Bessey Fish Pond

Area Status: Open

A young man gets his line wet at the fish pond.

This small pond, located just north of the Middle Loup River, is open to fishing all year round. It has ample parking. Nebraska Game and Parks regularly stocks it with different kinds of fish, including trout, catfish, bluegill, and bass. The Bessey Fish Pond has a fishing pier that is ADA accessible. People can fish from the pier, the shore, with a non-motorized boat or float, and from the ice in winter. Fishing permits are required; purchase them from Nebraska Game and Parks.

Nearby attractions include swimming in the Middle Loup River, the pedestrian bridge over the Middle Loup River, a basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. The trailhead to the 3-mile Scott Tower Hiking Trail is a half-mile drive away.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Reservations:	None required.
Rentals & Guides:	Bring your own fishing gear, or purchase accessories at Sandhill Oil in Thedford. No rentals are available in the immediate area.
Area Amenities:	Picnic tables: At the nearest campsites Tent camping: Two campsites are located close to the pond. Each is $8 per night. Parking: Gravel parking area next to pond Toilets: Vault toilet Accessible: Pier and vault toilet are accessible
Fees:	$5.00 per day (pay at kiosk at south end of main parking lot) or annual pass for $20 (purchase at main office)
Usage:	Light-Medium
Closest Towns:	Halsey (1 mile east); Dunning (10 miles east); Thedford (17 miles west)
Water:	No
Restroom:	Yes, vault toilet
Operated By:	Forest Service

General Information

Directions:

From I-80 at North Platte, Nebraska, take Highway 83 north for 65 miles to Thedford. At Thedford, go east on Highway 2 for 17 miles. At the national forest sign, turn south (right) and the pond will be about 1/4 mile on the east (left) side of the road.

Accessibility:

The fishing pier and vault toilet are handicap-accessible.

Parking:

There is a parking lot next to the pond.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Fish Species	The pond is stocked with bass, blue gill, trout, and catfish.
Fishing Platform	Yes.
Water Temperature	Iced over in winter.
Fishing Method	With poles only.
Difficulty Level:	Easy