OutdoorNebraska

Eastern Nebraska Just east of Grand Island, the Platte River continues its slow meander northeast, while I-80 heads straight east to Lincoln. On this end of the state, flood control reservoirs and farm ponds offer the best fishing. Recharge Lake This 49-acre lake is owned by the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. Camping is not allowed at the area, but there are several motels in York. A park entry permit is not required. Fish species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish Amenities: Concrete boat ramp, picnic tables, pit toilets, swing set Directions: From Exit 353, go 3 miles north on Highway 81 to Spur 93D in York. Turn left and go 1.7 miles west to the park entrance, on your right. Follow the entrance road 0.25 miles to the boat ramp. Other facilities are a short distance up that road. Twin Lakes WMA This WMA has two lakes, totaling 270 acres. East Twin Lake offers the best fishing; West Twin Lake is shallow and periodically goes dry. The area is a waterfowl refuge and is closed from October 15 through December 31. Fish species (East Twin): Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, walleye, carp, bullhead Amenities: Concrete boat ramp (East Lake), limited primitive camping, limited hunting Directions: From Exit 388 near Pleasant Dale, travel north 0.3 miles on the gravel road to Holdrege Street (dirt road). Turn left and go 0.5 miles west to the East Twin Lake boat ramp and parking area. Conestoga Lake SRA This 230-acre lake is popular for boating and water skiing and provides a scenic spot to camp in the Lincoln area. Fish species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, walleye, wiper, crappie, freshwater drum, carp Amenities: Concrete boat ramp, fish cleaning station, modern camping with electrical hook-ups, RV dump station, primitive camping, pit toilets, picnic shelters, iron ranger self-registration entrance station, limited hunting Directions: From Exit 388, go 0.3 miles south to Highway 6. Turn left and go 5 miles east to Spur 55A, at the town of Emerald. Turn right and go 3 miles south to West Pioneers Blvd. Turn right and go 1 mile west to the lake. Westbound travelers can use Exit 395 instead. Exit south to Highway 6 and then travel west 2.5 miles to Spur 55A at Emerald. Turn left and continue as above. Pawnee Lake SRA This 740-acre lake is popular with campers, boaters and anglers in the Lincoln area. Permits are available at the park office, where fishing tackle can be borrowed for use at the lake. Fish species: Largemouth bass, walleye, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, carp, freshwater drum Amenities: Concrete boat ramps, modern camping, modern restrooms (closed in winter), primitive camping, pit toilets, restaurant (summer only), swing set, picnic shelters, swimming beach, hiking trail, limited hunting Directions: From Exit 388, go 0.3 miles south to Highway 6. Turn left and go 5 miles east to Spur 55A, at the town of Emerald. Turn north on NW 84th Street. Go 2 miles north then turn An angler fishes for white bass in Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area. ERIC FOWLER NEBRASKAland ● May 2006 31 Eastern Nebraska

• Cover