Lake McConaughy: catfish still paying, water still historically low

Nebraska’s biggest reservoir is fishing, just not from a full pool. The Keith County outdoor report dated Sept. 8, 2026 says catfish remain the reliable September catch on Lake McConaughy. The bite has slowed, but the fish coming in are good-sized, with drum, walleye, yellow perch, and carp mixed in. Trout are still available in the Lake Ogallala system. Water temperature is 76–78°F.

Game and Parks numbers in the same report put the lake at 3,201.3 feet (389,200 acre-feet), with inflows 869 cfs and outflows 1,087 cfs — historically low after years of drought. Private launch services are the practical access: Big Mac Marina through Sept. 13 and Ski Patrol through Sept. 17, both with a call-ahead. Both Ogallala ramps are in service. Beach launches are at your own risk; dropping water is exposing soft beds and drop-offs.

A Labor Day weekend storm left a mess. Parks crews had already hauled 12 dump trailers of trash and eight of tree branches off the beach by Sept. 8. Alcohol stays banned at McConaughy and Ogallala. Confirm the live OutdoorNebraska permits, AIS sticker rules for out-of-state boats, and ramp status before you trailer.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Visit Keith County — Outdoor Report (Sept. 8, 2026).