Nebraska’s Best Fishing Spots from Trophy Lakes to Hidden Gems

Quick Take

• Nebraska is landlocked, yet one of its reservoirs holds multiple state fishing records. It's probably not the one you'd guess. Merritt Reservoir records →
• Local anglers at one of Nebraska's most popular fishing regions actually prefer freezing temperatures over peak summer, and there is a specific reason why. Sandhills ice fishing appeal →
• One Nebraska fishing license can legally unlock water in a completely different state, which is something many anglers don't realize. Lewis and Clark Lake access →
• Nebraska's best fishery for one of North America's most elusive trophy fish is hiding in a region most people wouldn't think to look. Nebraska's top muskie fishery →

Although Nebraska may not be the first state you think of when it comes to fishing, the state has around 450 lakes and streams available for public fishing. Whether you’re looking for channel catfish, trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, or another species, there’s a fishing spot out there for you. Read on to learn about the best fishing spots in Nebraska.

1. Box Butte Reservoir

The Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area covers 2,212 acres, including the 1,600-acre lake. The area is perfect for fishing, picnicking, camping, and bird-watching. It’s one of the most popular nature preserves in the Nebraska panhandle. Here you’ll be able to catch northern pike, yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. All types of boats are permitted here. There are also two boat ramps and two docks available to the public.

2. Lake McConaughy

Lake McConaughy is the largest reservoir in Nebraska with 30,000 surface acres. It is an excellent multi-species fishery, historically a great location for rainbow trout, striped bass, and panfish. However, now it is better known as one of the best places for trophy walleyes. Several state record holders, including walleye and hybrid striped bass, were caught in Lake McConaughy. White bass, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish can also be found here. There are several boat ramps with docks, as well as three fish-cleaning stations.

3. Lewis and Clark Lake

Lewis and Clark Lake on the Nebraska/South Dakota border is the second largest reservoir in the state. It is a well-known fishery for smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and white bass. In fact, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lewis and Clark Lake is the state’s best smallmouth bass fishery. The Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area has a full-service marina with slips and a boat ramp. Check the Recreation Area’s website for updates on the marina upgrade.

4. Sandhills Lakes

The sandhills region of Nebraska is mostly native grassland and natural lakes. Not only does it offer some of the best fishing in the state, but it is also one of the best places for bird-watching, as these lakes and wetlands provide a major flyway stop for migratory birds. These shallow lakes are known for bluegill, yellow perch, black crappies, northern pike, and even largemouth bass. Fishing is best in spring, early summer, and fall, as the lakes can become clogged with aquatic vegetation during the summer. That said, local anglers also enjoy ice fishing these lakes through holes in the ice during winter.

5. Merritt Reservoir

Merritt Reservoir is a nearly 3,000-acre lake in the sandhills region southwest of Valentine. There is something for every angler here. The reservoir is considered one of Nebraska’s best walleye fisheries and the best muskellunge fishery. Anglers also target northern pike, channel catfish, white bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and a variety of panfish. Merritt also produced the hook and line state record muskellunge and channel catfish. The reservoir is considered to be just as good on ice as on open water.

6. Missouri River

The Missouri River is 2,540 miles long, with about 200 miles defining the border between Nebraska and South Dakota. Anglers can fish for channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, walleye, sauger, and shovelnose sturgeon. A valid fishing license from Nebraska allows you to fish from either bank. Some of the most popular places to fish the Missouri River in Nebraska include the Gavins Point Dam tailwaters near Yankton/Crofton, the Ponca State Park, and the Riverview Marina SRA near Louisville.