OutdoorNebraska

Fishing the Interstate • A Guide to the I-80 Lakes t's 455 miles across Nebraska on Interstate 80. That's a long trip in a vehicle, unless you decide to stop and wet a line along the way. If so, there are dozens of lakes within casting distance of the interstate. When I-80 was built, the route with the fewest obstructions was the fl at Platte River Valley, but building the interstate along the river was a challenge because of high groundwater levels and no hills to provide fi ll material. Wherever road builders needed fi ll for an overpass or roadbed, they took it from the valley fl oor. Groundwater soon seeped into the borrow pits. Knowing this would happen, engineers and fi sheries biologists collaborated to ensure the pits were dug with fi sh and anglers in mind. The result was the creation of more than 50 clear and productive fi shing waters now known as the "l-80 Lakes." Forty of them are open to the public with their fi sheries managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This guide provides information about these lakes from west to east. While most of them are within sight of Interstate 80 from Bushnell to Grand Island, we have also included nearby waters just outside of casting distance from the interstate as well. For a complete list of public waters and current regulations, pick up a copy of the annual Nebraska Fishing Guide. Oliver Reservoir This 270-acre, fl ood-control reservoir on Lodgepole Creek is managed by the South Platte Natural Resources District. It has water levels that fl uctuate signifi cantly, so boaters should be cautious. Fish species: Crappie, walleye, channel catfi sh, northern pike, common carp, muskellunge, tiger muskellunge. Amenities: Concrete boat ramps, wheelchair-accessible fi shing pier, pit toilets. Directions: From Exit 8 at Bushnell, go north on Link 53C about 2.5 miles to Highway 30. Turn right and go 3.5 miles east to the lake. GPS coordinates: 41.231038, -103.824122 Chappell Interstate Lake When the interstate was built, Lodgepole Creek was redirected through a new channel to avoid fl ooding problems. This left the old channel cut off , creating an oxbow lake that was made even larger when additional material was excavated later to be used for interstate construction. The result was a clear, 30-acre lake owned by the city. Fish species: Bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfi sh, yellow perch. Amenities: Concrete boat ramp, restrooms. Directions: From Exit 85 at Chappell, go north a short distance and take the fi rst right to enter the park. I The I-80 Lakes System Park Types Along the I-80 corridor, there are state parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas owned by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission — each with their own amenities. State Parks • State parks have the most accommodations and activities, including lodging and modern campgrounds. • A park entry permit is required for each vehicle. State Recreation Areas • These spaces are not as developed as state parks, yet most provide camping. • A park entry permit is required for each vehicle. State Wildlife Management Areas • These areas are state- owned and managed for wildlife, fishing, hunting and trapping, and camping is allowed unless otherwise posted. Few areas have amenities. • A park entry permit is not required.

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