Fall is the perfect time in Nebraska to combo-up some hunting and fishing. And now it is official! Governor proclaims Sept. 23 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 23, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska. “Hunting and fishing continue to be an integral part of the good life outdoors in Nebraska,” Pillen said. “Over recent years, hunting and fishing have offered a growing number of participants a chance …

I know some of you are still working on your Trout Slam, and I know this will be of interest to you: The latest batch of cutthroat trout raised in our Nebraska State Fish Hatcheries have been stocked recently.  They were all “catchable” size, 10 inches and maybe a little larger.  Here are the locations and numbers: Fall is a great time to get after some trout.  GO FISH!

It is fall and I have been touting it as a good time of year to go fishing.  Some of the best open-water fishing of the year will be happening in the next few weeks. That also means that the summer crowds are gone.  Now it is time to get caught up on some maintenance work.  I just heard about some more road work that you will want to know about if you are still fishing this fall: Expect closures …

A few weeks ago I admitted my love for all things Looney Tunes (Cultured Like Cheese).  Is there anything funnier than watching Daffy Duck get his bill shot off? In honor of hunting seasons that have recently opened, a sure sign that it is fall: I am in full fishing mode once fall arrives.  Eventually, I will get to some hunting.  My son-in-law and daughter have been after some daffy ducks already! Hope you get in the field and on …

Calendar says it is mid-September.  The past few evenings have said autumn is definitely here!  Actually, depending on the fish you pursue and the amount of time you spend on the water, the seasons started to transition from summer to fall weeks ago already. You also know that our seasons repeat themselves, year after year.  As a result, I return to the same topics in my blog every year.  So, I am going to dust off an old blog post, …

Many of you will remember that we started an angler access and renovation project on Standing Bear Reservoir this spring (Standing Bear Renovation).  Beside the renovation of the fish community, this concept map describes the work being done: Weather has been relatively favorable this summer, dirt has been moving and progress is being made.  Got a few photos to show.  These are some of the angler access improvements along the north shoreline: Here is a big picture view from the …

A few weeks ago I published a blog entitled Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Boat.  I wanted to point out that a person does NOT have to have a boat to catch fish, a lot of fish, big fish.  I also wanted to emphasize that good fishing waters are good whether you have a boat or not–find a way!  As an example, I mentioned that shallow water cover often holds fish, even during the summer.  Sometimes you just have to find …

I know, I know, Labor Day weekend is over.  However, some of you will be on the water fishing yet this fall and if you are you might need to know these things: Boat ramp access limited at Sherman, Calamus Seasonal irrigation drawdowns at some north central reservoirs have caused boat ramp closures at two Nebraska Game and Parks state recreation areas. At Calamus Reservoir SRA, the Valley View Flat boat ramp is closed. Boaters can still use Homestead Knolls, …

Quick blog post before, like many of you, being out the door for the long Labor Day weekend!  This is traditionally the holiday at the end of summer, and that is the way most of us will celebrate it.  However, I guess it has something to do with “labor”?  Which brings some thoughts to mind. . . . It is about time we got a break from work! It is just something we have to do between fishing trips. So …

Lake Ogallala fishery to be renovated this fall The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has announced plans for a fall renovation of the Lake Ogallala fishery. Deteriorated aquatic habitat conditions and declining sportfish populations have prompted this renovation. To ensure safety, some temporary closures will be implemented. In late September, the lake water levels will be lowered and an approved fish toxicant will be applied to eliminate the existing fish population. The Lake Ogallala East and West campgrounds will be …