Big Alkali Lake

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 10

Nestled in the Sandhills region of Nebraska, Big Alkali Lake offers 842 acres of prime fishing opportunity in Cherry County. Located approximately 16 miles south of Valentine off Highway 83, this quality Sandhills water provides year-round fishing potential with a diverse fish population. The lake's shallow nature, with alkaline waters and some unique underwater features, creates an interesting ecosystem for anglers to explore. With amenities available at the nearby Alkali Fish Camp, Big Alkali has become a destination for those seeking trophy panfish and good numbers of game fish in a picturesque Sandhills setting.

Nebraska licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Big Alkali Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Big Alkali Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Big Alkali WMA Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on Big Alkali Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Nebraska licenses and regulations

Nebraska Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Nebraska Fishing License

A sport fishing license is required for any person 16 years of age and older.

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Nebraska Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Nebraska Stream Access Laws

An individual is allowed to navigate all Nebraska rivers and streams even if such rivers and streams flow through private property. The landowner owns the land adjoining and underneath the river and stream. Therefore, an individual is trespassing if he/she gets out of the canoe, kayak or inner-tube, or drops anchor.

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Take Big Alkali Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Big Alkali Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Big Alkali Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.