Fishing Lake McConaughy

AKA: McConaughy Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake McConaughy Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Lake McConaughy, NE

Popular Fish Species Lake McConaughy, NE

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake McConaughy this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method 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.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Lake McConaughy. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Hybrid Striped Bass, Wiper Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake McConaughy, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

Lake McConaughy Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, rainbow trout, white bass, yellow perch, wiper and northern pike at Lake McConaughy in Nebraska.

The largest reservoir in Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is a sprawling 35,700-acre lake offering water sports galore. A favorite vacation spot for Nebraskans, it is located in the southwest part of the state, with easy access off I-80. The lake is home to walleye, white bass, catfish, striped bass, and wiper. Rocky shorelines, a few docks and plenty of brush, provide cover for the fish and baitfish that make this a great fishing lake.

Fishing Report

Primary fish species residing in Lake McConaughy

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake McConaughy Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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