The ice is off the lake and anglers are getting ready for another amazing spring of fishing at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala. Hunters are gearing up for spring turkey season. (photo credit: Justin Heflin)
When will docks go in? No docks are in the water yet (3/11/25) but Nebraska Game and Parks says they will be placed at Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water and Lemoyne in the next couple of weeks. Of course, some boaters who don't mind getting a little wet are already putting in at the ramps.
What are the best opportunities for catching fish in early spring? Pike and catfish can be targeted toward the west end of the lake. Trout fishing at Lake Ogallala is expected to be strong this year, following the recent renovation of the fishery. 3,300 cutbow trout (a hybrid of rainbow and cutthroat) were stocked earlier this month. The walleye spawn is a little over a month away, and it usually continues through the first part of May. The spawn is triggered by various factors, including water temperature and photoperiod. Following the spawn along the face of the dam, fishermen target walleye and wipers using live bait or casting jigs to the shoreline. McConaughy is famous for its trophy-sized walleye population, which grow big dining on the lake's population of prey fish like alewife.
What do fishermen need to be ready to fish? Now is the time to make sure your license and boat registration are ready to go. It's also a good opportunity take out your fishing gear to make sure it's in good condition.
What is the lake level this spring? Lake McConaughy is currently at 3,237.8 ft elevation or 1,038,700ac-ft (59.6% capacity on 3/11/25) Current lake levels can always be found on the website of Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.
Does Lake McConaughy have professional fishing guides? Yes, there are many pro fishing guide services that offer visitors and locals a premium experience. See the guide list here.
What can campers expect? The water is turned on in most areas of the lakes, except for Lone Eagle and Little Thunder campgrounds. Buildings generally open toward the end of April. Camping is first-come, first-served until reservation season - May 20 through September 10. Outside of reservation season, you can pay for camping at the self-pay stations or the visitors center.
Does the Lake McConaughy area offer good turkey hunting? Keith County area is a longtime favorite with hunters for its scenic beauty and abundance of game. Officials report that
turkeys are being spotted in the lake area.
TURKEY SEASON DATES:
Spring archery: March 25 – May 31, 2025
Spring youth shotgun: April 5 – May 31, 2025
Spring shotgun: April 12 – May 31, 2025
TURKEY PERMITS:
Nonresident spring turkey permits sold out January 14th, but nonresident Youth and Landowner spring turkey permits are available for purchase. Resident spring turkey permits are available now through May 31, 2025. Nebraska residents may purchase up to two spring permits.