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Private Waters Owners May Receive Stocked Fish

LINCOLN – Landowners and associations can enhance fishing opportunities in Nebraska by having their private waters stocked with fish. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission must receive stocking applications by Aug. 1.

To receive fish, the body of water must meet the following requirements:

— No other fish may be present in the body at the time of stocking.

— It must be at least one-half surface acre in size.

— At least 25 percent of the body must be at least 10 feet deep.

— It must have at least 12 inches of water clarity.

— It must have fencing available if necessary to exclude livestock.

The fish available for stocking typically are largemouth bass and bluegill fingerlings. If channel catfish are desired, owners must purchase them from a licensed private aquaculturist.

Cold-water bodies capable of supporting trout year-round may be considered for stocking of 5-inch rainbow trout. Pond owners who allow reasonable public access could also receive maintenance trout stockings.

Landowners and associations still may regulate angler access if they receive fish. Anglers cannot be charged a fee to fish. A valid Nebraska fishing permit is required of every person 16 years or older who fishes bodies stocked by Game and Parks. All state fishing regulations apply.

To download an application, visit OutdoorNebraska.org and click on Fishing, Services, Special Fishing Forms and Documents, and Application for Fish. The mailing address is on the application.

Contact Jeff Blaser, Game and Parks’ private waters specialist, at 402-471-5435 or jeff.blaser@nebraska.gov for more information.

About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

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