Guide Jerry Steinke took us out again for our final hours of fishing the waters of Western Nebraska. We met him at Lake Ogalalla, in Ogalalla Nebraska, just on the other side of the dam on Lake McConaughy.
We searched the lake for big rainbows but missed the only two strikes we felt. We didn’t have much time before we had to make our afternoon flights so we drove to the other side of the dam and put in at Lake McConaughy.
The storm from the night before was big enough to put down the fish, especially the bigger ones. Heavy rains, high winds, hail and tornado warnings will do that.
We trolled for walleye, close to the spot where I caught the 19 ½ incher the day before, but could only find fish smaller than 15 inches, the legal limit. I caught a 16 inch walleye right before we were forced to leave for the airport, four hours away in Denver, Colorado.
It was hard to leave behind fisheries that produce such numbers of fish, especially since they were all so big, aggressive and healthy. A week ago if you asked me how the fishing was in Nebraska I might have said you could catch a nice piece of corn and maybe a steak, but not much fish. I was forced to eat my words many times each day and I did so happily and eagerly. Many of the lakes, even the big ones if you know where to go, would be perfect for a kayak fisherman to have his/her mind blown.
Our fishing guides said many people go to Nebraska instead of Canada and have the same, if not better, fishing. Maybe Nebraska will become the next fishing destination for freshwater species across the board. If not, I won’t be too disappointed; I’ll happily go back and have it all to myself.
A special thanks to all our guides who made the trip possible and to all the members of the town Chamber of Commerce who were great hosts. Below is a list of all the towns we visited, the right guides to catch you fish and even the places to grab a bite and sleep. You’ll probably end up setting the hook instinctively as you drift off to sleep like I did many nights.
McCook
Marty “Kayak Jak” Hughes www.kayakjak.com
Steve Lytle www.stevelytle.com
Coppermill Steakhouse & Lounge www.coppermillsteakhouse.com
Loop Brewing Company www.loopbrewingcompany.com
The Chief Motel www.thechiefmotel.com
Valentine
Steve Isom steve@shwisp.net
Doug Jacobs Bigjake1@q.com
Jordan’s Fine Dining and Sports Bar www.jordansfinedining.com
Peppermill Restaurant www.peppermillvalentine.com
Trade Winds Lodge www.tradewindslodge.com
Alliance
Greg Brown browngs@charter.net
Steve Frederick sfrederick@starherald.com
Jaly’s Steakhouse http://jalyssteakhouse.com
Ken and Dale’s Restaurant kendalesrestaurant.com
Sunset Motel & RV Park www.clicksunset.com
Ogalalla
Jerry Steinke facebook.com/LakeMcconaughyGuideServices
Open Range Grill www.facebook.com/openrangegrillog
Quality Inn Ogalalla qualityinn.com
