- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Food Service
State Recreation Area
79025 Sherman Dam Rd. Ste. 1 | Loup City, NE 68853-6145
9/24/2024 – An accessibility project at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area’s Marina Bay and Thunder Bay boat ramps will temporarily affect their availability. Beginning Sept. 28, Marina Bay boat ramp will close for one week so the project contractor can remove concrete and pour new concrete on Sept. 30. The timing of this project will cause both boat ramps to be closed simultaneously for a couple of days the week of Sept. 30 as the contractor will move to Thunder Bay and start concrete removal on that ramp mid-week. Visit our news section for additional information.
Known for its great fishing opportunities, Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area boasts a 2,845-acre lake surrounded by 4,721 land acres. Camping includes more than 300 primitive non-pad sites and 61 pad electrical sites. Other facilities include: picnic tables, shelters, water, dump station, modern restrooms, vault toilets, four boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, coin-operated showers and concession. Cabin rental and additional RV camping pads are available through a local concessionaire.
All types of boats are permitted at the lake, which offers three ramps and three boat docks. Water sports of all kind are very popular.
Sherman Reservoir is a popular fishing location in central Nebraska. The most popular species sought by anglers are walleye, crappie, catfish, white bass, and northern pike.
Fishing typically begins in March when northern pike can be caught in the shallow waters of coves and bays. Fishing for walleye during their April spawning period is very popular at Sherman Reservoir, with most activity near the dam. Walleye fishing usually peaks in May-June when many anglers fish points and drop-offs with live bait rigs or trolled lures. White bass fishing typically has two peaks – one in April-May as fish move up the feeder canal near the Fisherman’s Bridge area, and the second peak in mid-summer when white bass are located near schools of gizzard shad or caught under lights at night. Crappie catches are excellent in May as the reservoir fills and flooded habitat is available in the coves and bays. Ice-fishing for crappie and walleye can also be productive over submerged cover or habitat. Channel catfish provide good angling opportunities throughout the summer months, and large flathead catfish provide the possibility for trophy-sized fish.
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 ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.
Substantial hunting opportunities are available on the Sherman Reservoir Wildlife Management Area, which includes upland game, big game and waterfowl. Large tracts of upland game habitat exist on the WMA and offer hunting opportunities for pheasant, quail and dove. Big game hunting can also be found on the area with good numbers of deer and turkey. Seasonal waterfowl blinds may be used for waterfowl hunting. Hunting can only be done on the Wildlife Management Areas around the reservoir.
12 shelters, 117 picnic tables and 80 grills give park visitors many opportunities to cook out or spend time together enjoying meals. Marina Bay and Thunder Bay areas offer primitive restrooms and shoreline fishing access in addition to picnic shelters.
Visitors also can dine at Trade Winds Marina on the north side of the dam.
Several trails are available for walking, hiking and wildlife viewing. View the park map for more information.
Sherman Reservoir offers more than 300 non-pad sites without electricity and about 60 electrical campsites.
Fisherman’s Bridge, Trail 8, 10, and 11 offer Basic campsites on the north side of Sherman Reservoir. Trail 3, Redwood, Middle Ridge and East Ridge offer Basic campsites on the south side of Sherman Reservoir.
Electrical sites, part of the West Ridge Campground, have a 50/30 -amp connection. Modern restrooms, a dump station and coin-operated showers are available. Half of the electrical sites are available for advanced reservation; the other half are first come, first served.
Additional RV camping, along with cabin rentals, are available by contacting the Trade Winds Marina at 308-745-1187.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
