The Snake River in Nebraska flows through the state's unique Sandhills region, serving as one of the premier trout waters in the state. This cold, spring-fed stream originates in the north-central portion of Nebraska and flows into Merritt Reservoir southwest of Valentine. The river is renowned for producing the current Nebraska state record brown trout of 20 pounds, 1 ounce, caught in 1973 on a grasshopper. The Snake River system provides exceptional habitat for naturally reproducing trout populations and offers some of Nebraska's most pristine fishing opportunities in a scenic setting surrounded by grassy hills and native vegetation.