Midwest Fishing Lake Guide, Watts Lake, Located in Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.


Watts Lake is located in Cherry County approximately sixteen miles south of Valentine. It is one of several lakes in the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Boating is allowed on the lake but is limited to non-powered craft or craft with electric motors. The lake has approximately 230 surface acres of water. Like all Valentine Refuge lakes, this lake is subject to heavy summer aquatic weed growth. The Nebraska State Game and Parks Commission lists Watts Lake as containing Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Muskie and Yellow Perch. Possession of Muskellunge and Largemouth Bass are prohibited on this lake. Minnows are prohibited for use in the refuge, but dead smelt are allowed. Possession of fish not taken from refuge waters is unlawful. The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is limited to day use only, and has only primitive facilities. Facilities are available at nearby Merrit Reservoir.