Three new Omaha-area reservoirs expected to open this year; one to receive trout stocking
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Summary
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Southeast District staff said three Papio NRD flood-control reservoirs — Forest City (WP4), Mad Bear (WP2) and Marlin Peterman (WP1) — are scheduled to open in 2025–2026 and will be managed for paddlecraft and shore fishing; one site is slated to receive trout stocking formerly done at Standing Bear.
Three new reservoirs in the Omaha metropolitan area are expected to open for public fishing this year and next, and one may assume part of the region’s trout stocking program, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) Southeast District staff said during a Jan. 2025 public meeting.
“WP 4…is gonna be Forest City Rec Area. It’s a 15 acre lake…managed as a kayak hand launch only reservoir,” said Aaron Blank, Southeast District supervisor for the NGPC. He said WP 2 (Mad Bear Rec Area) will be about 17 acres and WP 1 (Marlin Peterman Rec Area) about 20 acres; all three are planned as paddlecraft-only with limited maintenance ramps for agency use. Blank said WP4 and WP2 are expected to open in summer 2025 and WP1 is under construction with a projected completion date of Feb. 19, 2026.
The district described fishery plans for the lakes: “bass, bluegills, catfish, and likely crappie” for WP4 and WP2, and for WP1 the plan includes “smallmouth bass and yellow perch” with the site taking some trout stockings previously used at Standing Bear to provide a trout fishery on Omaha’s northwest side, Blank said.
Why paddlecraft-only: district staff cited the small size of the reservoirs and design choices intended to preserve habitat. Blank said WP4 will include ADA access, rock piles and tree structure to support shore fishing and habitat; WP2 will have breakwaters and a fishing pier with ADA access.
The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) is the lead on construction; NGPC staff said most in-lake work is complete and the NRD is finishing parking and facilities. Blank said planned initial stockings are to occur in the fall, “assuming we catch water.”
Ending: NGPC Southeast District staff encouraged anglers to watch project updates and contact district staff with questions. Blank and other district staff provided contact information during the meeting and said presentation materials and links would be emailed to meeting participants.