Exploring Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area
Located in the northern part of Loup County, near the town of Burwell, Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is a pristine destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts traveling through Nebraska. With over 5,000 acres of water and 10,000 acres of land, the reservoir offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems of the region.
The Calamus Reservoir itself is a 5,124-acre lake that was constructed in 1986 for recreational purposes, fulfilling a long-standing need for an irrigation and flood control reservoir in the Calamus River valley. The lake is impounded by a 1.5-mile-long dam located in the southwest section of the recreation area and has an average depth of approximately 30 feet, with maximum depths reaching as far down as 55 feet. The water level of the reservoir fluctuates from year to year based on precipitation and inflow from the Calamus River and its tributaries.
Wildlife is abundant in the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area. Visitors may catch sight of a diverse range of birds, such as waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and sparrows, many of which call the reservoir home during different times of the year. Commonly spotted birds include the American pelican, American bison, great blue heron, American white pelican, bald eagle, Osprey, and several duck species. Mammals, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, and raccoons, are also found within the area.
Fishing is a favorite pastime of many visitors to the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area. The reservoir is home to a wide variety of fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, and yellow perch. With its stable fish populations and limited commercial fishing, the reservoir provides ideal fishing conditions for anglers of all skill levels. Ice fishing is also a popular wintertime activity.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the numerous recreational activities offered within the recreation area, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Campsites are also available, ranging from electric hook-ups and primitive campsites to private cabins for those looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
Residents and visitors alike can find opportunities for hunting, including waterfowl, deer, and turkey hunting within designated areas of the reservoir. Special events and educational programs are also offered throughout the year to help promote conservation and environmental awareness.
This large outdoor recreation area provides ample opportunities to explore and appreciate the unique features of the surrounding ecosystem. Even though Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area was created primarily for flood control, irrigation, and recreational purposes, its development led to unforeseen economic benefits, stimulating tourism and local growth.
The Calamus Reservoir itself is a 5,124-acre lake that was constructed in 1986 for recreational purposes, fulfilling a long-standing need for an irrigation and flood control reservoir in the Calamus River valley. The lake is impounded by a 1.5-mile-long dam located in the southwest section of the recreation area and has an average depth of approximately 30 feet, with maximum depths reaching as far down as 55 feet. The water level of the reservoir fluctuates from year to year based on precipitation and inflow from the Calamus River and its tributaries.
Wildlife is abundant in the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area. Visitors may catch sight of a diverse range of birds, such as waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and sparrows, many of which call the reservoir home during different times of the year. Commonly spotted birds include the American pelican, American bison, great blue heron, American white pelican, bald eagle, Osprey, and several duck species. Mammals, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, and raccoons, are also found within the area.
Fishing is a favorite pastime of many visitors to the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area. The reservoir is home to a wide variety of fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, and yellow perch. With its stable fish populations and limited commercial fishing, the reservoir provides ideal fishing conditions for anglers of all skill levels. Ice fishing is also a popular wintertime activity.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the numerous recreational activities offered within the recreation area, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Campsites are also available, ranging from electric hook-ups and primitive campsites to private cabins for those looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
Residents and visitors alike can find opportunities for hunting, including waterfowl, deer, and turkey hunting within designated areas of the reservoir. Special events and educational programs are also offered throughout the year to help promote conservation and environmental awareness.
This large outdoor recreation area provides ample opportunities to explore and appreciate the unique features of the surrounding ecosystem. Even though Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area was created primarily for flood control, irrigation, and recreational purposes, its development led to unforeseen economic benefits, stimulating tourism and local growth.
