Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN – The aquatic habitat rehabilitation project is complete at Burchard Wildlife Management Area, however the reservoir remains low.
The new boat ramp facility is still not accessible and will remain closed because of the water level is 7-8 feet below full pool. Access to the reservoir is allowed for bank angling, but all vehicles must remain on roads and parking lots. Launching small vessels, such as johnboats, kayaks, canoes and float tubes, is also allowed provided they are carried from the road and launched from the shoreline.
Many improvements were made during the rehabilitation project, including the construction of a new outlet structure, boat ramp facility, angler access nodes and a handicap-accessible fishing pier. Offshore breakwaters were placed to protect shorelines, and a sediment dike and basin were added on the reservoir’s north arm. Aquatic habitat was enhanced by deepening water levels near new breakwaters and by placing underwater rock shoals and cedar tree fish attractors in the reservoir basin.
The reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission surveys and angler reports indicate the fishery is in good shape overall.
