I want to let you know about a little tool we just recently added to our Game & Parks webpage.  If you use the Missouri River for any kind of recreational activity, and that would be the Missouri River from one end of Nebraska to the other, you will want to spend some time exploring this: We have an interactive map displaying all of the public access to the Missouri River.  Here is the link, Missouri River Outdoor Recreation Access …

I will never tell you that fish are smart.  The biggest trophy you have ever caught in Nebraska has a brain about the size as the end of your finger.  I am afraid those of you who arrive home and announce that the fish “out-smarted” you after a catch-less day are setting the bar very low for yourself.  Yes, guys, I am talking to you. However, I will tell you that all wild critters have an incredible instinct to survive and …

I gotta admit, this June heat wave has dampened my enthusiasm to do anything but sit someplace cool.  But, then there is the realization that it is still just June and there is a long summer ahead of us–better enjoy it!  So, even in the middle of the day, right at the worst of the heat and humidity, my kids and I went fishing.  We kept it basic, just dipped and dabbled for some panfish, but the fish were willing …

Lake Yankton is the small lake right below Gavins Point Dam.  It is also known as Cottonwood Lake and is actually border water between Nebraska and South Dakota.  With Lewis & Clark Reservoir and the Missouri River adjacent there are lots of fishing opportunities in the area, but Lake Yankton and its adjacent camping has always been very popular with anglers. The last time I blogged about Lake Yankton was to inform folks about the rotenone renovation that was being …

Last weekend I warned you about the “leech-nado“.  Got another public service announcement this weekend:  Beware the Carp-nado! Carp-O-Rama at Branched Oak Reservoir is tomorrow!  If everything goes well, this is what it will look like when we get done pre-baiting or “chumming” the area! OK, seriously, I would not like to fall into the water there.  I suspect a death by carp-sucking would not be a pleasant way to go, well, it would be embarrassing at the least. Obviously, …

A week ago I blogged about some fish handling issues that needed to be addressed according to recent reports from the water.  Actually, I do not know that folks really need another lesson on proper handling of fish that by law must be released, as much as they need an attitude adjustment.  I never know who reads my “stuff”, hopefully it made someone stop and think. This week I want to return to the same topic, but I want to take …

I know a couple of things in the “Carp World” this week that I want to mention.  First of course is our annual “Carp-O-Rama” event at Branched Oak Reservoir this coming Saturday.  As a fisheries biologist I will tell you that invasive Carp species, including the Common Carp that have been here for over a hundred years, are a scourge and if I could snap my fingers and make ’em all go away, I would.  Fisheries biologists will forever be managing …

We were sitting around the break table the other day having a deep discussion.  Why do folks like scary movies?  “Haunted houses” at Halloween?  Why do they like to be terrified?  I believe it is the adrenaline rush you get from a good scaring.  And, when sitting around watching a scary movie, besides being frightened, what other emotions do you express?  I know in my family we laugh, maybe a nervous laughter, maybe laugh at each other being scared, but …

I was going to blog about something different today, but I just heard some talk about hot Walleye bites on Nebraska reservoirs and folks having problems releasing fish that they by regulation have to release.  I do not know why this is any kind of a problem any more–we have had a variety of length limit regulations for a variety of species for a lot of years now and catch and release is a routine part of fishing!  Either by regulation …

We are past the Memorial Day weekend and officially into “summer” now.  Often, by this time, I have posted a reminder about boating safety and especially wearing your life jackets.  I may be a little late with that reminder this year, but we certainly are in the middle of fishing and boating season now–still a good time to do it. I am betting most of you have life jackets in your boat like you are legally required.  But, I am …