The Post Podcast

Lake Mac Report (July 11)

Anglers are seeing strong success with walleye this week, especially when trolling in 15 to 25 feet of water from Lone Eagle Campground to Sand Point, as well as along the south shore near Kelly Bay. Small Fire Tiger swimbaits have been a reliable lure of choice.

Smallmouth bass fishing has also remained productive, particularly along the rocky points on the south side of the lake and near the face of the dam during daylight hours. Many of the catches reported are of good size.

Water temperatures are holding steady between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lake Conditions:

• Lake Elevation: 3,230.3 feet

• Volume: 82,000 acre-feet (50.6% of capacity)

• Inflows (North Platte River): 411 cubic feet per second (CFS)

• Outflows: Approximately 1,527 CFS, which is below average due to recent rains and decreased irrigation demand.

Available Docks:

• Divers Bay

• Martin Bay (low water access)

• Both docks at Lake Ogallala

Reminders:
Campfires are currently allowed at Lake McConaughy, but visitors are urged to exercise caution and ensure all fires are well-contained.

As it is peak camping season, all campers are reminded to make reservations in advance.

Upcoming Events at Lake Mac:

• July 12–13: Nebraska Walleye Tournament

• July 19–20: Nebraska Walleye Trail

• July 25–26: Big Mac Spearfishing Tournament (hosted by Platte River Scuba Divers)

• July 26: Kites & Castles Sand Sculpture Competition

Special thanks to Patrick Schell of Nebraska Game and Parks for this week’s outdoor update.

100+ Women Who Care Keith County gearing up for 3rd meeting of the year

The local philanthropy group 100+ Women Who Care Keith County is preparing for its next quarterly giving event, set for Monday, July 14, at the Hayloft Meeting Room upstairs at Front Street Café in Ogallala. Derek Beck spoke with Kerri Anderson about Monday's upcoming meeting where the group will present one organization with around $10,000 in local money. 

Recap of Ogallala City Council Meeting from Tuesday, July 8 with City Manager Kevin Wilkins

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Lake Mac Report: Fun in the Sun, Fish on the Line, and Fireworks in the Sky (July 4th, 2025)

OGALLALA, Neb. — It's a sizzlin’ start to July out at Lake McConaughy, where temps are heating up and the fish are biting. Whether you're trolling for walleye, tossing lines off rocky points, or just catching some rays on the water, Nebraska’s biggest lake is the place to be this weekend.

Welcome to the Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report, your weekly update on all things Big Mac — brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs, your go-to for Mercury Premier service and boat motor help at the lake. Stuck on the water? Call Spahn at 308-889-3531 and get back to cruising. Report from Patrick Schnell/Nebraska Game & Parks

Fishing Report 🎣

Surface temps are holding steady between 68 and 70 degrees, and the walleye action is hot! Anglers are having success trolling in 15 to 25 feet of water — especially from Lone Eagle to Sand Point, and on the south side from Kelly Bay to Lakeview. Fire Tiger swim baits are the lure of choice this week.

Meanwhile, smallmouth bass are still hanging around the rocky points on the south side and the dam face. Trout fans, don’t sleep on the canal below the Lake Ogallala dam — the bite there remains strong.

Lake elevation currently sits at 3,231.1 feet — that’s about 51.5% full, or 898,100 acre-feet of water for you technical types.

Docks in the Water 🚤

Need a place to launch? You’re covered at:

• Diver’s Bay

• Martin Bay (low water dock)

• Both docks at Lake Ogallala

Camping & Safety 🏕️🔥

Every tent site and camper pad is booked solid for the 4th of July weekend — so if you didn’t grab a spot early, head to VisitKeithCounty.com to check for alternate lodging nearby.

Campfires? Still allowed, but remember: use extreme caution and never leave your fire unattended. And keep the fireworks at home — they are not permitted at Lake McConaughy or Lake Ogallala.

Weekend Events 🎆🏐

• Saturday, July 5: Hit the sand for a good cause! The Keystone Lemoyne Fire Department is hosting a sand volleyball tournament fundraiser starting bright and early at 8 a.m.

• Saturday night: Don’t miss the FREE Patriotic Drone Show at 10 p.m. at Ogallala’s Western Diamonds Sports Complex. It’s a sky-high salute you won’t forget!

Thanks to Patrick Schnell with Nebraska Game and Parks for the outdoor updates, and to the Keith County Visitors Committee for helping keep us all in the know.

That’s your Lake Mac Report for the week! Find more updates at SandhillsPost.com, and remember — whether you're casting a line or just soaking up the sun, life’s better at the lake.

Brought to you by Spahn Marine in Big Springs and Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.

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Now, her mother, Lauressa Gillock, is honoring Olivia’s legacy by asking others to take just 10 minutes today to do something kind in her memory. Her conversation with the POST's Derek Beck

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(Audio) Knight's Weekly #11 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

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Ogallala City Council Recap from 6-25-25 - Ogallala City Council Lifts Fireworks Ban, Approves Street and Housing Projects

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