NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1469065
Fishing the Interstate • A Guide to the I-80 Lakes fi shing piers, kayak launch. Directions: From Exit 177 at North Platte, go south on Highway 83 to the fi rst traffi c signal at Eugene Drive. Turn left, and then left again to enter the park. GPS coordinates: 41.107564, -100.761427 Lake Maloney SRA Lake Maloney is the second canal reservoir downstream from lakes McConaughy and Ogallala. It is approximately 1,600 surface acres. It is used for the regulation of water used by the Nebraska Public Power District. Private residences line much of the shoreline but boat access is good, and bank angler access is available at the inlet and outlet areas. Fish species: Walleye, wiper, white bass, channel catfi sh, common carp, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, fl athead catfi sh, freshwater drum. Amenities: Two concrete boat ramps, fi sh-cleaning stations, privately managed marina. Directions: From Exit 177 at North Platte, go south 6 miles on Highway 83, then turn west on South Maloney Drive to the SRA. GPS coordinates: 41.047742, -100.769186 Fremont Slough WMA Visible from I-80, this 30-acre lake is a hidden gem to visitors as it is not easily accessed. Vehicle traffi c is limited to the south shoreline and the southern portion of the west shoreline. Fish species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass, channel catfi sh, common carp. Amenities: Concrete boat ramp, three angler access platforms. Directions: From Exit 179 at North Platte, go south on Link 56G for 1 mile to East State Farm Road. Turn left and go 2.5 miles east until the paved road makes a sharp right turn. Turn left onto Shack Road (gravel). Drive north over a canal bridge, then under I-80. Veer right at a fork and go 0.3 miles to the WMA. GPS coordinates: 41.096816, -100.670083 Crystal Lake This 7-acre lake provides a great getaway site. Fish species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfi sh, channel catfi sh. Amenities: Primitive boat ramp. Directions: From Exit 190 at Maxwell, go north on Spur 56A 0.5 miles to West Island Road. Tum left, and follow the road, which parallels I-80, about 6 miles west. Tum left on Novacek Road and cross the overpass to the lake on the south side of I-80. GPS coordinates: 41.082672, -100.618340 West Maxwell Rest Stop This 7-acre pond is ringed with cattails and is a good spot to catch bluegill. Automobile access is restricted to the northeast shoreline. Fish species: Bluegill, channel catfi sh, largemouth bass, common carp, crappie, redear sunfi sh. Amenities: Concrete boat ramp, two angler access platforms. Directions: From Exit 190 at Maxwell, go north on Spur 56A 0.5 miles to West Island Road. Go west 0.8 miles, then turn left on Old Military Street and go south 0.2 miles to the WMA. GPS coordinates: 41.057193, -100.542585 Fort McPherson The Nebraska Department of Transportation owns this 30-acre lake. Automobile access is restricted to the southwest part of the property. Fish species: Largemouth bass, Many fi sh species can be caught along the I-80 lake system, including crappies. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND Jared Lorenson ice fi shes at Fremont Slough WMA near North Platte. Lakes along Interstate 80 provide fi shing opportunities throughout the year. JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND