The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Swanson Lake
Hitchcock County, Nebraska · 4,970 acres (7.8 sq mi)
52°F water, windy Friday (20 mph SE).
About Swanson Lake
Swanson Lake is a reservoir in Hitchcock County, Nebraska, covering 4,970 acres. It was made by Trenton Dam on the Republican River. Swanson Lake is impounded by Trenton Dam on the Republican River in Hitchcock County.
From end to end it runs about 4.6 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 12.6 miles. At about 2,740 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Trenton, is about 2.7 miles east.
- Size
- 4,970 acres (7.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 12.6 miles
- End to end
- About 4.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,740 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Trenton Dam, Republican River
- County
- Hitchcock County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Saturday Fair
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Nebraska mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 52°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 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 7:28 am · sunset 5:28 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Swanson Lake
- Trentonabout 2.7 mi east
- Benkelmanabout 21 mi west
- Atwoodabout 23 mi south
- Hayes Centerabout 23 mi north
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Questions about Swanson Lake
What fish are in Swanson Lake?
Lakes like Swanson Lake usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Swanson 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 Swanson Lake?
4,970 acres, with about 12.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Swanson Lake?
Trenton is about 2.7 miles east; Benkelman is about 21 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Swanson Lake today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Swanson Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
