Medicine Creek

You’ll see fishing boats, sail boats, paddle boats and personal watercraft. Three ramps and three docks are available.

With the long narrow configuration of the lake, much of which is shaded by mature stands of trees and lush underbrush, Medicine Creek offers outdoor buffs plenty of recreational opportunity, plus plenty of private spots to get away from it all. The long bays that pocket the winding shore and the small islands provide anglers with hotspots for king-sized crappie and other panfish. In early spring, walleye start hitting back in the shallows, but the walleye fishing really begins in June in the main body of the lake.

The dam on Medicine Creek is a zoned, earth-filled structure. It is 165 feet high and 5,665 feet long. At the top of the conservation pool, the lake covers 1,768 surface acres, with 29 miles of shoreline. Completed in 1949, the dam is 30 feet wide at the top and 840 feet at the base. Water stored irrigates some 16,630 acres of land.

For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.

Excellent hunting abounds in the spring, fall and winter months. In the fall, hunters will find that Medicine Creek is one of the finest public hunting areas in the state, for its wildlife lands lie in the heart of southwest Nebraska’s pheasant and quail range. More than 5,500 acres have been extensively managed for wildlife habitat.

Medicine Creek offers plenty of opportunities for picnics with 136 picnic tables and 122 grills.

Medicine Creek has a public swim beach.

Cambridge

Medicine Creek is located just 10 miles north of Cambridge, which offers modern lodging, shopping and dining options.

Concessions and McCook

The private concession on the south side of the dam on Trail No. 1, offers a restaurant, grocery items, camping supplies, bait, tackle, gas, modern air-conditioned cabins and hunting, fishing and park entry permits. McCook, Nebraska offers opportunities for modern lodging, dining and shopping.

Nearby reservoirs

Other Southwest Reservoirs include Swanson, Enders and Red Willow, which all provide great opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, swimming and family recreation.