The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Harlan County Lake
Nebraska · 13,200 acres (20.7 sq mi)
54°F water, level 1933 ft, calm this morning.
About Harlan County Lake
Harlan County Lake is a reservoir in Nebraska, covering 13,200 acres. Harlan County Dam holds it back on the Republican River. Harlan County Lake dams the Republican River and extends south into Phillips County, Kansas.
From end to end it runs about 9.6 miles with roughly 37 miles of shoreline. At about 1,950 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Alma is on the shore. Grand Island, the nearest city, is about 74 miles northeast.
- Size
- 13,200 acres (20.7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 37 miles
- End to end
- About 9.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,950 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Harlan County Dam, Republican River
- County
- Harlan County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Harlan County Lake
Anglers come to Harlan County Lake for walleye, white bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. At 54°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairWhite bass
Schooled on deeper humps. A slow spoon works.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:20 am · sunset 5:21 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Harlan County Lake
- Almaon the shore
- Franklinabout 14 mi east
- Phillipsburgabout 18 mi south
- Beaver Cityabout 23 mi west
- Grand Islandnearest city, about 74 mi northeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Harlan County Lake
What fish are in Harlan County Lake?
Harlan County Lake holds walleye, white bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Harlan County Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Harlan County Lake?
13,200 acres, with about 37 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Harlan County Lake?
Alma is on the shore; Franklin is about 14 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Harlan County Lake today?
The surface was about 54°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Harlan County Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
