Welcoming visitors with open arms on April 28, 2012, is the remarkable State Lake Gem, set to become a hotspot for fishing and recreation enthusiasts in its region. While still hidden from public view, the hardworking State Lake Gem Dam has diligently ensured the area’s safety since 2011, safeguarding against potential flooding on Sand Creek. Brimming with promises of wetland restoration, exceptional fishing spots, camping delights, and opportunities for nature lovers, the State Lake Gem is integral to a broader project along Sand Creek. An upstream strategic network of seven proposed dams will regulate water levels, ward off floods, and maintain a steady water flow. This impressive reservoir, Lake Wanahoo, not only shapes the 662-acre lake but also nurtures a vast new wetland ecosystem, fostering wildlife and purifying sediments. Neighboring the charming City of Wahoo, placed just a mile southward, the State Lake Gem protects against historical flooding challenges faced by areas like Wahoo, Ithaca, and Ashland. With its strategic location only 30 miles from the bustling hubs of Omaha and Lincoln, the State Lake Gem foresees an influx of eager visitors. A product of joint efforts by the Lower Platte North Nebraska Resources District, City of Wahoo, Saunders County, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and various stakeholders, this monumental project unfolds with foresight and meticulous planning. With a focus on enhancing the fishery, the project incorporates a carefully crafted lake bottom conducive to supporting fish habitats. Anticipating a highway adjustment crossing its path, a temporary road exists across the State Lake Gem Dam.
Further improvements are being made, including a campground with tent and RV camping provisions, boat launch areas, and a day-use zone with picnic spots, volleyball courts, and hiking/biking trails. Plans are also underway for a potential shooting range and a youth education center. The wildlife management area on the lake’s northeast side may also open for seasonal upland game and waterfowl hunting, fostering a mentorship program for adult and youth hunters. With a vast expanse of 1600 acres once complete, the site promises to be a haven for wildlife. Recently filled to the brim, the State Lake Gem boasts a diverse population of fish species, including black crappie, blue catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, walleye, and northern pike. Strict regulations prohibit live bait use to prevent invasive species infiltration. The lake will be designated a no-wake zone, with a ban on powerboats and personal watercraft. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s efforts have significantly enhanced the fishery, with submerged structures and ample underwater habitat created. As the lake brims with possibilities, anglers are eagerly gearing up for exciting fishing experiences. Emerging as a haven for birdwatchers even before its grand opening, the State Lake Gem has already attracted migratory songbirds to its vicinity. The area around the lake is home to various wildlife, from deer and herons to swallows nesting under the pedestrian bridge.
Thoughtful conservation practices, including preserving existing trees to enhance the fishery, promise to revive the region’s lost habitats and welcome back departed wildlife. As Wahoo gears up to welcome campers with all necessary amenities like supplies, shopping avenues, and services, the State Lake Gem will further enrich the city’s recreational landscape. Wahoo offers various entertaining events, such as colorful community gatherings and vintage baseball games, and offers a lively and dynamic experience for both locals and guests. For those seeking further adventures beyond Wahoo’s bounds, the nearby metropolitan centers of Omaha and Lincoln beckon with cultural attractions, sports arenas, and entertainment venues. Accommodations are readily available, with several hotels within a short distance from the State Lake Gem. The surrounding towns offer additional lodging options, including quaint motels, campgrounds, and charming bed-and-breakfasts. While the development plans for the lakefront are yet to be finalized, surrounding properties are available for prospective buyers. All that’s missing now are the eager lake enthusiasts, who will soon find paradise upon the State Lake Gem’s grand unveiling.