Fishing At Hugh Butler Lake

AKA: Red Willow Reservoir, Hugh Butler Reservoir

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, white bass, striped bass, wiper and northern pike at Hugh Butler Lake in Nebraska.

Big crappie and bass call Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir) home. They reside here in both quantity and quality. State records for both white and black crappie were taken here. The lake is saturated with brush and submerged trees which the crappie are drawn to like a magnet. Largemouth and smallmouth bass both enjoy the cover provided by the trees, brush and the varied structure throughout the lake. This is a 1,600-acre reservoir, in the southwest part of the state, with plenty of creek channels, ledges, points and islands to support a wide variety of fish species. In addition to bass and crappie, walleye, catfish, trout, white bass, striped bass, wipers and northern pike are plentiful. At numerous places around the lake there is reasonably easy access for fishing from shore. In addition to bass boats and other fishing boats, kayaks and canoes work well for maneuvering around the trees and brush. There is plenty of camping spots and RV spaces at the lake. The town of McCook only 10 minutes away to fulfill requirements for lodging, dining, convenience stores and more.

Primary fish species residing in Red Willow Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Hugh Butler Lake Amenities

Marina: SEASONAL
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.