Outdoor Report
The bait fish spawn is contributing to a good night bite for many species of fish on the face of the dam. The Sand Point area continues to see good success for white bass, some walleye and some northern pike. Catfish are being caught all over the lake.
Lake Mac’s water temp is around 76F. Elevation is 3,234.7 feet/55.8% of capacity. Inflows this week are 700 cubic feet per second, outflows are 2300 CFS. Current water level data can always be found at https://cnppid.com/lake-river-data/
BOAT RAMPS:
Martin Bay low water (near the base of the dam)
Divers Bay/ Burma Road
Lemoyne
Lake Ogallala (Both)
CAMPING: As of July 23, Lake Mcconaughy is 65.2 % booked (24 basic and 441 primitive sites available.) Lake Ogallala is 67.42% booked (60 basic sites available.) Remember: reservations are needed in summer peak season, and you can go online at https://outdoornebraska.gov/ and click reservations on the top right corner of the screen, use the RA Camping app, or call the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center at 308-284-8800.
UPCOMING EVENTS: July 27: Kites & Castles Aug: 2-3: Platte River Scuba Divers
There are also lots of opportunities to stay at a hotel, cabin, or private campground – check www.ilovelakemac.com for listings!
WEATHER here can CHANGE VERY QUICKLY. Anyone may sign up for local alerts with Regroup, a FREE emergency notification service: https://embeds.regroupcloud.com/orgs/keithcountyne/signup_embed
A REMINDER: If you have the need for law enforcement while at the lake, please call North Platte State Patrol Dispatch at 308-535-8047 or 911 for emergencies. The local Game and Parks number is 308-284-8800.
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.
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.
• 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
Keith County Visitors Center
