Officials at Lake McConaughy are thanking the firefighters and emergency crews continuing to battle a massive wildfire that has spread across several counties in western Nebraska.

Lake officials expressed “heartfelt thanks to the ongoing efforts of Keystone Lemoyne Fire Rescue and other crews battling wildfires in our area.”

Residents on the north side of the lake and in the Lewellen area were evacuated Thursday night as dozens of fire crews worked to stop the rapidly spreading blaze. Authorities said 32 fire crews responded as the Morrill County wildfire spread into Keith, Garden, and Arthur counties.

Lake community residents were able to return to their homes early Friday morning. However, fire officials say the wildfire remains uncontained in areas further north, and firefighting operations continue.

Crews were still working Friday to control hot spots in the Otter Creek and Sand Creek areas. Additional air support is expected, with firefighting aircraft from Colorado anticipated to assist with suppression efforts.

Keith County road crews have also been helping by using heavy equipment to establish fire lines to slow the spread of the flames.

Officials estimate the Morrill County fire has burned about 330,000 acres, fueled by powerful winds that reached 70 to 90 miles per hour Thursday.

Smoke continues to impact the region as well, with very hazy air conditions reported across Keith County on Friday.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area from 11 a.m. CDT (10 a.m. MDT) to 9 p.m. CDT (8 p.m. MDT) Saturday, March 14, due to strong winds and very low humidity.

Forecasters say southwest winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 mph are expected, while relative humidity could drop as low as 14 percent.

According to the National Weather Service, “Any fire starts will have a high potential to spread rapidly and will be difficult to control.”

Officials say a Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will develop soon. A combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773426710676.jpeg" alt="aerial photo of Morrill fire Thursday night by Brendan Heiman, shared to Denver &amp; Front Range Weather." />
                        <figcaption>aerial photo of Morrill fire Thursday night by Brendan Heiman, shared to Denver &amp; Front Range Weather.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Officials at Lake McConaughy are thanking the firefighters and emergency crews continuing to battle a massive wildfire that has spread across several counties in western Nebraska.</p><p>Lake officials expressed “heartfelt thanks to the ongoing efforts of Keystone Lemoyne Fire Rescue and other crews battling wildfires in our area.”</p><p>Residents on the north side of the lake and in the Lewellen area were evacuated Thursday night as dozens of fire crews worked to stop the rapidly spreading blaze. Authorities said 32 fire crews responded as the Morrill County wildfire spread into Keith, Garden, and Arthur counties.</p><p>Lake community residents were able to return to their homes early Friday morning. However, fire officials say the wildfire remains uncontained in areas further north, and firefighting operations continue.</p><p>Crews were still working Friday to control hot spots in the Otter Creek and Sand Creek areas. Additional air support is expected, with firefighting aircraft from Colorado anticipated to assist with suppression efforts.</p><p>Keith County road crews have also been helping by using heavy equipment to establish fire lines to slow the spread of the flames.</p><p>Officials estimate the Morrill County fire has burned about 330,000 acres, fueled by powerful winds that reached 70 to 90 miles per hour Thursday.</p><p>Smoke continues to impact the region as well, with very hazy air conditions reported across Keith County on Friday.</p><p>Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the area from 11 a.m. CDT (10 a.m. MDT) to 9 p.m. CDT (8 p.m. MDT) Saturday, March 14, due to strong winds and very low humidity.</p><p>Forecasters say southwest winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 mph are expected, while relative humidity could drop as low as 14 percent.</p><p>According to the National Weather Service, “Any fire starts will have a high potential to spread rapidly and will be difficult to control.”</p><p>Officials say a Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will develop soon. A combination of strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.</p>

Crews Continue Battling Massive Wildfire Near Lake McConaughy

The Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report — your go-to source for the latest news, water conditions, and fishing action from Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy.

First things first:&nbsp;If you’re having boat motor trouble, help is just down the road.&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;is a&nbsp;Mercury Marine Premier Dealer&nbsp;with&nbsp;Mercury-certified technicians&nbsp;who are ready to get you back on the water fast. Give them a call at&nbsp;308-889-3531.

Now for the fishing: Did you know that of the 125 Master Angler walleye caught across Nebraska last year, a whopping&nbsp;90 came from Lake McConaughy? And that’s not all — the lake claimed top honors with both the&nbsp;heaviest&nbsp;(15 lbs 2 oz) and&nbsp;longest&nbsp;(32") walleye. So far this year,&nbsp;three more 32-inchers&nbsp;have been caught, and just this week there were&nbsp;multiple reports of 10+ pound walleye&nbsp;being reeled in. The spring bite is on!

Boat &amp; Shore Fishing Update:Anglers trolling large crankbaits along the face of Kingsley Dam are finding success, while bank anglers are doing well with jigs and crankbaits.&nbsp;Thanks to Jake Fahrenbruch&nbsp;for the latest report from the water.

Docks are now in&nbsp;at Divers Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both the north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.

Boater Reminder:From sunset to sunrise through&nbsp;April 30, boats within 30 yards of Kingsley Dam must travel&nbsp;counter-clockwise&nbsp;(south-to-north) due to spawning regulations.&nbsp;All boats must stay at least 200 feet away&nbsp;from the dam's outlet and morning glory structures.

