There are three great lakes in Nebraska and I have fished them all a lot. First, in the spring I like to fish Branched Oak. It holds great amounts of BLUES in the shallows of the back waters. We have caught them from 6lbs to 30lbs. We went out there last year and we had 5 blues all over 15 lbs. it was fun. Second, I like to fish Elwood all year around. I think for channels it is the 2nd best lake in Nebraska. It is really low, yes but it still holds great fish. Lastly, the best lake in the state of Nebraska is Calamus. Hands down. I think it is one of the best kept secrets in the country. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Cabelas tournament there in the future. It holds and yes I've caught a few 20lbs plus channels. Was fishing out there last year for a tourny and someone brought a 27lbs. channel. Oh by the way, it took 7 fish and 125lbs to win it!!!!!! I was fishing it last fall and caught almost 100lbs with 9 fish!! The same day, my father had 10 break him off in the trees and broke two poles messin with these monsters. This is a lake you want to be prepaired for.
Branched Oak right now is producing some huge flatheads. It is all catch and release but there are a couple of guys that are catching them deep that exceeds 45 inches. WOW!!!
Hope this helps and I'll see you on the lake!