OutdoorNebraska

NEBRASKAland Magazine • Fishing the Sandhills Crescent Lake Area The three lakes on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge open to fishing have long been worth the drive on miles of bumpy roads for anglers. But because they were a long way from everywhere, many looking for more than a day trip crossed them off their list because camping was not allowed. That changed when the Commission opened Crescent Lake Wildlife Management Area on the south edge of the refuge in 2011, and with it, public access to Crescent and Blue lakes. Anglers are now making Crescent Lake WMA their base camp on multi-day trips to the area, allowing them to hit any or all of the lakes in search of the best bite. Lodging is also available at Blue Creek Lodge, 7 miles south of the lakes. Unlike their neighbors on the refuge, Crescent and Blue lakes allow live baitfish and gas motors with a 5 mph, no-wake limit. Only electric motors and non-powered boats are allowed on Island Lake. No boats, kayaks or even float tubes are allowed on Crane and Smith lakes. Dead smelt is allowed. The refuge is open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. For more information on the refuge, visit FWS.gov/Refuge/Crescent_Lake. Crescent Lake WMA 982 Acres. Garden County, 22N of Oshkosh. Bluegill, Common Carp, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Sauger, Saugeye, Yellow Perch. The second largest of all Sandhills lakes, Crescent Lake and the adjacent Blue Lake opened to the public in 2011 after a long-running effort to lease land access to these public waters. The lakes were renovated in 2008 to remove carp that had left the lakes void of vegetation. That effort wasn't entirely successful and, combined with a partial winterkill of gamefish in 2012-13, carp have regained a foothold. Biologists are hoping to control the carp by stocking more northern pike, muskellunge, saugeye and sauger, and the lake is expected to offer good fishing for a number of years. Primitive camping is allowed in the upper parking lot. Concrete boat ramp, pit toilet. Blue Lake 311 Acres. Garden County, 22N of Oshkosh. Bluegill, Common Carp, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch. This private lake is open to the public thanks to an easement across private land via a 2.7 mile trail road. The lake has been producing quality panfish since it opened to the public in 2011. With depths of up to 20 feet, it won't be choked by vegetation in the summer. While some carp found their way into the lake during high water in 2010, fishing is expected to be good for at least the next 10 years. The lake is open only to fishing and only during daylight hours. The access road, which is closed at times due to snow or wet or dry conditions, requires a four-wheel-drive. No camping, MAP BY TRISHA SCHLAKE-IT GIS APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER C 982 ● 20 20 24 23 22 21 B 311 ● 21 Crescent Lake WMA 2 Blue Lake Island Lake 4 Crane Lake 2 Smith Lake

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