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About Harlan County
Reservoir
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 Located on the Republican River in
south-central Nebraska, Harlan County Dam controls a drainage area
of 7,164 square miles. Prior to construction of the lake, the
Republican River flooded frequently and in May 1935, the river
caused more than 100 deaths and millions of dollars in flood
damages. In an effort to prevent repeat occurrences, local
citizens and their elected officials worked to bring about the
authorization of Harlan County Lake in 1941. Since its
completion in 1952 the Harlan County project has prevented
approximately $56 million in flood damages.
 Through the cooperative efforts of the
Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bostwick Irrigation
District, approximately 104 billion gallons of water storage is manage to
irrigate farmlands as far downstream as Concordia, Kansas. During
the summer, water is released through the dam to irrigate some 23,000
acres in Nebraska, 12,000 acres in Kansas, and to supplement releases from Lovewell Reservoir (Kansas) to irrigate and additional 28,000 acres.
While the lake's most apparent benefits are flood control and providing
water for irrigation, the lake also provides pollution abatement,
recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. |
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About Hunting
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Hunters will
find a variety of game at Harlan County Lake. Ring-necked pheasants,
deer, ducks, geese, and turkey are the most abundant. Other species
include quail, rabbit, squirrel, and coyote. Hunting is permitted on
all government owned land surrounding the lake, with the exception of
parks and certain other areas that have been posted by the Corps of
Engineers. Public access is available, but vehicles are restricted
to existing roadways only. Hunters are encouraged to stop by the
visitor center for additional information on hunting. |
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About Fishing |
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The Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission, in cooperation with the Corps of Engineers,
performs a variety of fisheries management activities to improve the
lake's aquatic habitat. Walleye, wipers, white bass, channel
catfish, and northern pike are favorites with anglers and account for a
large percentage of the fish caught in the lake and the outlet area below
the dam. Other game fish are present in lesser numbers including; large
mouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Fishermen are encourage to use
one of the fish-cleaning stations to prepare their catch. |
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