Outdoor Report

OUTDOOR NEWS Oct. 11, 2022

Lake McConaughy: Boat docks are now available at DIVERS BAY and MARTIN BAY LOW WATER.

Lake Ogallala: Both docks have been pulled for the dewatering of the little lake for maintenance on the diversion dam.

CAMPING & AMENITIES:

• All camping at the 2 SRAs is now first-come, first-served. Self-pay stations are available, or payment may be made at the Visitors Center. Bathrooms and fish cleaning stations are still open around the lake, but they will begin closing depending on weather after mid-month. Those closures will start at the west end.

• The bathrooms/shower house at Lake Ogallala remain open through deer season.

• Electrical pedestals and drinking water remain available at the campgrounds year round.

LAKE LEVEL

Elevation is currently 3,219.3 ft (673,500ac-ft (38.6% capacity)

Seasonal Fishing Overview : With over 55 square miles of water (at full pool) and over 70 miles of shoreline, Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest reservoir and a popular year-round fishing and outdoor recreation destination.

Fall: From Labor Day weekend through Thanksgiving, anglers slab for walleye and white bass on Lake McConaughy. Catfish can be caught year-round, especially at the west end of the lake.

Winter: Before the bays are iced in, success can still be found slabbing for walleye by Martin Bay or near Lemoyne. Catfish can be caught year-round, especially at the west end of the lake. Trout can be caught from open water on Lake Ogallala all winter. Anglers generally have success with fly-fishing small nymph patterns, as well as nightcrawlers and eggs on spinning tackle.

Spring: The walleye spawn at Lake McConaughy begins around the middle of April, and continues through the first part of May. From the middle of May to the Fourth of July, anglers target walleye and wipers using live bait or casting jigs to the shoreline.

Summer: Success with white bass, and small and large mouth bass can generally be found from May through the end of August casting jigs or lures to rocky points. Walleye and wipers are targeted through August trolling lures and spinner baits. Walleye and wipers are usually found off the face of Kingsley Dam or in bays off rocky points, although walleye are caught throughout the lake. Yellow perch can be caught all summer throughout the lake. Northern pike may sometimes be found at the west end of the lake casting lures and spinner baits. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and tiger trout can be caught in Lake Ogallala all summer, as well as in the river and supply canal. Anglers find success casting off boats or the shore as well as trolling.

LAKE INFO:
PLEASE BRING PFDs for the whole family and make sure everyone wears them. Life jackets save lives! PFDs are available for check-out free of charge at the visitor center. 🌤🔥 Please keep an eye on changeable weather and ATTEND YOUR CAMPFIRES as wildfire danger is elevated. Anyone may sign up for local WEATHER ALERTS with CodeRED, a FREE emergency notification service:

https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF7D2D0CF0FDFAQS:

• NEBRASKA STATE PARK ENTRY PERMITS are required for all vehicles. These are needed in addition to camping reservations. Save time by buying vehicle and fishing permits online in advance at https://OutdoorNebraska.gov.
•The possession and consumption of ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas.
• ATVs and UTVs are prohibited at the recreation areas.
• ALL PETS must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
• BE AWARE that you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle in order to drive on the beach. Roads are not improved once you get off Shoreline Road.
• NO GLASS on the beach. PACK OUT everything you bring with you and leave only your footprints, please. Recycling locations: Lake McConaughy Visitor Center, Lemoyne Senior Center, Van’s Lakeview, Martin Bay, Sandy Beach, Lake Ogallala, Lone Eagle Campground, Little Thunder Campground, Eagle Canyon Campground.

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