The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Branched Oak Lake
Lancaster County, Nebraska · 1,800 acres (2.8 sq mi)
54°F water, calm this morning.
About Branched Oak Lake
Branched Oak Lake spreads over 1,800 acres in Lancaster County, Nebraska. It lies on the Salt Creek. Branched Oak Lake was built as a flood-control project on Salt Creek to protect Lincoln, Nebraska.
It stretches about 2.3 miles end to end with roughly 10.3 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,280 ft above sea level. Seward is about 11 miles west.
- Size
- 1,800 acres (2.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 10.3 miles
- End to end
- About 2.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,280 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- River
- Salt Creek
- County
- Lancaster County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Branched Oak Lake
The fish here: catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish, striped bass and largemouth bass. At 54°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:12 am · sunset 5:10 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Branched Oak Lake
- Sewardabout 11 mi west
- Lincolnabout 15 mi southeast
- Milfordabout 15 mi southwest
- Waverlyabout 17 mi east
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Branched Oak Lake
What fish are in Branched Oak Lake?
Branched Oak Lake holds catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish, striped bass and largemouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Branched Oak Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Branched Oak Lake?
1,800 acres, with about 10.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Branched Oak Lake?
Seward is about 11 miles west; Lincoln is about 15 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Branched Oak Lake today?
The surface was about 54°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Branched Oak Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
