber seems to be better than fishing deeper. Look for fish between 5-10 feet of water. The shallow trees hold numerous fish and they are often willing to bite. Even the large shallow bay fishing roughly 5 feet or less can produce fish, including good sized largemouth bass.
There is a pronounced ledge that falls from roughly 12-22 feet and you may find fish anywhere between those depths, but they are often unwilling to bite. This highlights the importance of fishing shallow as these are often the most aggressive fish.
Small tungsten jigs and plastics are often the best choice for bluegill and crappie, but will also coax largemouth bass as well. Pink, white and red are excellent jig colors. Tip these with small plastics like a Trigger X Mustache Worm or live bait such as wax worms.
Summer
Around May, the fishing really picks up for the summer. While bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are caught, the channel catfish action can be what draws anglers. In fact, it is not uncommon to catch 3 or 4 of these species any day on the water.
The rig is simple for the channel catfish. A weight and a plain hook are often the best choice. Try fishing a 1/4-1/2 ounce sliding sinker with approximately a 18-24 inch snell connected to a #2 Octopus hook. Tip this bait with a nightcrawler and cast out towards ledges to deeper water. Fish will often be sitting there.
While the nightcrawler rig can work best in the day, switch to a stinkbait style presentation as evening becomes night. The catfish will often bite all night long, especially on stinkbait. Use the same rig as earlier, but replace the hook with your favorite dipbait holder. Any commercial dipbait can work, but experiment to find your favorite. It is important to keep refreshing this bait throughout the evening and night.
If you’re looking for panfish, try a slipbbober style rig. A #6-#4 Octopus hook and a nightcrawler roughly 4-5 feet down can produce a lot of fish. You’ll often catch bluegill and crappie, but don’t be too surprised if you end up with a catfish or largemouth bass on as well.
If you are looking to target bass, focus your efforts in the mornings and evenings. Topwater options like buzz baits and frogs can produce well. As the sun sits higher in the sky, switch to a shallow running crankbait like a #5-#7 Rapala Shallow Shad Rap.
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