Nebraskaland Magazine
I know, I know, Labor Day weekend is over. However, some of you will be on the water fishing yet this fall and if you are you might need to know these things:
Boat ramp access limited at Sherman, Calamus
Seasonal irrigation drawdowns at some north central reservoirs have caused boat ramp closures at two Nebraska Game and Parks state recreation areas.
At Calamus Reservoir SRA, the Valley View Flat boat ramp is closed. Boaters can still use Homestead Knolls, Buckshot Bay and Nunda Shoal boat ramps.
At Sherman Reservoir SRA, the Thunder Bay west boat lane, Trail 10 and Trail 8 boat ramps are closed. Thunder Bay east lane and boat ramps at Marina Bay and Trade Winds Marina are still accessible. Those with large boats, such as pontoons, are encouraged to use Marina Bay boat ramp.
Boaters should use their best judgment when launching at either Calamus or Sherman.
The two reservoirs are primary used for irrigation, prompting nearly annual closures of the ramps as water levels drop.
View a map of Nebraska’s public boating areas at Outdoornebraska.gov.
Drawdown of Johnson Lake planned this fall
Visitors to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will notice the lowering of the lake level this fall. The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District will lower it in preparation of an outage at the Johnson No. 1 hydroplant.
The drawdown of about 13 feet is scheduled to begin around Oct. 26. The outage at the hydroplant is tentatively scheduled from Nov. 6-16.
Inspections of structures at the lake will take place during the drawdown. The reservoir south of Lexington will fill during the hydroplant outage and should return to normal water operation elevations by the end of November.
Drawdown plans are subject to change, depending on river flows and rains.
For more information, visit cnppid.com.
