Map

Chadron State Park

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Nebraska, United States

5.0·116 catches

Top fish species at Chadron State Park

App Section

Check which species have trophy potential in Chadron State Park

Chadron State Park fishing reports

Loading...

Smallmouth bass

length · weight

Loading...

Smallmouth bass

length · weight

Loading...

Smallmouth bass

length · weight

Loading...

Smallmouth bass

21 in · 5 lb

Loading...

Smallmouth bass

12 in · 2 lb

Loading...

Rainbow trout

length · weight

Fishbrain
More catches in the app...

Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

General info

Chadron State Park is a lake located in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States. It is most popular for fishing Rainbow trout, Smallmouth bass, and Bluegill.

Location

42°42′32.2″N 103°00′30″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Chadron State Park, NE

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Nebraska can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 16

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

Special gear

NE Regs

HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. 

Restrictions & requirements

Culling

Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. 

NE Snagging

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately.

Additional information
No minimum length limit; one 16-inches or longer. Possession limit = 12 tiger trout.Exceptions: Two Rivers SRA Trout Lake: bag limit = 4 rainbow trout per tag; up to 3 tags per daySoldier Creek Wilderness Area: bag limit = 2 rainbow troutWood Reserve Ponds: bag limit = 2 rainbow troutSoldier Creek Middle Fork: bag limit = 2 rainbow troutSoldier Creek South Fork: bag limit = 2 rainbow trout
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Season open: year-round
Smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size15" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 21

The maximum number of trophy individuals legally harvested per harvester per day. A trophy is any individual of a length greater than the max size limit. Trophy individuals are included in the daily bag limit unless stated otherwise.

Special gear

NE Regs

HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. 

Restrictions & requirements

Culling

Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. 

NE Snagging

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately.

Additional information
Possession limit = 10 black bass in aggregate (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)Exceptions: Selected areas listed in Public Fishing Areas section and on private waters leased in Open Fields and Waters and PATH Fishing programs: bag limit = 1 black bassMissouri River between Nebraska and Iowa/Missouri: minimum length = 12-inchesMissouri River between Nebraska and South Dakota: no minimum length limit Nebraska Public Power District Canal from Sutherland Reservoir outlet to confluence with South Platte River, including Lake Maloney: No minimum length limit; one 15-inches or longer  Big Elk Lake: 12-inch maximum length limit; bag limit = 2 smallmouth bassPortal Lake: 12-inch maximum length limit; bag limit = 2 smallmouth bass
Synonyms
Micropterus dolomieui
Season open: year-round
Bluegill

Bluegill

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit15

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Aggregate limit15

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

NE Regs

HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. 

Restrictions & requirements

Culling

Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. 

NE Snagging

Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately.

Additional information
No minimum length limit. Possession limit = 30 panfish (sunfish and their hybrids)Exceptions: Pelican Lake - bluegill: no minimum size, one 10-inches or longer; bag limit = 5Flanagan Lake - bluegill: 8-inch maximum length limit; bag limit = 15Missouri River border waters of Nebraska and South Dakota, including Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton - sunfish: no minimum length limit; bag limit = 15
Edibility
Catch, Clean, Cook Bluegill
Synonyms
Lepomis macrochirus
License Icon
Local laws and licenses

Nebraska fishing license

Get license

Reviews of Chadron State Park

5.0
Loading...

2 ratings

5
4
3
2
1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Chadron

8.1 miles away

Whitney

13.6 miles away

Hemingford

27.0 miles away

Oelrichs

34.6 miles away

Gordon

41.3 miles away

Maverick Junction

52.1 miles away

Batesland

54.2 miles away

Mitchell

66.9 miles away

Minatare

67.0 miles away

Scottsbluff

67.0 miles away

Bayard

67.7 miles away

Fairburn

68.3 miles away

Pringle

68.8 miles away

Melbeta

69.1 miles away

Henry

72.2 miles away

Bridgeport

72.3 miles away

Torrington

74.2 miles away

Lyman

75.8 miles away

Hermosa

78.7 miles away

Custer

78.9 miles away

Huntley

79.0 miles away

Keystone

84.6 miles away

Caputa

88.9 miles away

Hill City

89.2 miles away

Anything missing or inaccurate?

Suggest changes to improve what we show.

Suggest changes

FAQ about Chadron State Park fishing

📍 Where is Chadron State Park located?
Chadron State Park is a lake located in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States. Its coordinates are:
42°42′32.2″N 103°00′30″W
.
🎣 Where on Chadron State Park is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Chadron State Park by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Chadron State Park?
The most common species in Chadron State Park are:
📢 What are the latest Chadron State Park fishing reports?
The latest Chadron State Park fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Chadron State Park?

Fishing in Nebraska requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Resident and non-resident annual and short-term licenses are available online or at authorized vendors.

In Nebraska, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 64 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

Get license
App Section
Download Fishbrain and fish smarter
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish.

Free trial available

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...