Nebraska Fishing Lakes
Lake-by-lake species, seasonal bite, boat access, and regulations for the biggest fishing lakes in Nebraska.
Harlan County Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake
Lake McConaughy
Merritt Reservoir
Sherman Reservoir
More Nebraska lakes
Tap a lake to open its guide: species, boat launches, bait shops, and size and creel limits.
Harlan County LakeHarlan County (into Kansas) · 13,250 acres
Harlan County Lake
A reservoir on the Republican River near the Kansas line, known for walleye, white bass and catfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Boat launches
1 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- More public accessPublicSee the Nebraska Game & Parks or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Max one 22 in or longer; sauger/saugeye combined | One 15-18 in + three over 18 in, or four over 18 in | 4 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- The Bait BoxNearbyRepublican CityDirections ↗
Local tips
- White bass school on points in summer.
- Levels vary with irrigation releases.
- The tailwater below the dam fishes well in spring.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Merritt ReservoirCherry County · 3,000 acres
Merritt Reservoir
A remote Sandhills reservoir famous for muskie and walleye, plus white bass.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Muskellunge
Big baits along weed edges and rock bars, best in fall.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Largemouth Bass
Weeds, docks and wood in the shallows.
Boat launches
1 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- More public accessPublicSee the Nebraska Game & Parks or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge Tiger muskie too | 50 in | 1 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Merritt Trading PostNearby88337 Nebraska Highway 97, Valentine, NE 69201(402) 376-3437Directions ↗
- Tooth and Whisker OutdoorsNearby311 W Hwy 20, Valentine, NE 69201(402) 376-1284Directions ↗
Local tips
- Remote, with dark skies. It's a popular stargazing spot.
- Sandy shoreline and clear water.
- Muskie fishing peaks in fall.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
Sherman ReservoirSherman County · 2,845 acres
Sherman Reservoir
A central Nebraska reservoir known for walleye, crappie and wipers.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Points, flats and reefs at low light. Jigs and live bait early, crankbaits and crawler harnesses in summer.
Crappie
Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.
Wiper
Hybrid striped bass. Chase surface-feeding schools and points with wind.
White Bass
Schools chasing shad in open water, and spring river runs.
Boat launches
1 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- More public accessPublicSee the Nebraska Game & Parks or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Sauger/saugeye combined | 20-28 in protected slot (no harvest); two 15-20 in; one over 28 in | 3 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Trade Winds MarinaNearby1187 Marina Rd, Loup City, NE 68853(308) 745-1187Directions ↗
Local tips
- It's one of Nebraska's better walleye lakes.
- Levels drop with irrigation in late summer.
- The dam area holds fish in spring.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.