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Methodist Cove

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Nebraska, United States

4.8·5 catches

Top fish species at Methodist Cove

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Check which species have trophy potential in Methodist Cove

Methodist Cove fishing reports

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White bass

13 in · 2 lb

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Northern pike

length · weight

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Flathead catfish

length · weight

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General info

Methodist Cove is a lake located in Harlan County, Nebraska, United States. It is most popular for fishing Northern pike, Flathead catfish, and White bass.

Location

40°05′8.4″N 99°19′1.1″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Northern Pike biting on Methodist Cove?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Methodist Cove. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Methodist Cove, NE

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Nebraska can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Northern pike

Northern pike

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 34

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

Special gear

NE Regs

HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. 

Restrictions & requirements

Culling

Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. 

NE Snagging

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately.

Additional information
No minimum length limit; anglers may harvest one 34-inches or larger. Possession limit = 10 northern pike.Exceptions: Alda DOT: minimum length = 34-inches; bag limit = 1 northern pike.Grove Lake: minimum length = 34-inchesCottonmill Lake: minimum length = 34-inchesRed Willow Reservoir: minimum length = 34-inchesSherman Reservoir: minimum length = 34-inchesBox Butte Reservoir: only 3 can be over 22-inches and only 1 can be over 34-inchesLake Minatare: bag limit = 10 northern pikeLake Wanahoo: catch and release onlyFlanagan Lake: catch and release only
Synonyms
Esox lucius
Season open: year-round
Flathead catfish

Flathead catfish

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 30

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

Special gear

NE Regs

HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. 

Restrictions & requirements

Culling

Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. 

NE Snagging

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately.

Additional information
No length limit. Possession limit = 10 flathead catfish.Exceptions:Branched Oak Lake: catch and release only
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Pylodictis olivaris
Season open: year-round
White bass

White bass

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit15

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Special gear

NE Regs

HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. 

Restrictions & requirements

Culling

Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. 

NE Snagging

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately.

Additional information
No minimum length limit. Possession limit = 30 white bassInland Waters: one white bass 16-inches or longerExceptions:Elwood Reservoir - bag limit = 3 white bassWillow Creek Reservoir - bag limit = 3 white bassBranched Oak - catch and release onlyZorinsky Lake - catch and release only
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Morone chrysops
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Local laws and licenses

Nebraska fishing license

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Reviews of Methodist Cove

4.8
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4 ratings

5
4
3
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

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2.9 miles away

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Oxford

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Almena

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Funk

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Upland

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Loomis

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Axtell

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Minden

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Bertrand

34.7 miles away

Inavale

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Norman

38.8 miles away

Gaylord

39.3 miles away

Smithfield

40.4 miles away

Edmond

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Bladen

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Odessa

42.5 miles away

Elm Creek

43.9 miles away

Kearney

44.2 miles away

Elwood

45.1 miles away

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FAQ about Methodist Cove fishing

📍 Where is Methodist Cove located?
Methodist Cove is a lake located in Harlan County, Nebraska, United States. Its coordinates are:
40°05′8.4″N 99°19′1.1″W
.
🎣 Where on Methodist Cove is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Methodist Cove by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Methodist Cove?
The most common species in Methodist Cove are:
📢 What are the latest Methodist Cove fishing reports?
The latest Methodist Cove fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Methodist Cove?

Fishing in Nebraska requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Resident and non-resident annual and short-term licenses are available online or at authorized vendors.

In Nebraska, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 64 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

Get license
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