The “hard copies” will not be back from the printers for a while yet, but you can see the 2023 Fishing Guide HERE. Here are the changes you will need to know: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2023 Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s changes to 2023 fishing rules are: No Live Baitfish Waters – Crystal Lake (Adams County), Wagon …

It is bowl season.  I love college football.  Of course the Huskers are my greatest love, but when bowl games are on, I will watch just about anyone, even Iowa.  Some games are between nameless teams in nameless places where they do not experience winter.  I suppose the break from snow and cold might be nice for some folks, but does anyone really want to get all that sweaty while playing a game?  In addition, there will be players go …

A couple of winters ago I posted a blog about catching largemouth bass through the ice, Largemouth Bass on Ice.  There is no doubt that largemouth bass are warm-water fish.  However, northern strain largemouth bass are very capable of being quite successful in northern places like Nebraska.  As a matter of fact, those warm-water largemouth bass can remain quite active during the winter, under the ice. My approach to catching largemouth bass through the ice used to be one of …

I have been “out” more than “in” the past couple of weeks, and that will be the case for the next week or so as well.  Just want to quickly touch base here with my blog and wish you all a Merry Christmas! You might think that was the Christmas tree we had here in the Fisheries office.  Actually, it is what one of our brush pile fish attractors looks like below the surface of the water.  Happy fish, we …

The December issue of Nebraskaland has a one-page story by Jeff Kurrus, Don’t Stunt.  Yes, Jeff spent some time in my office talking about the story.  Yes, Jeff quotes me in the article.  If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will recognize the subject matter, again: I have said before, will again now.  I have seen far more panfish populations that suffer from the effects of over-harvest, than I have seen in less numerous, larger, predator …

It’s here! You can see the 2023 Fishing Forecast right here: 2023 Fishing Forecast It will take us a couple weeks to get the hard copies back from the printers.  So, for now you will have to study the digital version.  Ice conditions are looking better by the day.  Good luck!

Coming down to the wire here before Christmas.  Some of you may still be looking for gift ideas.  I have a good one: “Give ’em the gift of fishing.” I cannot tell you anything better than that right there. Got to fish with both my granddads growing up.  Do not know that either one of them were muskie slayers, but I have a bunch of their secret lures in my tackle box.  Got some of Grandpa Bob’s too!

I have probably said it a hundred times, will again.  I fish hard in the fall.  In my opinion, some of the best open-water fishing of the year occurs in the fall.  So, I try to finish open-water fishing each year with a flourish. Like everything else in fishing, although they may all be good, some autumns are better than others.  My fall bite this year was hit and miss.  I would have liked a few more big fish (which …

I like to spread the word on these film tour events, especially when there is a viewing in Nebraska.  This time it is for a virtual screening of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival.  Watch the trailer: Purchase “tickets”, International Fly Fishing Film Festival, Virtual Screening USA 2022. If you have never watched one of these events, well, they are just plain fun.  The fish and fishing in the films always get me fired up.  I know we are looking …

Many of us are patiently/impatiently waiting for safe ice so we can go ice-fishing.  Those of you who are tipup anglers simply cannot get enough of this: Have a great weekend.  If you find safe ice, dry one off for me!