Outdoor Report
(4/14/2025)
The walleye spawn is in the early stages at Lake McConaughy. Water temp. was 47°F at the dam on April 14. Boat anglers on the face of the dam are generally trolling large crankbaits and bank anglers are casting crankbaits or jigs.
WATER LEVEL: 3,239.1 = 1,067,000ac-ft (61.2% capacity)
DOCKS are in at Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water, Lemoyne, and Lake Ogallala north and south ramps. (Note: if the wind is forecasted to be greater then 20 mph, docks will be pulled half to all the way out, depending on wind direction.)
Anglers fishing the dam should be reminded that from sunset to sunrise, April 1 to 30, any boat within 30 yards of Kingsley Dam must travel in a south-to-north (counter-clockwise) direction. Also, all boats are prohibited within 200 feet of the Kingsley Dam outlet and morning glory structures.
See this link to read more about optimal catch and release technique: https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/when-releasing-handle-fish-with-care/
CAMPING NEWS: 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. All camping is first-come, first-served until May 20, when reservations will be needed through Sept. 10. To make a reservation, 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.
Turkey are being spotted in the lake area, just in time for turkey season.
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.
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.
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. 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.
(photo credit: Sheri Rowland)
