Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Central NE Gem — 2,845-acre reservoir in Sherman County — known for excellent crappie fishing and beautiful Sandhills-edge scenery
Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area features a 2,845-acre reservoir in the heart of central Nebraska — known locally as one of the best crappie fisheries in the state. The reservoir sits at the edge of the Sandhills, where the rolling dune-covered grasslands transition to the Loup River watershed. Sherman County was named for Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. The Tri-County Canal system brings Platte River water to the reservoir — a testament to Nebraska’s massive irrigation infrastructure (Nebraska has more irrigated acres than any state except California!). Over 8.5 million acres of Nebraska farmland are irrigated.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sherman County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Lake | 2,845 acres! |
| Irrigation | NE: 8.5M irrigated acres — #2 in US! |
About Sherman Reservoir
Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area in Sherman County provides recreation on a 2,845-acre reservoir in the Loup River drainage of central Nebraska. The reservoir is known for excellent walleye and white bass fishing. The surrounding Loup River country is quintessential Nebraska — rolling grasslands and farmland under expansive skies.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, white bass, and catfish, boating, camping (100+ sites), swimming, waterskiing, and enjoying the vast central Nebraska landscape.
Insider Tips
Central Nebraska jewel: Sherman Reservoir is a 2,845-acre lake with a reputation for excellent walleye and white bass fishing. Pro tip: The June white bass run concentrates huge schools near the inlet — fish can be caught on every cast. Turkey Flats: The surrounding terrain has rolling hills and cedar draws that support wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.
Best Time to Visit
June: White bass schooling run — action-packed fishing. Summer: Boating and swimming. Fall: Trophy walleye as water cools. Winter: Ice fishing for perch and walleye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a white bass run?
White bass (also called “sand bass”) make spawning runs up tributaries in late spring — schooling in enormous numbers. During the run, fishing is fast and furious — dozens of fish per hour on small jigs or spinners. It’s one of the most exciting freshwater fishing experiences in the Great Plains.