Coming Up:Don’t miss the&nbsp;Catfish Classic Tournament&nbsp;next&nbsp;Saturday, May 3&nbsp;at Lake McConaughy. For more details, contact&nbsp;Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321.

That wraps up this week’s&nbsp;Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report. Catch more updates at&nbsp;SandhillsPost.com. This report is brought to you by&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;and our friends at&nbsp;Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.

<div><iframe title="Lake Mac Report for Weekend of April 25th, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=zaeih-188f243-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>The Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report — your go-to source for the latest news, water conditions, and fishing action from Nebraska’s largest lake, Lake McConaughy.</p><p>First things first:&nbsp;If you’re having boat motor trouble, help is just down the road.&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;is a&nbsp;Mercury Marine Premier Dealer&nbsp;with&nbsp;Mercury-certified technicians&nbsp;who are ready to get you back on the water fast. Give them a call at&nbsp;308-889-3531.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLakeMcConaughyNE%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02HQmnDc9smB5A9mkHNn7yAiVRQmyNMmPVdH86P48npe4DP9TnCgcARNzy3z6xYZjQl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="730" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Now for the fishing: Did you know that of the 125 Master Angler walleye caught across Nebraska last year, a whopping&nbsp;90 came from Lake McConaughy? And that’s not all — the lake claimed top honors with both the&nbsp;heaviest&nbsp;(15 lbs 2 oz) and&nbsp;longest&nbsp;(32") walleye. So far this year,&nbsp;three more 32-inchers&nbsp;have been caught, and just this week there were&nbsp;multiple reports of 10+ pound walleye&nbsp;being reeled in. The spring bite is on!</p><p>Water Conditions:</p><ul>
                        <li>Current lake elevation:&nbsp;3,239.4 ft&nbsp;(61.6% capacity)</li><li>Water temperature at the dam:&nbsp;47°F</li>
                    </ul><p>Boat &amp; Shore Fishing Update:Anglers trolling large crankbaits along the face of Kingsley Dam are finding success, while bank anglers are doing well with jigs and crankbaits.&nbsp;Thanks to Jake Fahrenbruch&nbsp;for the latest report from the water.</p><p>Docks are now in&nbsp;at Divers Bay, Martin Bay (low water), Lemoyne, Cedar View, and both the north and south ramps at Lake Ogallala.</p><p>Boater Reminder:From sunset to sunrise through&nbsp;April 30, boats within 30 yards of Kingsley Dam must travel&nbsp;counter-clockwise&nbsp;(south-to-north) due to spawning regulations.&nbsp;All boats must stay at least 200 feet away&nbsp;from the dam's outlet and morning glory structures.</p><p>Coming Up:Don’t miss the&nbsp;Catfish Classic Tournament&nbsp;next&nbsp;Saturday, May 3&nbsp;at Lake McConaughy. For more details, contact&nbsp;Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321.</p><p>That wraps up this week’s&nbsp;Spahn Marine Lake Mac Report. Catch more updates at&nbsp;SandhillsPost.com. This report is brought to you by&nbsp;Spahn Marine in Big Springs&nbsp;and our friends at&nbsp;Buzz’s Marine in Kearney.</p><p>Remember...Tight lines and safe boating!</p>

Lake Mac Report for Weekend of April 25th, 2025

Ogallala, NE - This report is sponsored by Sphans Marine in Big Springs &amp; Buzz Marine in Kearney.

Inflows to Lake McConaughy are at 851 cubic meter feet per second, that’s down about 70 from last week and down almost 200 cubic meter feet per second from a year ago this week.&nbsp;DOCKS are in at Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water, and Lake Ogallala north and south ramps. Lemoyne is expected to go in soon. (Note: if the wind is forecasted to be greater than 20 mph, docks will be pulled half to all the way out, depending on wind direction.)&nbsp;

WATER LEVEL is at 1,062,600ac-ft (61% capacity)&nbsp;

Water temperatures earlier this week near Kingsley Damm in the morning were around 44 degrees...&nbsp;Daytime anglers continue to have some pre-spawn success at Lake McConaughy. The walleye spawn is just around the corner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upcoming events, Try your luck at the Catfish Classic fishing tournament Saturday, May 3 at Lake Mac. Call Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321 for more information.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744390230216.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Lake Mac Report | April 11, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ku9ph-187a54d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><p>Ogallala, NE - This report is sponsored by Sphans Marine in Big Springs &amp; Buzz Marine in Kearney.</p><p>Inflows to Lake McConaughy are at 851 cubic meter feet per second, that’s down about 70 from last week and down almost 200 cubic meter feet per second from a year ago this week.&nbsp;DOCKS are in at Divers Bay, Martin Bay low water, and Lake Ogallala north and south ramps. Lemoyne is expected to go in soon. (Note: if the wind is forecasted to be greater than 20 mph, docks will be pulled half to all the way out, depending on wind direction.)&nbsp;</p><p>WATER LEVEL is at 1,062,600ac-ft (61% capacity)&nbsp;</p><p>Water temperatures earlier this week near Kingsley Damm in the morning were around 44 degrees...&nbsp;Daytime anglers continue to have some pre-spawn success at Lake McConaughy. The walleye spawn is just around the corner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Upcoming events, Try your luck at the Catfish Classic fishing tournament Saturday, May 3 at Lake Mac. Call Chad Vogl at (308) 355-2321 for more information.&nbsp;</p>

Lakemac