Red Willow Reservoir: Waterfowl, Deer, and Upland Hunting Near McCook

Red Willow Reservoir covers 1,628 acres in Frontier and Red Willow counties near McCook, and the surrounding public land provides solid multi-species hunting in southwest Nebraska. The reservoir draws migrating waterfowl, the grasslands hold upland birds, and the timbered drainages support a healthy deer population. McCook is also a walleye town, so if you want to combine a hunting trip with some fishing, Red Willow is the spot.

The Red Willow Reservoir

Red Willow Reservoir was built on Red Willow Creek, a tributary of the Republican River. The lake sits in the rolling agricultural country of southwest Nebraska, with grassland hills rising from the shoreline and timbered draws feeding into the creek arms.

Water levels fluctuate by season, and these fluctuations actually benefit hunters. Low water exposes mudflats and shallow bays that concentrate ducks and geese. High water floods timber and brush edges, creating additional habitat.

Waterfowl Hunting

Red Willow Reservoir sits on the Central Flyway and picks up migrating ducks and geese from October through freeze-up. Mallards, gadwall, wigeon, and green-winged teal are the most common species.

The creek arms on the upstream end of the reservoir are the most productive waterfowl hunting spots. Set up a blind on the shoreline of a creek arm with decoys in the shallows and wait for trading birds.

Field hunting for geese is another option in the agricultural land surrounding the reservoir. Scout the harvested grain fields in the afternoon to find where geese are feeding, then set up in that field before dawn with full-body decoys.

Deer and Upland Birds

Whitetail deer inhabit the timbered draws and creek bottoms around the reservoir. Hunt the transitions where timber meets grassland, especially during the November rut.

Pheasant hunting in the surrounding grasslands is productive by southwest Nebraska standards. Walk the CRP and native grass blocks near the reservoir for the best chances.

McCook and Nearby

McCook is a regional hub in southwest Nebraska with full services — hotels, restaurants, gas, and sporting goods stores. The reservoir has campgrounds, boat ramps, and designated parking areas for walk-in hunting access.

McCook also serves as a base camp for hunting multiple southwest Nebraska reservoirs. Medicine Creek Reservoir is about 20 miles northeast, and Swanson Reservoir is about 30 miles southeast.

When to Hunt

Waterfowl: mid-October through November for ducks, November through December for geese. Deer: November. Pheasant: late October through November. Red Willow Reservoir delivers consistent public land hunting in southwest Nebraska.