Anglers flock to Nebraska to enjoy the peaceful serenity of its water bodies and the thrill of reeling in various fish species. Let's delve into some of the top fishing spots that Nebraska has to offer.
Table of Contents
Lake McConaughy
- Lake McConaughy is a really big place in Nebraska which has a surface area of 30,000 acres and largest reservoir in Nebraska.
- The fish in the lake grow really big, and many of them have set state records. That's why people call it "Big Mac."
- The lake is known for its excellent walleye, catfish, and white bass populations.
- Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is located about eight miles northeast of Ogallala.
- People from Nebraska and nearby states love to visit Lake McConaughy for outdoor activities.
- For many anglers it becomes a favorite spot for camping, boating, wind surfing, swimming, and many more other activities because of it's clear water and white sand beaches.
Merritt Reservoir
- Merritt Reservoir is situated in the beautiful Sandhills of Nebraska, southwest of Valentine.
- For fishing, boating, and camping, it is a great place.
- The reservoir is known for its trophy walleye and northern pike.
- Anglers can also target largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as various panfish species.
- The lake is deep and receives a good amount of water from the Snake River and Boardman Creek.
- Merritt Reservoir is famous for having very dark skies, which makes it a popular destination for stargazing.
- In 2022, it was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
Box Butte Reservoir
- Box Butte Reservoir is located on the western side of the Sandhills, about 9 miles north of Hemingford.
- The SRA covers an area of 2,212 acres and has a lake that spans 1,600 acres.
- People can enjoy various activities at Box Butte Reservoir SRA, such as fishing, camping, and having picnics.
- The SRA is known for providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially in the Nebraska panhandle region.
- Here you can see different variety of fish like walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.
- Anglers can take advantage of the quiet ambiance and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish.
Calamus Reservoir
- Calamus State Recreation Area is situated in the scenic sandhills of Nebraska.
- Calamus State Recreation is highly popular destination for camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking in the state.
- The area includes a large lake spanning across 5,123 acres, surrounded by gently rolling land covering 4,958 acres.
- The land is adorned with native grasses and forbs, adding to its natural beauty.
- Within the area, you can find 1.2 miles of the Calamus River and 3.5 miles of other streams.
- You can find game fish here which includes walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass.
Sherman Reservoir
- Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area is famous for its excellent fishing options.
- It has a large lake that spans across 2,845 acres, along with surrounding land covering 4,721 acres.
- The area offers primitive camping with 360 non-paved sites available.
- Visitors can enjoy various facilities such as picnic tables, shelters, water access, dump station, modern restrooms, vault toilets, four boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, coin-operated showers, and a concession stand.
- If you prefer more comfortable options, you can rent a cabin or use RV camping pads, which are available through a local concessionaire.
- Fish species like walleye, largemouth bass, and crappie are available in this spot.
Lake Maloney
- Lake Maloney is a popular fishing destination in western Nebraska.
- Lake Maloney is located just six miles south of North Platte.
- It is a wonderful place for people who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Many people visit Lake Maloney for boating, fishing, water sports, camping, and to have fun with their families.
- The lake spans across 1,000 acres and offers opportunities to see wildlife, go fishing for different kinds of fish, or try wakeboarding.
- Lake Maloney has pleasant and shady spots where you can camp, grill food, and have picnics.
- The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, channel catfish, and white bass.
Johnson Lake
- This popular area, located only 10 miles south of Lexington, offers excellent camping, fishing, and water sports.
- Despite covering just 68 acres, this recreation area is known for packing in a lot of outdoor fun.
- It provides three different entry points to the lake, which spans an impressive 2,068 acres.
- Situated in the heart of a group of lakes on the Tri-County Canal, south of I-80 between Lexington and Cozad, this area offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities.
- To enhance the outdoor experience, visitors can also explore the nearby Gallagher Canyon SRA, Elwood Reservoir WMA, Plum Creek, and Phillips Canyon areas.
- Anglers can target different variety of fish species which includes walleye, white bass, and largemouth bass.
Medicine Creek
- Medicine Creek is a peaceful outdoor destination in southwest Nebraska that not many people know about.
- It offers four fully furnished cabins by the lake, each with two bedrooms, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- In this 1,768 acres lake you can do camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and boating
- The reservoir is also known for its excellent crappie and catfish populations.
Conclusion
Nebraska is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, offering a multitude of top fishing spots across the state. Whether you prefer casting your line in expansive reservoirs, serene lakes, or meandering rivers, Nebraska has something to offer for everyone. From the trophy-sized fish of Merritt Reservoir to the serene surroundings of Calamus Reservoir, each fishing spot provides a unique experience. So pack your fishing gear, explore Nebraska's abundant waters, and create unforgettable memories on your next angling adventure.
FAQs
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Nebraska ?
Yes, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license in Nebraska. You can obtain licenses from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Are there any fishing regulations I need to be aware of ?
Yes, it's important to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations set by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These regulations include catch limits, size restrictions, and specific fishing seasons.
Can I rent fishing equipment at these fishing spots ?
It is recommended to bring you own fishing equipment rather that taking rental However, some fishing spots may offer equipment rentals.
Are there any fishing guides available for hire ?
Yes, many fishing spots in Nebraska have professional fishing guides available for hire. They can provide valuable insights, tips, and assistance to enhance your fishing experience.
Are these fishing spots suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Nebraska's fishing spots cater to anglers of all skill levels. Whether you are beginners or pro , you will find suitable fishing opportunities and resources to make your experience enjoyable.