Nebraskaland

October 2021 • Nebraskaland 27 Similar to the south pond, the middle was deepened and supplemented with habitat structures. Rainbow and tiger trout have been stocked. Plans call for the addition of smallmouth bass, rock bass and bluegill. Visitors also are enjoying new angler access pads and a canoe-kayak launch. Grabel North (1.7 acres) — It is the one pond in this series that was not renovated, and unfortunately, a broken dam board this spring caused devastation to the fi shery as almost all of the water drained from the pond. Prior to that, the pond challenged anglers to catch largemouth bass, bluegills, crappies and channel catfi sh from its stump- and cattail- laden banks. The pond has now been added to the fi nal phase of the aquatic habitat project, and offi cials are sure it will once again complement the park's superb fi shing opportunities after renovation. Carter P. Johnson Reservoir Located 3.2 miles west-northwest of U.S. Highway 20 on Soldier Creek Road, the 20-acre Carter P. Johnson Reservoir is the largest of Fort Robinson's impoundments and features the most diverse fi sh population. It has long received annual rainbow trout stockings and has a sizable population of largemouth bass, many of which are lunkers, in addition to bluegills. Other species include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, channel catfi sh, crappies and rock bass. A wooden pier serves anglers of many ages and abilities, and the unpaved gradual slope on the east end of the pond serves as a ramp for small electric- powered boats, kayaks and other non- motorized watercraft. The reservoir, which was created by damming Soldier Creek, has been scheduled to receive a major renovation during the second phase of the aquatic habitat project. Construction was delayed, however, when the Department of Natural Resources reclassifi ed the 480-foot dam as high-hazard and in need of fortifi cation because of danger to campsites downstream along Soldier Creek. Funding has since been secured to include dam improvements in the project and offi cials hope the construction can get underway next year. If so, the lake will be drained and salvaged fi sh will be moved to other sites within the park. Crazy Horse Pond Located one-half mile east- southeast of Carter P. Johnson Reservoir is the 1.4-acre Crazy Horse Pond. As it stands, it is not considered much of a fi shery. It has not been stocked, and fi shing opportunities are almost exclusively limited to the largemouth bass and bluegills that make their way downstream from Carter P. Johnson Reservoir. Phase two of the Aquatic Habitat Plan calls for transforming the pond to a prime destination for anglers willing to hike. The plan calls for developing a half-mile non-motorized trail from the Carter P. Johnson Reservoir parking lot. "It's already one of our most scenic ponds and will be quite an attraction when fi nished," Rydell said. Stringers with rock bass hang from kayaks at Carter P. Johnson Reservoir.

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