Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area

Highway 6, Enders, Nebraska 69027

Available Activities

Camping
Swimming
Fishing
Boating
Wildlife Watching
Ice Fishing
Hunting
Kayaking
Canoeing

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Southwest Prairie Lake — 1,707-acre reservoir in Chase County — remote prairie lake with excellent fishing in the far southwestern corner of Nebraska

Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area protects a 1,707-acre reservoir in Chase County — one of Nebraska’s most remote and peaceful recreation areas. The reservoir was built in 1951 as part of the Frenchman-Cambridge Division of the Missouri River Basin Project. Chase County sits on the High Plains at elevations above 3,300 feet — and has some of the lowest population density in Nebraska. The reservoir offers good walleye, bass, and catfish fishing. Enders is also known for its excellent hunting in the surrounding grasslands — mule deer, pheasant, and quail thrive in this prairie landscape.

Visitor Information

Detail	Information
Location	Chase County, NE (High Plains!)
Entry Fee	NE Park Permit Required
Lake	1,707 acres!
Elevation	3,300+ feet — High Plains!

About Enders Reservoir

Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area in Chase County provides lake recreation on a 1,707-acre irrigation reservoir in southwestern Nebraska’s high plains. The reservoir sits at the edge of the Republican River drainage — an area rich in Native American history and pioneer heritage.

Things to Do

Fishing for walleye, bass, and wiper (a hybrid bass), boating, camping (100+ sites), swimming, and exploring the high plains landscape. The western Nebraska sunsets over the reservoir are spectacular.

Insider Tips

Republican River country: Enders Reservoir in southwest Nebraska offers excellent walleye and wiper (white bass hybrid) fishing. Pro tip: Wipers fight like freight trains — use white jigs or shad-colored crankbaits. Irrigation history: Nebraska’s reservoirs were built for irrigation — the same water that fills your boat also grows corn. The Bureau of Reclamation shaped the Great Plains by damming rivers for agriculture.

Best Time to Visit

Spring: Walleye spawning run. Summer: Swimming, boating, and camping. Fall: Best fishing as water cools. Winter: Ice fishing when the reservoir freezes solid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wiper?

A wiper (or hybrid striped bass) is a cross between white bass and striped bass — bred in hatcheries and stocked in reservoirs. Wipers grow fast (up to 15 lbs), fight hard, and don’t reproduce naturally. They’re one of the most exciting sportfish in Great Plains reservoirs.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Champion Lake State Recreation Area (a short drive away) and Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).

Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.

🌾 Visit Enders Reservoir SRA

High Plains reservoir — 3,300 feet, remote prairie fishing!

📍 NE Game & Parks

Wildlife & Nature

Enders Reservoir SRA — on Enders Reservoir (1,707 acres) in southwest Nebraska. The area’s prairie, reservoir, and rocky bluffs support mule deer, pronghorn, and golden eagles. Walleye, bass, and catfish provide fishing.