CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes Crane Lake, Island Lake, Smith Lake and others and is located …. Miles west of Mullen and 26 miles south on spur…... .  In the late 1920s when the continuing decline of waterfowl became a national concern, steps were taken to establish a refuge in the Sandhills. An initial land purchase was completed in 1931 and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge became a reality.  Subsequent small purchases and land exchanges increased the refuge to its present size. Because the wetlands are randomly scattered, it was necessary to purchase a large tract of prairie grassland to provide the needed lakes and ponds.  This 46,000-acre refuge in west-central Nebraska consists of native Sandhills prairie dotted with numerous shallow lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The grass covered dunes were created from the wind blown sands of an ancient sea.

The rolling green hills provide a glimpse of native prairie. Current management and future plans are to emphasize the untouched character of the landscape. Expect to see vast panoramas of mostly untouched grasslands much as great-grandpa might have seen. The twenty-one lakes and numerous ponds are supported by an aquifer lying below the hills. The grasslands range from the densely vegetated meadows to the sparsely covered “choppies” and support a wide variety of wildlife.  Anglers should check with the refuge headquarters as there are special regulations for each lake. These lakes are known for light fishing pressure.  Common species available are yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, large mouth bass, walleye and black crappie. 

Visit http://www.fws.gov/crescentlake/ for more information.