Midwest Fishing Lake Guide, Camp Hayes Lake and Hayes Center SWMA


Camp Hayes Lake and Hayes Center State Wildlife Management Area is located approximately 12 miles northeast of Hayes Center Nebraska, in Hayes County. On our last trip we found no specific sign for the lake or Wildlife Management Area, but the State Historical Marker for "The Grand Duke Alexis" is just south of the lake. The lake itself has approximately 50 surface acres of water, with electric powered boating allowed. The Nebraska State Game and Parks Commission lists the lakes as being stocked with Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Northern Pike, and Crappie. We found the lake to be a good fishery and caught everything from bullhead to pike on our last stay. Bass and crappie were taken on nightcrawlers, spinners, and small spoons. Using topwater lures we caught several large pike and bass in the northern section of the lake. The lake is near the spot where in January of 1872 The Grand Duke Alexis, Fourth son of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, camped for several days while holding a Buffalo hunt with General Phil Sheridan. The General had arranged the hunt in the Grand Duke's honor while the Duke was on a goodwill visit to the United States. Several officials from the Russian Government were present, along with American Civil War Hero General George Custer, and George Forsyth. Buffalo Bill Cody guided the hunt, and there were many members of the Brule Sioux present, including Chief Spotted Tail. The camp was rather large and was staffed by civilians and soldiers from Fort McPherson. Ironically within two years of this hunt the Buffalo in Nebraska would almost be completely extinct, and within Ten years the county would be completely settled by Homesteaders. The facilities at Hayes Center State Wildlife Management Area include primitive camping, restrooms and very primitive boating access. This area is a fair distance from any sizeable town, so come prepared.