Midwest Fishing Lake Guide, Red Willow Reservoir and Red Willow Reservoir SRA/SWMA.

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Red Willow Reservoir (Hugh Butler Lake) lies 10 miles north of McCook, Nebraska adjacent to Highway 83, in Frontier County. The lake has 1,630 surface acres of water with 35 miles of shoreline. Red Willow Reservoir has been one of the hottest lakes in Nebraska in the past few years. Bass fishing in this lake is extraordinary. The Nebraska State Game and Parks Commission lists this lake as having good fishable populations of Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Wiper, and White Bass. Largemouth Bass and Crappie can be taken year round with crankbaits, rubber worms, and jigs. Striped Bass and Wiper are often taken by trolling with minnows, crankbaits, and spoons. The lake has also produced good catches of Northern Pike and Black Crappie. Red Willow is one of the largest producers of master anglers in the state, and holds several state records. Facilities adjacent to the lake include boat ramps, primitive and modern camping, dump stations, picnic facilities, swimming beaches, shower facilities, fresh water, and concessions.