Lake McConaughy
is only 12 miles north of Holiday Inn Express and is big! Its 35,7000
surface acres make it Nebraska’s largest reservoir. The dam is
among the largest of its type in the world, and the fish grow to trophy
proportions, accounting for several state records. Even its nickname,
"Big Mac", reflects its giant stature.
Located 8 miles northeast of Ogallala, NE, Lake McConaughy State Recreation
Area is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. To most Nebraskans
and residents of neighboring states, McConaughy is known as a place
for outdoor good times. Its waters and surrounding land provide the
setting for many different kinds of outdoor recreation, thanks to efforts
of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Obviously such a fine piece of water offers
excellent fishing and boating. But, Big Mac has become a favorite with
campers, sail boaters, wind surfers, swimmers, water skiers, picnickers,
scuba divers, hunters, ice boaters, and many other outdoor fun seekers.
Its cool, clear, deep waters. Game fish vary from sporty rainbow trout
to the everyday catfish. Prized most highly by the local angler is the
walleye, and Nebraska’s current state record is 16 lb. 2 oz. came
from Big Mac. Also top ranked is the white bass fishing. In recent years,
a close relative of the white bass has been stocked, and the striped bass
offers a tackle-busting contest an angler will not soon forget. Although
smaller in size, the small mouth bass provides some dynamite action.
In a typical year, a Lake McConaughy angler’s diary might read something
like this:
· Early spring- ice out at the west end, excellent channel catfishing;
Late May, early April- good walleye fishing along the dam
· May-June- walleye fishing in
bays and upper end of lake
· June-July- trolling for rainbow
· June-August- spin casting the
southeast bays for small mouth bass
· July-August- white bass fishing
over most of the lake
· September-October- striped bass
along the north shore
When fishing such a big lake, a boat is almost a must. And, a couple of points merit consideration
when using a boat or water bikes on Big Mac, whether for fishing, skiing
or other fun. First of all, as the irrigation season progresses, water
levels drop, and some boat ramps won’t reach the water. The longest
public ramps are at Martin Bay, Cedar Vue, Otter Creek and near the area
headquarters at the south end of the dam. They can get rather busy, so
allow plenty of time for launching and removing.
Boaters should always
keep the weather in mind, particularly the wind. A strong wind can
make the lake too rough for comfort or safety, so boaters should be
ready to head for shore if the breeze gets too strong or if clouds
signal an approaching storm.
|
|
|