Nebraska’s Top 17 Fishing Lakes and Rivers You Didn’t Know About 🎣
Nebraska, renowned for its vast prairies and agricultural heritage, also harbors some of the Midwest’s most incredible fishing opportunities. From massive reservoirs hosting world-class walleye to pristine Sandhills lakes teeming with trophy northern pike, the Cornhusker State offers diverse angling experiences across its 450+ fishable waters.
We’re counting down to Nebraska’s premier fishing destinations, revealing their unique features and the remarkable fish that await your line!
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- #17 Johnson Lake
- #16 Branched Oak Lake
- #15 Sherman Reservoir
- #14 Sutherland Reservoir
- #13 Harlan County Reservoir
- #12 Box Butte Reservoir
- #11 Lake Minatare
Source: Pixabay
17. Johnson Lake
Primary Target Species: Walleye, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie.
Highlights: Johnson Lake in south-central Nebraska offers excellent fishing opportunities with good boat access and camping facilities. This mid-sized reservoir provides consistent fishing for multiple species in a scenic setting.
It features consistent water levels and is popular for family fishing trips. The state record Bigmouth Buffalo (44 lbs 14.5 oz) was caught here in 1991.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
16. Branched Oak Lake
Primary Target Species: Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill.
Highlights: Located 2.5 miles north of Malcolm, Branched Oak Lake is the largest reservoir among the Salt Valley lakes, covering 5,495 acres with about 1,800 acres of water. This lake offers diverse fishing opportunities near Lincoln.
It features multiple campgrounds with full amenities, four dump stations, and drinking water. It recently reverted to statewide walleye regulations.
- 📋 U.S. Fishing License & Regulation Guide: Everything you need to know before casting your line.
Source: Pixabay
15. Sherman Reservoir
Primary Target Species: Walleye, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie.
Highlights: Sherman Reservoir consistently ranks among Nebraska’s top fishing destinations, offering excellent walleye and white bass fishing. This central Nebraska lake provides reliable fishing year-round.
It features good access and boat ramps, is popular with tournament anglers, and offers excellent ice fishing opportunities in winter.
- 🧭 Best Times of Year to Fish in Every State: Seasonal tips to help you plan the perfect fishing trip.
Source: Pixabay
14. Sutherland Reservoir
Primary Target Species: Walleye, White Bass, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass.
Highlights: Sutherland Reservoir in west-central Nebraska offers quality fishing in a scenic setting. This irrigation reservoir provides excellent opportunities for multiple species despite water level fluctuations.
It features a scenic western Nebraska location with good camping and boat access. Quality fish populations are maintained despite variations in water levels due to irrigation demands.
- 🏆 America’s 25 Most Legendary Fishing Spots: Bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
Source: Pixabay
13. Harlan County Reservoir
Primary Target Species: Wiper (Striped Bass Hybrid), White Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass.
Highlights: Harlan County Reservoir on the Republican River offers excellent fishing for warm-water species. This large reservoir spans into Kansas and provides diverse fishing opportunities.
The state record Wiper of 17 lbs 14 oz was caught here in 1996. It offers excellent white bass and wiper fishing, with good boat ramps and camping.
- 🧰 Essential Gear Checklist for Lake Fishing: Don’t leave home without these lake-tested essentials.
Source: Pixabay
12. Box Butte Reservoir
Primary Target Species: Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Rock Bass.
Highlights: Way out west in the Nebraska panhandle sits Box Butte Reservoir. Despite water level fluctuations during droughts, this irrigation reservoir maintains excellent water quality and diverse fish populations.
It features a high density of northern pike, with rocky bottoms and aquatic vegetation creating excellent habitat in its remote panhandle location. It offers a variety of panfish including pumpkinseeds.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
11. Lake Minatare
Primary Target Species: Crappie, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass.
Highlights: Located just 12 miles northeast of Scottsbluff, Lake Minatare offers excellent fishing in a spectacular setting. This western Nebraska lake provides good camping and easy boat access.
It features 26 electric-hookup RV campsites and fish cleaning stations. It offers spectacular panhandle scenery, and multiple species provide diverse fishing opportunities.