Trenton, Nebraska: Swanson Reservoir and Republican River Waterfowl

Trenton is a small town of roughly 500 people in Hitchcock County, but it sits on the shore of Swanson Reservoir, a 4,974-acre lake that serves as one of the most important waterfowl staging areas in southwest Nebraska. During fall migration, thousands of ducks and geese pile into Swanson and the surrounding wetlands, creating waterfowl hunting opportunities that rival destinations many times Trenton's size. Add in Republican River deer and the surrounding pheasant habitat, and this tiny town delivers big.

The Town

Trenton is about as small as a Nebraska town gets while still being a town. There is a main street with a few businesses, and that is about it. The population has been declining for decades, and the infrastructure reflects a community that was once larger. What remains is genuine, quiet, and unpretentious. Hunters who come to Trenton come for the reservoir and the hunting, not the nightlife.

Where to Eat

Dining options in Trenton are extremely limited. A small cafe or bar may serve food, but do not count on it. Stock up on groceries in McCook, about 30 minutes east, or in Imperial before heading to Trenton. A camp stove and cooler are essential equipment for a Trenton hunting trip.

Where to Stay

Trenton has virtually no commercial lodging. Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area offers camping with some amenities, and this is the most common option for hunters. Primitive camping is available around the reservoir as well. For hunters who need a bed and a roof, McCook is the nearest town with motel rooms.

Where to Hunt

Swanson Reservoir is the headline. At nearly 5,000 surface acres, the reservoir is one of the largest in southwest Nebraska and sits directly on the Central Flyway. During peak fall migration, the reservoir hosts large concentrations of mallards, pintails, teal, Canada geese, and snow geese. The surrounding mudflats, marshes, and agricultural fields provide feeding and resting habitat that keeps birds in the area for extended periods.

Waterfowl hunting around Swanson is best during late October through November when migration is at its peak. Field hunting on the surrounding agricultural land can be productive when birds are feeding in harvested corn and bean fields.

The Republican River flows through Hitchcock County south of the reservoir. The river-bottom timber and brush hold whitetail and turkey, and the riparian corridor provides travel routes that concentrate deer movement. The agricultural fields along the river add food sources that keep deer in the area.

Hitchcock County also holds pheasant in its CRP grasslands and crop field edges. The bird numbers are not as high as in Chase County to the west, but there is enough habitat to make an upland bird walk worthwhile between waterfowl sessions.

Why Trenton Is a Hidden Waterfowl Gem

Trenton is not on anyone's radar unless they know about Swanson Reservoir, and that is exactly why it works. The reservoir's size and position on the Central Flyway make it a significant waterfowl staging area that sees relatively light hunting pressure compared to more accessible locations. If you are willing to camp and bring your own provisions, Trenton offers waterfowl hunting that can be genuinely spectacular during peak migration. Tiny town, big hunting.