Discover the Newest Lake in All of Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources estimates there are more than 2,700 named lakes in Nebraska. These lakes provide Nebraska residents with drinking water, fishing, and other recreation opportunities. One of the newest lakes in Nebraska has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most popular lakes in the state. 

Situated just one mile north of Wahoo, Nebraska, lies Lake Wanahoo. Named after Wanahoo Park, a Wahoo recreation area that operated in the mid-1960s, Lake Wanahoo officially opened for recreational use on April 28, 2012. 

Let’s take a look at the history, planning, and cost of the project. We’ll also discuss fishing and recreation opportunities at the lake, as well as the wildlife you can see there. Keep reading to learn about the newest lake in Nebraska, Lake Wanahoo. 

History, Planning, and Cost

Lake Wanahoo is part of the Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project. This multi-stage environmental restoration project aimed to improve flood control, preserve wild habitats, and provide recreation opportunities along the Sand Creek Watershed. 

The Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project started in the early 1990s in response to severe flooding on the Sand and Wahoo Creeks. However, talks for the project stretch back to the mid-1960s. Numerous reports and studies argued for the importance of flood control measures along the Sand Creek Watershed, but these talks went nowhere. 

In 1990, representatives from Saunders and Wahoo County put forward a proposal to the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District. The project proposed constructing a lake just to the north of the town of Wahoo. A 1996 feasibility study ordered by the project commission and completed in 1997 added further weight to the efficacy of the project. The project received full approval in January 2003.

In total, the Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project cost around $42 million. The bulk of this funding came from the US Army Corps of Engineers ($16 million) and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources ($12.3 million). Meanwhile, the Lower Platte North NRD kicked in around $9.2 million, while the Nebraska Department of Roads, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Nebraska Environmental Trust provided the rest. 

Construction began in earnest in the summer of 2004. thereafter and wrapped up in 2012. 

The Lower Platte North NRD owns and operates the lake and surrounding recreation area. Meanwhile, the US Army Corps of Engineers oversaw the development of the project, while the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission helped to design the lake and recreation area. 

Fishing

Since it opened in 2012, Lake Wanahoo has developed a reputation as one of the best fishing lakes in Nebraska. You can launch a kayak, canoe, pontoon boat, or fishing boat from the boat ramp located on the western shore of the lake. While you can boat on the lake, you cannot boat travel more than 5 miles per hour while boating on the lake. Additionally, wakeboarding is prohibited. 

Lake Wanahoo also supports several fishing jetties, three on the east shore and four on the west shore. Moreover, it has two wheelchair-accessible jetties, one on each shore. Novice and experienced anglers alike appreciate how easy it is to access the shoreline via the roads and walkways around the lake. 

Lake Wanahoo is well-stocked with a variety of freshwater game fish. Species you can catch at the lake include:

• Bluegill
• Bullhead
• Crappie
• Carp
• Largemouth bass
• Northern pike
• Walleye

Before you go fishing at Lake Wanahoo, make sure to consult the Nebraska Fishing Guide for special regulations. Unlike some lakes in Nebraska, you cannot use live bait fish at Lake Wanahoo. Additionally, any northern pike caught at the lake must be released. That said, wildlife authorities ask that you report the tag number, date caught, and fish length for all northern pike caught at the lake.  

Size

Lake Wanahoo lies within the Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area. The recreation area encompasses a total of 1,777 acres. Meanwhile, the lake itself covers 662 acres. 

At maximum depth, Lake Wanahoo measures around 40 feet deep. However, there are many shallow spots across the lake. Boaters are urged to use caution to avoid submerged objects when navigating around the lake. 

Wildlife

Environmental restoration was one of the main goals of the Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project, hence its name. The project aimed to create new habitats for wildlife, restore native hardwood forests and grasslands, and improve the quality of water in the Sand Creek Watershed. In addition to constructing a dam, lake, and recreation facilities, the project designers also set aside land for a wildlife area. 

Today, a large wetland just north of the lake is designated as a wildlife habitat area. The Lower Platte North NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks, and the group Pheasants Forever jointly managed the habitat. You can access the area both by boat or via several grass trails. 

You can find many animal species within the wildlife habitat area and around the lake in general. Since its creation, visitors have spotted over 150 bird species at the lake. Some birds you can see while visiting Lake Wanahoo include pheasants, egrets, ducks, grebes, ducks, sandpipers, and plovers. 

As for mammals, you may catch a glimpse of deer, gophers, rabbits, and skunks.

Recreation 

Lake Wanahoo is not only a boating and fishing site but also a popular recreation area. Many people come to the lake to camp, hike, bike, picnic, or just spend a day out in nature. 

The Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area encircles the entirety of Lake Wanahoo proper. Several biking and hiking trails circle the lake and connect the lake’s eastern and western shores. 

The recreation area also has several primitive cabins available for rent. These 10-foot by 12-foot cabins include air conditioners, heaters, counters, sleeping lofts, and bunks. While you have to bring your own bedding and mattress, the cabins have access to fresh water via a nearby shower house. 

On the lake’s eastern shore lies the Clint Johannes Education Building. This facility primarily operates as a site for education programs and school trips but is also available for private rentals. It accommodates up to 120 guests and includes restrooms, A/V equipment, a kitchen, a fire pit, and a patio.