Lake McConaughy

Ogallala, Nebraska

Lake McConaughy 12 miles north of Holiday Inn Express 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.

100 Miles of Shoreline

20 Miles Long

3 Miles Wide

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.

Fishing has long been the primary drawing card at Lake Mac, with 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.

If wind curtails fishing, skiing, sailing and other water sports on the big lake, all is not lost. Lake Ogallala, below the dam, is often sheltered from the wind, or some bays may be calm. There are also side trips to attractions in the region. Ash Hollow State Historical Park lies nears the upper end of the lake on U.S. 26. Prehistoric man lived in Ash Hollow, early Indian fighters campaigned nearby, and the covered wagons of westbound immigrants followed the Oregon Trail through the area. Ruts of the wagons are still visible at Ash Hollow, where a prehistoric cave dwelling has been restored. The visitor center offers displays and information on the area’s history.

The neighboring Sandhills offers unique scenery for a drive, perhaps to Arthur, just a ½ hour north, or to Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, north of Oshkosh, about 90 minutes away. Ogallala and other communities also offer interesting things to do.

Come fall, when campers, anglers, water skiers, and other warm-weather sports enthusiasts pretty much abandon the lake, Big Mac becomes waterfowl hunting territory. Clear Creek Waterfowl Management Area at the west end of the lake attracts substantial numbers of Canadian geese, which can be hunted on the controlled shooting area, as well as much of the rest of the lake. Winter is an invitation to ice boaters, skaters, and backpackers, adding to the lake’s year round appeal.

FACTS ABOUT THE LAKE

Kingsley Dam was built by the Central Nebraska Power and Irrigation District to impound the North Platte River for irrigation and power generation. Construction began in 1936 and was completed in 1941 at a cost of $43,540,510. The dam is 3 ½ miles long; 162 feet high; 1,100 feet thick at the base, and contains 25 million cubic feet of material. It was built by driving a solid wall of interlocked sheet steel piling across the river bed from 30 to 160 feet deep through the sand gravel to impervious Brule clay. The core of the dam was constructed of loess soil, pumped into position on the steel piling. As the water drained out, the loess consolidated, leaving an impervious core. The dam exterior is sand and gravel that was pumped form a borrow pit. That pit became a bonus as Lake Ogallala.

Nebraska Highway 61 crosses the top of Kingsley Dam. At full storage of 1,948,000 acre feet, the lake is 22 miles long, 4 miles wide for quite some distance from the dam, and 142 feet deep near the dam. When full, the lake is 35,700 acres and has 105 miles of shore line.

For more information:

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
1500 Hwy. 61 N.
Ogallala, NE 69153-5930
308-284-3542

or visit website at: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/

Emergency Numbers
Dial 911 for all Emergencies

Ogallala Hospital …………………..308-284-4011

last data transmission was 5/04/2003/ST@15:07mst