Swanson Reservoir WMA: Waterfowl and Upland Hunting Near Trenton

Swanson Reservoir WMA in Hitchcock County offers one of the largest lake-and-grassland hunting complexes in southwest Nebraska. The 4,974-acre reservoir near Trenton anchors a landscape of managed grasslands, timbered drainages, and Republican River corridor habitat that supports waterfowl, deer, pheasant, and quail. For hunters looking to explore the southwest corner of the state, Swanson is a cornerstone destination.

The Swanson Reservoir

Swanson Reservoir was built on the Republican River and is one of the largest irrigation reservoirs in southwest Nebraska. The nearly 5,000 surface acres of water create a significant stopover for migrating waterfowl on the Central Flyway. The lake's irregular shoreline, with multiple creek arms, bays, and coves, provides diverse habitat.

The surrounding WMA land extends from the shoreline into the grassland uplands, giving hunters walk-in access to both shoreline waterfowl habitat and upland bird cover. The Republican River corridor below the dam adds another layer of riparian timber and wetland habitat.

Waterfowl Hunting at Swanson

Swanson Reservoir is a premier waterfowl destination in southwest Nebraska. The lake's size means it holds birds even when other smaller reservoirs in the area freeze over, extending the hunting season into December some years. Mallards, gadwall, wigeon, pintails, and various teal species are all common during migration.

The creek arms on the upper end of the reservoir offer the best walk-in waterfowl hunting. Shallow water, mudflats, and submerged vegetation in these areas create feeding habitat that ducks prefer.

For goose hunting, the agricultural fields surrounding the reservoir are the primary setup. Scout the evening before to identify feeding fields, then set up before dawn with full-body decoys and a layout blind.

Deer, Pheasant, and Quail

Whitetail deer are present in the timbered areas along the Republican River below the dam and in the creek drainages feeding into the reservoir. Mule deer can be found on the grassland ridges and breaks above the reservoir.

Southwest Nebraska has some of the best pheasant habitat in the state, and the grasslands around Swanson Reservoir are no exception. Bobwhite quail are also present in the brushy draws and plum thickets.

Access and Trenton

Trenton, Nebraska is the nearest small town, located just south of the dam. McCook is about 20 miles west and serves as the regional hub with full services. The reservoir has multiple parking areas, boat ramps, and walk-in access points.

When to Hunt

Waterfowl: mid-October through December, with peak migration in November. Deer: November for the rut. Pheasant: late October through November. Quail: November through January. Swanson Reservoir WMA is a southwest Nebraska anchor point that is worth building a trip around.