Trout Lake in Cherry County, Nebraska, is part of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge complex located approximately 16 miles south and 6 miles west of Valentine. This 100-acre natural sandhill lake offers paddlers access to one of the Sandhills' most distinctive aquatic environments.

**Access and Navigation** Multiple access points serve the Valentine NWR lakes, with Trout Lake accessible from the refuge headquarters area. Paddlers should note that only electric motors and non-powered boats are permitted, making this an ideal destination for canoes and kayaks. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. A concrete boat ramp provides launch access, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally. Dense aquatic vegetation during summer months can significantly hamper paddling and fishing activities, making spring and fall potentially better times to visit.

**Regulations and Restrictions** Special regulations apply to this refuge water. The possession of baitfish is prohibited, though dead smelt are allowed. Importantly, possession of any fish not taken from refuge waters is unlawful, meaning anglers cannot bring fish from other locations onto refuge property. No camping is permitted on the refuge.

**Wildlife and Scenery** The Valentine NWR encompasses some of Nebraska's most pristine sandhill lake habitat. Paddlers can expect excellent waterfowl viewing opportunities, particularly during spring and fall migrations. The surrounding sandhills create a unique rolling grassland backdrop. The lake supports populations of bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. Northern pike are subject to a 28-inch maximum length limit.

**Character** Trout Lake provides a wilderness paddling experience within the protected refuge environment. The shallow, marsh-like characteristics typical of sandhill lakes create habitat rich in aquatic birds and other wildlife, offering paddlers a genuine Sandhills prairie lake experience away from developed areas.