Fishing Hugh Butler Lake
AKA: Red Willow Reservoir, Hugh Butler Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Hugh Butler Lake, NE
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Hugh Butler Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Hugh Butler Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Saugeye Fishing
When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Hugh Butler Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
White Bass Fishing
White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Hugh Butler Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to 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.
Hugh Butler Lake Fishing Video
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.
Hugh Butler Lake, located near Trenton, Nebraska, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. Covering approximately 1,600 acres, this picturesque lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Hugh Butler Lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. Anglers can explore the lake's shoreline, submerged structures, and underwater points to target these prized fish.
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
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Hugh Butler Lake provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the beautiful surroundings and peaceful ambiance. The lake allows for various water activities, such as motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Whether it's a leisurely boat ride or an adventurous water sports experience, Hugh Butler Lake offers a delightful boating adventure.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Road Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Spring Creek Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off N Red Willow Dam Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Willow View Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Red Willow Dam Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Lighthouse Marina & Grill
N Highway 83
McCook, NE 69001
308 345-2292
Fishing License
Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.
Camping options are available near Hugh Butler Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully embrace the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers a campground with amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Hugh Butler Lake provides the opportunity to wake up to serene lake views, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Bluegill Haven Campground - 308 345-5899
Pikes Point Campground - 308 345-5899
Red Willow Reservoir SRA Campground - 308 345-5899
Bobwhite Campground
Red Willow Reservoir NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Hugh Butler Lake
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area
72718 Trail 2
McCook, NE 69001
308 345-5899
Fishing lakes in each state.
091424
Red Willow Reservoir in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA
Fishing at Hugh Butler Lake, in Nebraska.
Quality crappie fishing in southwest NE.
