The May 9, 2025 Lake Mac Report sponsored by Spahns Marine & Buzz's Marine
OGALLALA, Neb. (May 9, 2025) — As spring continues to unfold across western Nebraska, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to Lake McConaughy—Nebraska’s largest reservoir—for prime fishing, camping, and early-season recreation.
Post-spawn activity has shifted walleye into deeper water, but according to recent reports, anglers are still having success. Smallmouth bass activity has been particularly strong, with excellent...
The May 9, 2025 Lake Mac Report sponsored by Spahns Marine & Buzz's Marine
OGALLALA, Neb. (May 9, 2025) — As spring continues to unfold across western Nebraska, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to Lake McConaughy—Nebraska’s largest reservoir—for prime fishing, camping, and early-season recreation.
Post-spawn activity has shifted walleye into deeper water, but according to recent reports, anglers are still having success. Smallmouth bass activity has been particularly strong, with excellent results recorded at two recent fishing tournaments.
Water conditions remain favorable heading into mid-May. The current water level at Lake McConaughy sits at 3,239.2 feet elevation, equating to 1,069,200 acre-feet, or roughly 61.3% of the reservoir’s total capacity.
Shower houses are now in service at several major recreation areas, including Cedar View, Arthur Bay, and Lake Ogallala. Additional facilities at Lone Eagle, Little Thunder, and Martin Bay are expected to open soon, pending water quality test results.
All fish cleaning stations around the lake are open for use, and docks have been installed at multiple ramps including Diver’s Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds campers that reservation season begins May 20, and advance reservations are required for overnight stays at Lake McConaughy throughout the summer. Reservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
A temporary campfire ban remains in effect for Nebraska state recreation areas in central and western parts of the state—including Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala—through May 10 due to fire safety concerns.
The most recent water temperature reading at the dam was 50 degrees Fahrenheit, signaling that peak fishing conditions are just around the corner.
Several upcoming events are scheduled around the reservoir:
- May 17 – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day across Nebraska
- May 31–June 1 – Shut Up & Fish Tournament hosted by Vogl’s Lodge & Lure at Lake McConaughy
- June 14 – Junior Fishing Tournament organized by Youth Outdoors Nebraska
Lake McConaughy, located just north of Ogallala, continues to be a top destination for outdoor recreation in the Midwest. For updates on lake conditions, camping, and events, visit VisitKeithCounty.com.
Information provided by Visit Keith County and the Keith County Visitors Committee.
