Tag Archives: Lake McConaughy

I hope you do not think I post these news items on my blog just for filler.  I guess if you do, you can always choose not to read.  Whatever. Nonetheless, I learned a long time ago that no matter how much you publicize things, there will always be someone who does not hear.  I know this news release has been around for a few days; I am going to spread it around again, some more, especially with the stinkin’ …

Upgrades to Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area near Ogallala in 2022 have improved boating access, traffic flow, fishing amenities, beach access and more. A $3.5 million boating access project significantly upgraded Martin Bay’s entrance, parking area and high-water boat ramp, and the Cedar View Bay boat ramp. The Martin Bay high-water boat ramp has an 11% grade, compared to 3.5% before the project. The steeper grade makes launching boats easier. The two-lane ramp has a turnaround and boat staging area. …

A public informational meeting about the walleye fishery at Lake McConaughy will be March 27. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Mountain time at the Lake McConaughy Visitors and Water Interpretive Center. The topics Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff will discuss include fisheries management, ongoing research, angler survey results, and plans for 2023. This session will provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback. The visitor center is located one-quarter mile south of Kingsley Dam on Highway 61.

Some of you are going to want to know the status of these boat ramps for this weekend: Low water causes boating issues at Panhandle reservoirs It’s been a hot, dry summer, and boaters visiting Lake Minatare and Box Butte state recreation areas may find launching and loading boats to be a challenge in coming weeks. Because of low water levels, the docks have reached the end of their track systems, making them unusable until the water rises sometime after …

Some of you will know the story I am about to tell.  It played out on the interwebs earlier this summer.  At the time, it was difficult to get all the information and understand what was really happening.  Things have settled now and we know more, so let me recount the incident. . . . Once upon a time, someone was walking the shores of Lake McConaughy and came upon some unidentified fish.  They looked like this (I can show …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has completed stocking over 26 million walleye fry in the North Platte River above the reservoir and upper portion of Lake McConaughy. To help increase survival, most fry were stocked from a boat to distribute them into areas with adequate food resources and fewer predators. Beginning in mid-June, an additional 1.5 million walleye fingerlings with an average length between 1.25- to 1.5-inches will be stocked. A portion of those walleye fingerlings will be raised …

Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas are entering their second peak season May 20 to Sept. 11 when reservations are required for all camping, including beach sites. Campers should book their reservation at the two state recreation areas before leaving home. Reservations can be made online at NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com, via the mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours. “Last year, guests reported being able to enjoy family-friendly camping experiences and days at the beach, while …

Fisheries staff at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission again will capture spawning walleyes at Sherman Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy to collect eggs to meet stocking requests. As of April 1, a designated area along the dam at Sherman is closed to bank anglers and boats following sunset. The collection there will begin the night of April 1. Crews will begin collections at Merritt on or near April 6 and finish at McConaughy likely the following week. Access …

Access to Martin Bay at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is temporarily closed effective March 31 for an asphalt road improvement project. Walleye spawn anglers should anticipate parking on the south end of the dam during the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed in late May prior to the Memorial Day holiday. The Martin Bay intersection at Highway 61 was closed the morning of March 31 so Martin Bay Recreation Road can get an asphalt overlay. …

I need to spread the word on this too, and looking at the calendar, I need to do it now! Two angler creel surveys to begin at Lake McConaughy in April It’s the time of year for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to survey Lake McConaughy anglers for information that assists in statewide fisheries management decisions. Two surveys will be conducted at the state recreation area starting April 1: 1. A daytime survey will take place April through October with …