OutdoorNebraska

turkey season in mid-May, unless posted or restricted by regulations. Park entry permits are required. The larger, more developed SRAs will have permits available. At several smaller SRAs along I-80, campers can self-register at "iron ranger" stations and also purchase a required state park entry permit. Anglers will need to visit a Commission office or permit vendor to obtain a fishing permit. Many of the I-80 lakes are on State Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). As the name suggests, these areas are managed for wildlife, fishing and hunting. Camping is permitted unless otherwise posted, but few areas have amenities. Do not expect to find drinking water, restrooms, playgrounds, garbage cans or fishing piers. Some may have a small boat ramp. While these areas may be short on amenities, many provide quality fishing. Finding them may take some effort – they may not be shown on maps and there usually are no road signs to follow. Most are on dirt roads. Hunting, trapping and target shooting are permitted on WMAs unless otherwise posted. Park entry permits are not required. Properties not owned by the Commission have other designations, and amenities will vary. Visitors should look for special regulations signs when entering any public area. The I-80 Corridor This guide provides information about the best fishing lakes within 10 miles of Interstate 80. There are others. For a complete list of public waters, pick up a copy of the annual Nebraska Fishing Guide. The state has been divided into four regions for this guide: Western Nebraska from the Wyoming border to North Platte; the Western Platte River Valley from North Platte to Lexington; the Central Platte River Valley from Lexington to Grand Island; and Eastern Nebraska from Grand Island to the Missouri River. Directions from I-80, fish species present, facilities offered and a brief description of each area are provided. Parks are listed according to their I-80 exit number as you travel east. Happy fishing! Western Nebraska The most popular destination for recreation along I-80 in this region is Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest lake. Located just north of Ogallala, this 30,000-acre lake has miles of white, sandy beaches, great fishing and boating, and plenty of places to camp. Nearby Lake Ogallala offers some of the best trout fishing in the Great Plains. Oliver Reservoir SRA Oliver Reservoir is a 270-acre flood-control lake built on Lodgepole Creek. Water levels can fluctuate significantly, so boaters should exercise extra caution here. Fish species: Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch, walleye, channel catfish, carp, muskie and tiger muskie Amenities: Concrete boat ramps, wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, primitive camping, pit toilets, picnic shelters, swimming beach, iron ranger self-registration entrance station, hunting allowed Directions: From Exit 8, go north on Link 53C about 2.5 miles to Highway 30 in Bushnell. Turn right on Highway 30 and go 3.5 miles east to the campground. Additional day use areas are available along Highway 30. From Exit 20, travel north on Highway 71 to Highway 30 in Kimball, and then travel west about 8 miles to the lake. Food, fuel and camping supplies are available in Kimball. 22 NEBRASKAland ● May 2006 Western Nebraska Western Nebraska Sidney Chappell Chappell Interstate Lake Goldeneye WMA Kimball Oliver Reservoir SRA W Y O M I N G C O L O R A D O Big Springs ● ● ● Western Nebraska

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