South Loup River

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 11

The South Loup River is a scenic prairie stream located in central Nebraska, flowing through several counties including Custer, Buffalo, and Howard. This meandering waterway is part of the larger Loup River system and provides anglers with opportunities to catch various warm-water species in a peaceful, rural setting. With its sandy substrate and varying depths, the South Loup River offers fishing enthusiasts a diverse habitat that supports several game fish species. The river is primarily known for channel catfish and largemouth bass fishing, making it an attractive destination for anglers seeking these popular species in Nebraska's heartland.

Nebraska licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at South Loup River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Grass Pickerel

Esox americanus

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Highfin Carpsucker

Carpiodes velifer

Quillback Carpsucker

Carpiodes cyprinus

River Carpsucker

Carpiodes carpio

Shorthead Redhorse Sucker

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on South Loup River. 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.

Arnold Lake Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on South Loup River

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 South Loup River 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 South Loup River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for South Loup River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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