The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Nebraska

Are you an avid angler looking for the best places to fish in Nebraska? Look no further! This article will provide you with an in-depth guide to the top fishing lakes in Nebraska so you can find the perfect spot for your next fishing adventure.

1. Sherman Reservoir

Sherman Reservoir is located in the central Nebraska, and is a large reservoir covering almost 3,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, Sauger, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie and Catfish
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in North Platte
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in North Platte
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Best Western Golden Spike Inn & Suites and Staybridge Suites North Platte
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Sports & Outdoors, located in North Platte (3 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Public boat ramp and fishing pier, picnic areas, and trails
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Love’s Travel Stop, located in North Platte (6 miles)

2. Lake McConaughy

Lake McConaughy sits in the western part of the panhandle region of Nebraska, and is the largest reservoir in the state, with a surface area of 30,500 acres.

Types of Fish: Walleye, White Bass, Channel Catfish, and Northern Pike
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Ogallala
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Ogallala
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Motel 6 Ogallala and Holiday Inn Express Ogallala
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Cabela’s Ogallala, located in Ogallala (3 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds, public beaches, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Sinclair Travel Plaza, located in Ogallala (3 miles)

3. Harlan County Reservoir

Harlan County Reservoir is located in the southwestern corner of Nebraska, and is a large reservoir covering 17,000 acres.

Types of Fish: White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, Wiper, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Alma
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Alma
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Americas Best Value Inn & Suites and Super 8 Alma
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Harlan County Fish and Game, located in Alma (3 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds and public beaches
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Murphy USA, located in Alma (3 miles)

4. Medicine Creek Reservoir

Medicine Creek Reservoir is located in the southwestern part of Nebraska, and is a large reservoir covering over 2,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Cambridge
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Cambridge
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Super 8 Cambridge and Regency Inn Cambridge
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Sports & Outdoors, located in Cambridge (2 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds, public beaches, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Love’s Travel Stop, located in Cambridge (3 miles)

5. Calamus Reservoir

Calamus Reservoir is located in the central part of Nebraska, and is a large reservoir covering over 5,000 acres.

Types of Fish: Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Walleye, White Bass, and Crappie
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Burwell
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Burwell
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Holiday Inn Express Burwell and Super 8 Burwell
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Calamus Outfitters, located in Burwell (3 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds, trails, and public boat ramp
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Sinclair Travel Plaza, located in Burwell (2 miles)

6. Merritt Reservoir

Merritt Reservoir is located in the northern part of Nebraska, and is a large reservoir covering almost 4,300 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass, Crappie, Catfish, White Bass, and Northern Pike
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Valentine
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Valentine
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Super 8 Valentine and Best Western Crescent Inn
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Heartland Outfitters, located in Valentine (3 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds, trails, and public boat ramp
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Holiday Station Stores, located in Valentine (1 mile)

7. Lewis and Clark Lake

Lewis and Clark Lake is located in the eastern part of Nebraska, and is a large lake covering over 10,400 acres.

Types of Fish: Hybrid Striped Bass, White Bass, Walleye, Catfish, and Northern Pike
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Yankton
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Yankton
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Days Inn Yankton and Holiday Inn Express Yankton
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Lewis & Clark Outfitters, located in Yankton (2 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds, trails, and public boat ramp
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Love’s Travel Stop, located in Yankton (2 miles)

8. Winner Lake

Winner Lake is located in the eastern part of Nebraska, and is a medium-sized lake covering almost 900 acres.

Types of Fish: Catfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Crappie
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Lincoln
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Lincoln
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Sleep Inn & Suites Lincoln and Comfort Inn & Suites Lincoln
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Cabela’s Lincoln, located in Lincoln (7 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds and public boat ramp
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Murphy USA, located in Lincoln (7 miles)

9. Red Willow Reservoir

Red Willow Reservoir is located in the southwestern part of Nebraska, and is a medium-sized lake covering about 1,500 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, and Walleye
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in McCook
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in McCook
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Comfort Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express McCook
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Red Willow Outfitters, located in McCook (2 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Love’s Travel Stop, located in McCook (2 miles)

10. Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes is located in the central part of Nebraska, and is two small lakes covering a combined total of over 800 acres.

Types of Fish: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, Northern Pike, and Crappie
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, and canoeing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at local stores in Fremont
Fishing Guide Service: Available at local stores in Fremont
Closest Hotels to this Lake: Motel 6 Fremont and Super 8 Fremont
Nearest Fishing Store and How Far Away it is: Sports & Outdoors, located in Fremont (2 miles)
Basic Fishing Regulations: Nebraska State Fish and Game Rules and Regulations apply, a valid fishing license is required
Amenities of the Lake: Campgrounds and public boat ramp
Nearest Gas Station and How Far Away it is: Love’s Travel Stop, located in Fremont (3 miles)

Find Good Fishing Spots in Nebraska and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for an adventure and some great fishing spots, Nebraska is the perfect place for you! With the Google map below, you can explore the vast array of lakes and locations that have some of the best fishing in the Midwest. From the northern Sandhills to the southern border with Kansas, Nebraska has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert angler, you’ll be sure to find a lake that will suit your fishing needs. So grab your tackle box and start exploring Nebraska’s lakes and fishing locations!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Nebraska

The weather in Nebraska for sport fishing throughout the year is generally mild and comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures in the mid-80s and nighttime lows in the mid-60s. Winters are generally cold, with average temperatures in the low-30s and nighttime lows in the low-teens. Spring and fall are generally mild, with temperatures in the mid-50s during the day and the mid-30s at night. Nebraska is known for its frequent severe weather events, including heavy thunderstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards.