Fishing Lake Maloney
AKA: Maloney Reservoir, Maloney Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake Maloney, NE

Walleye Fishing
Lake Maloney is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Maloney. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

White Bass Fishing
White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Lake Maloney, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing for white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, white bass and wiper at Lake Maloney in Nebraska.
Lake Maloney Fishing Video
Located just five miles south of North Platt, NE, Maloney Reservoir invites boating and fishing enthusiasts to enjoy its 1,600 acres of water-sport paradise. The lake is home to a wide variety of fish species including bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout and sunfish.
Lake Maloney, located near North Platte, Nebraska, is a beloved destination for fishing enthusiasts. Covering approximately 1,600 acres, this picturesque lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Lake Maloney is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Anglers can explore the lake's shoreline, submerged structures, and weed beds to target these sought-after fish.
Plenty of boat docks and aquatic vegetation provide cover for healthy populations of both fish and baitfish. Canoe and kayak fishing are popular here, as well as fishing from bass boats and other types of fishing watercraft. Shoreline fishing options are available at various places around the lake as well as a wheelchair-accessible deck. Ice fishing is an option when winter weather cooperates making for safe ice. Campgrounds with RV hookups are available at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, some right on the water.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Maloney
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Maloney Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Lake Maloney provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the beautiful scenery and peaceful ambiance. The lake allows for various water activities, such as motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Whether it's a leisurely boat ride or an adventurous water sports experience, Lake Maloney offers a pleasant boating adventure.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off N Lake Road, this is a two-lane, and a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Maloney
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.
Camping options are available near Lake Maloney, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Lake Maloney provides the opportunity to wake up to serene lake views, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Maloney SRA Campground - 308 535-8025
Lake Maloney NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Maloney
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area
301 East State Farm Rd.
North Platte, NE 69101
308 535-8025
Fishing lakes in each state.
101424
Lake Maloney in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA


Fishing at Lake Maloney, in Nebraska.
Crappie, walleye, trout and sunfish fishing in south-central NE.