Knox County, NE · Reservoir
Lewis and Clark Lake
A 31,000-acre Missouri River reservoir on the Nebraska–South Dakota line behind Gavins Point Dam — a walleye, sauger, and catfish fishery with white bass and crappie in the bays. The river above the lake and the tailwater below the dam at Yankton are both productive. Public ramps line the Nebraska shore.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Walleye, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie & Smallmouth Bass — tied at the top (68/100)
5 species tied for best of 5 tracked at Lewis and Clark Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lewis and Clark Lake
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 5 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 4
Nebraska: 4 walleye/day, 15" minimum, no more than one over 22" (Lake McConaughy and most reservoirs).
Source: Nebraska non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 White Bass Check local White Bass regulations before you keep one. Regs unverified 68/100
We don't have confirmed size, creel, or season rules for White Bass in NE on file yet. The live conditions score still applies — but confirm the current regulations with your state agency before keeping any fish.
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Morone chrysops — A hard-fighting open-water schooling bass of big reservoirs and their feeder rivers across the Plains and Midwest. White bass run up tributaries by the thousands to spawn in spring — the run is a calendar event on waters like McConaughy and the Missouri reservoirs — then chase shad in surface-busting "jumps" through summer. Often hybridized with striped bass to make the "wiper." Abundant and lightly regulated, so creel limits are generous or absent.
Prefers. Water 55–80°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 4–30 ft.
No regulations on file for Nebraska non-tidal / non-tidal. Check the appropriate state agency directly before fishing.
#1 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
Nebraska: no statewide daily limit on channel catfish.
Source: Nebraska non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Crappie Workable day for Crappie. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 15
Nebraska: 15 crappie/day on most reservoirs.
Source: Nebraska non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 5
Nebraska: 5 black bass/day, 15" minimum on most reservoirs.
Source: Nebraska non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Nebraska non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Nebraska: 4 walleye/day, 15" minimum (one over 22"). The Gavins Point tailwater is a famous walleye and catfish spot.
Local reports & rules for Lewis and Clark Lake: Nebraska Game & Parks fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lewis and Clark Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lewis and Clark Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lewis and Clark Lake?
Lewis and Clark Lake is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lewis and Clark Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lewis and Clark Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lewis and Clark Lake have?
Lewis and Clark Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Nebraska: 4 walleye/day, 15" minimum (one over 22"). The Gavins Point tailwater is a famous walleye and catfish spot.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lewis and Clark Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Lewis and Clark Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lewis and Clark Lake tidal water?
No. Lewis and Clark Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.