Outdoor Report
May 26 2026
Water temperature is around 60 degrees.
DOCKS:
Martin Bay low water (near the base of the dam)
Divers bay/Burma Road
Lake Ogallala (Both)
Anglers experienced a good bite over the Memorial Day weekend for various species. Success is reported especially on the north shoreline when the wind is blowing into the north bays. Walleye are being caught in 10-23 foot of water, and there has been good success for white bass and wiper as well. Catfish continue to be caught on the west end where the river meets the lake along as well as the face of the dam.
Small mouth bass of good size can be caught on the rocky points of the south side of the lake. It's their spawning season and they are protective of their nests. So it would be good practice to catch and release so they can return to the nest to protect the eggs from other predators.
Elevation is 3,226.8 ft or 813,200ac-ft (46% capacity) (An acre foot is one acre with a foot of water on it, this translates to about one football field with a foot of water on it.)
Inflow to Lake McConaughy this week = 180 cubic feet per second.
Outflow from Lake McConaughy = 2990 cubic feet per second.
For a daily update visit https://www.cnppid.com/lake-river-data/
RESERVATION INFO:
Reservations season is here, so remember to go online at https://outdoornebraska.gov/ and click reservations on the top right corner of the screen, or call the Reservations hot line at 1-844-637-2757 from 8-5 Monday to Friday and 8-4 Saturday and Sunday.
Reservations for beach camping may be made 30 days in advance and reservations for modern camp grounds with electricity can be made 180 days in advance.
EVENTS:
May 30: Nebraska Bass Nation Tournament
May 31: Flippin Bass Club Tournament
June 6: Silted Water Bass
June 13: Colorado Bass, Denver Bass, & Terry McCormick Memorial Tournament
June 20: Jr Fishing Tournament - Youth Outdoors Nebraska
(thanks to Patrick Schnell of NE Game and Parks)
📸: Thanks to Chuck Hammack for sharing!
Check our calendar for local events.
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.
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. Smallmouth bass are targeted off the rocky points. 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.
PARK FAQS:
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 in peak season, 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 at the Lake Mac Visitors Center, Van's LakeView, Martin Bay, Sandy Beach, Lake Ogallala and Lone Eagle Campground.
Check out all hunting season dates here: https://outdoornebraska.gov/hunt/hunting-seasons. See the Public Hunting Atlas and Stubble Access Guide for public hunting ground info:
https://outdoornebraska.gov/guides-maps/public-access-atlas
http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/.../1539981-2025-26...
