Outdoor Report
(Aug. 27, 2025) The campgrounds are full for Labor Day Weekend, according to NE Game and Parks, but there are basic and beach camping (primitive) spots left. Make your reservations at outdoornebraska.gov or call the NE Game and Parks reservation hotline at 844-637-2757.
In other lodging, Vogl's Lodge & Lure - Lake McConaughy has some cabin availabilities for the weekend.
Check https://visitkeithcounty.com/stay/ for hotels and other places to stay when you come to play at the lake!
Available docks:
Divers Bay
Martin Bay low water
Lake Ogallala (both docks) + the fishing dock in the northwest corner
FISHING NEWS
The walleye bite has slowed, but some fish are still being caught on the south side near Ogallala Beach in 30-40 ft depths with vertical jigging and jigging raps. Catfish can be caught from dawn to dusk all around the lake. Wiper success can occur off the face of the dam or in bays off rocky points this time of year. Fishermen targeting the river below Lake Ogallala continue to see trout success.
The water level at Lake McConaughy is 3,222.6 = 733,500ac-ft (42.1% capacity) Inflows from the North Platte River this week are around 645 CFS, outflows around 2,339.Campfires are currently permitted. Please use caution and keep them well-contained in a fire pit no larger than 3 feet.
: Sheri Boje Rowland
CALL 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency law enforcement issues, please contact Nebraska State Patrol Dispatch at 308-535-8047.
WEATHER can change very quickly so be sure to check the forecast AND monitor changing conditions. As always, if you see those dark clouds gathering, particularly in the west, GET OFF THE LAKE. Anyone may sign up for local weather alerts with Regroup, a FREE emergency notification service: https://embeds.regroupcloud.com/.../keithcou.../signup_embed.
Martin Bay and Arthur Bay are no-wake bays year round.
To avoid lines, please make sure to purchase your fishing and park entry permits ahead of time online or via a local permit vendor. Non-Nebraska registered motorized boats are required to have an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) sticker, which can be purchased in advance as well. 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.
BRING PFDs for the whole family and make sure everyone wears them. LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES!
PACK OUT everything you bring with you and leave only your footprints, please. Recycling drop off receptacles are located around the lake.
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. Current water level information may be found at cnppid.com/lake-river-data.
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.
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.
