NBAA Division 54 North & South at Wildwood Lake

The NBAA Division 54 North & South Fishing Tournament runs from July 8 through September 16, 2026, at Wildwood Lake in Lancaster County, Nebraska, offering bass anglers and outdoor enthusiasts more than two months of competitive fishing on one of eastern Nebraska’s most scenic and secluded waters. Tournament sessions take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Wildwood Lake Public Ramp, transforming summer evenings into gatherings where serious anglers and casual fishermen alike share the shoreline, swap stories, and pursue largemouth bass as the sun drops toward the prairie horizon.

Wildwood Lake occupies a particular niche in Nebraska’s outdoor landscape. At 103 acres, it sits within 491 acres of protected natural land that includes more than 120 acres of virgin and native grass prairie, terrain that has remained essentially unchanged since settlers first crossed this region. The lake underwent significant fishery renovations in 2002, establishing it as one of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District’s premier fishing destinations. Beyond largemouth bass, anglers encounter channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill in waters governed by catch-and-release regulations for bass and catfish, a policy that has maintained healthy populations and consistent action. An ADA-compliant fishing pier extends into the lake, ensuring that anglers of all abilities can participate in the tournament experience.

What distinguishes Wildwood from more developed recreation areas is its quietude. No-wake boating rules preserve the stillness that settles over the water during evening hours, when the only sounds are casting lines and the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface. Trails wind through the surrounding prairie and along the lakeshore, revealing secluded spots where couples might steal a moment together or photographers might capture the light as it shifts through gold and amber before fading entirely. The campground offers primitive sites with fire rings, allowing tournament participants to extend their stay beneath canopies of trees where fireflies emerge after dark and morning birdsong rivals anything you might hear in more celebrated wilderness areas.

Just two miles south, Branched Oak State Recreation Area presents a striking counterpoint. At 1,800 acres, it ranks as the largest lake in eastern Nebraska and draws boaters, swimmers, and families seeking busier shorelines. The Boat House Bar and Grill at the Branched Oak Marina serves casual fare with views across the water, making it an ideal spot for a post-tournament meal where anglers can compare catches and plan the next session. The marina rents boats and kayaks for those who want to explore the larger lake’s coves and swimming beaches during non-tournament hours, and the surrounding trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians throughout the summer months. Past tournament seasons have featured programming in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Outdoor Adventures, including kayaking sessions and gear giveaways through Nebraska Game and Parks, activities that transform the competition into a broader celebration of the region’s outdoor culture.

Lincoln itself sits roughly fifteen miles to the southeast, and its Historic Haymarket District has evolved into a destination that rivals the natural attractions surrounding Wildwood. Brick streets and restored warehouses now house establishments like Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill, home to Empyrean Brewing, where contemporary American fare pairs with locally crafted beers. The Oven delivers some of the city’s finest Indian cuisine, while Buzzard Billy’s brings Cajun flavors to the Great Plains with gumbo and crawfish that feel surprisingly at home in Nebraska. For something sweet after a day on the water, Ivanna Cone serves handmade ice cream in an old-fashioned soda shop atmosphere, its rotating flavors keeping regulars guessing from visit to visit. The Haymarket Farmers’ Market operates Saturday mornings from May through October, filling the streets with fresh produce, artisan goods, and the kind of community energy that makes Lincoln feel both cosmopolitan and genuinely Midwestern.

The tournament welcomes participants and spectators with equal warmth. Families find ample space for children to explore the prairie trails while anglers focus on the water, and the dog-friendly atmosphere means four-legged companions can join the adventure. Experienced attendees recommend bringing picnic blankets, folding chairs, and sunscreen for the evening sessions, when summer light lingers across the lake well past traditional dinner hours.

To immerse yourself fully in the tournament experience, consider booking a vacation rental on Lake.com, where lakeside properties offer proximity to both the competition and the quiet pleasures that define this corner of Nebraska. Wake to prairie sunrises, fish through golden evenings, and return each night to accommodations that feel like home. Start planning your stay now on Lake.com.