Guide To Fishing At Hugh Butler Lake
AKA: Red Willow Reservoir, Hugh Butler Reservoir
What to fish for...
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
Today's Weather & Forecast
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
Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.
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
Lake Video
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.
Red Willow Reservoir in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA


Fishing at Hugh Butler Lake, in Nebraska.
Quality crappie fishing in southwest NE.