Outdoor Report

OUTDOOR NEWS

All docks are pulled at Lake Mac and Lake Ogallala due to repairs, ice and wind. Docks will go back in this spring when ice clears from the bays.
 
NGP restroom and shower facilities have closed around the lake. Electrical pedestals and drinking water remain available at the campgrounds year round. Primitive restrooms around the lake remain available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calendar of Events

Mar
17
Fri
12:00 pm APA Signature Show at the Petrif...
APA Signature Show at the Petrif...
Mar 17 @ 12:00 pm – Apr 29 @ 2:00 pm
APA Signature Show at the Petrified Wood & Art Gallery
The Petrified Wood & Art Gallery in Ogallala will again host the American Plains Artists (APA) Signature Show this spring.  The show will be on display March 17-April 29 at the gallery located at 418 East 1st[...]
Apr
29
Sat
all-day Catfish Classic
Catfish Classic
Apr 29 all-day
The annual Catfish Classic will take place Saturday  April 29, 2023 Contact:  Darrell Morrow 308-778-5879
all-day Wild West Soap Box Derby – Seaso...
Wild West Soap Box Derby – Seaso...
Apr 29 all-day
Contact:  Dave Barrett at 308-778-5879
May
13
Sat
10:00 am Birding at Lake Mac
Birding at Lake Mac
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us at Lake McConaughy for this Nebraska Bird Month Event Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lake McConaughy Visitors Center! Learn about common birds at Lake McConaughy, make pinecone bird[...]