🏆🏆🏆🏆 McCook’s Lake — 1,628-acre reservoir near McCook — gateway to the Republican River valley with excellent fishing and camping
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area protects a 1,628-acre reservoir near McCook in southwestern Nebraska — a key recreation destination for the tri-state area (Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado). The reservoir was built in 1962 on Red Willow Creek, a tributary of the Republican River. McCook is known as the hometown of Senator George Norris — the “Father of the Tennessee Valley Authority” and one of the most important legislators of the 20th century. Norris championed rural electrification that brought electricity to millions of American farms.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Red Willow County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Lake | 1,628 acres! |
| History | George Norris — Father of TVA! |
About Red Willow Reservoir
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area in Red Willow County provides lake recreation on a 1,628-acre reservoir in southwestern Nebraska. The reservoir is popular for walleye fishing and water sports, and the surrounding high plains landscape offers scenic sunsets and open skies.
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area in Frontier County provides recreation on a 1,628-acre Bureau of Reclamation reservoir in southwestern Nebraska. Built in 1962 for irrigation and flood control, the reservoir has become one of the best walleye fisheries in the state. The surrounding shortgrass prairie supports populations of pronghorn antelope, swift fox, and burrowing owls — species adapted to the open landscape.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, bass, and catfish, boating, waterskiing, camping (80+ sites), swimming, and hunting (seasonal). A major recreation destination for southwestern Nebraska.
Fishing for walleye (excellent), white bass, and channel catfish, boating and water skiing, camping (multiple campgrounds), swimming at the beach, hunting (seasonal), and wildlife viewing for pronghorn and prairie species.
Insider Tips
Southwest Nebraska fishing: Red Willow Reservoir offers 1,628 acres of quality fishing in the Republican River valley. Pro tip: Walleye, white bass, and channel catfish are the primary catches. Hunting: The surrounding public lands offer excellent pheasant and deer hunting.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Boating and fishing. Spring: White bass run. Fall: Pheasant season. Winter: Ice fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Willow good for walleye?
Yes. Red Willow Reservoir is regularly stocked with walleye and produces quality fish. The 1,628-acre reservoir also supports white bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Nebraska Game and Parks manages the fishery for sustained quality.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Medicine Creek State Recreation Area (a short drive away) or Swanson Reservoir 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 Red Willow Reservoir SRA
1,628-acre lake — hometown of TVA’s George Norris!
Park Location
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