Top fish species at Whitney Lake

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Check which species have trophy potential in Whitney Lake

Whitney Lake fishing reports

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Northern pike

26 in · 4 lb

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White bass

15 in · 1 lb 7 oz

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Northern pike

length · weight

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length · weight

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White bass

length · weight

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White bass

length · weight

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General info

Whitney Lake is a lake located in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States. It is most popular for fishing Walleye, White bass, and Northern pike.

Location

42°47′13.5″N 103°18′11.2″W
Directions

When are Northern Pike biting on Whitney Lake?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Whitney Lake. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Whitney Lake, 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
Walleye

Walleye

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit4

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.

Memorable / trophy limits1 > 22

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 = 8 walleyeExceptions: Branched Oak Lake: minimum length = 22-inches; bag limit = 1 walleyeElwood Reservoir: only one may be from 15 to 18-inchesHarlan County Lake (including Republican River upstream to Hwy. 89 bridge west of Orleans): only one may be from 15 to 18-inches Merritt Reservoir: only one may be from 15 to 18-inchesCalamus Reservoir: only two may be from 15 to 18-inches Sherman Reservoir: 20 to 28-inch protected slot (no harvest); two between 15 inches and not greater than 20 inches; one longer than 28 inches Missouri River waters – upstream of Gavins Point Dam (Lewis and Clark Lake and portion of river upstream to Neb./S.D. border): 15-inch minimum lengthDeSoto Bend NWR: 15-inch minimum length Missouri River waters – downstream of Gavins Point Dam: no minimum length limit 
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Sander vitreus
Season open: year-round
White bass

White bass

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.

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 white bassInland Waters: one white bass 16-inches or longerExceptions:Elwood Reservoir - bag limit = 3 white bassWillow Creek Reservoir - bag limit = 3 white bassBranched Oak - catch and release onlyZorinsky Lake - catch and release only
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Morone chrysops
Season open: year-round
Northern pike

Northern pike

Regulation boundaryNE Nebraska State Waters
Bag limit3

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 > 34

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; anglers may harvest one 34-inches or larger. Possession limit = 10 northern pike.Exceptions: Alda DOT: minimum length = 34-inches; bag limit = 1 northern pike.Grove Lake: minimum length = 34-inchesCottonmill Lake: minimum length = 34-inchesRed Willow Reservoir: minimum length = 34-inchesSherman Reservoir: minimum length = 34-inchesBox Butte Reservoir: only 3 can be over 22-inches and only 1 can be over 34-inchesLake Minatare: bag limit = 10 northern pikeLake Wanahoo: catch and release onlyFlanagan Lake: catch and release only
Synonyms
Esox lucius
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Local laws and licenses

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Cities nearby

Whitney

2.4 miles away

Chadron

15.5 miles away

Oelrichs

27.5 miles away

Hemingford

34.2 miles away

Maverick Junction

43.2 miles away

Gordon

55.7 miles away

Pringle

58.6 miles away

Fairburn

62.3 miles away

Mitchell

63.8 miles away

Batesland

65.1 miles away

Scottsbluff

66.1 miles away

Henry

66.4 miles away

Torrington

66.8 miles away

Minatare

68.2 miles away

Custer

69.3 miles away

Melbeta

70.3 miles away

Lyman

70.8 miles away

Bayard

71.2 miles away

Hermosa

72.9 miles away

Huntley

73.0 miles away

Fort Laramie

73.5 miles away

Keystone

76.8 miles away

Bridgeport

78.3 miles away

Veteran

79.4 miles away

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FAQ about Whitney Lake fishing

📍 Where is Whitney Lake located?
Whitney Lake is a lake located in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States. Its coordinates are:
42°47′13.5″N 103°18′11.2″W
.
🎣 Where on Whitney Lake is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Whitney Lake 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 Whitney Lake?
The most common species in Whitney Lake are:
  • Walleye - 8 members reported to have caught this fish
  • White bass - 4 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Northern pike - 4 members reported to have caught this fish
📢 What are the latest Whitney Lake fishing reports?
The latest Whitney Lake fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Whitney Lake?

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
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