Why purchase a new fly rod when you can fish one with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve built it yourself. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, in cooperation with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and the Cornhusker Fly Fishing Club, is sponsoring a fly rod building class for beginners this winter. The class will be held seven consecutive Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Central time, starting Jan. 11, at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. The cost of the class …

Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at three Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host three on-ice events and one classroom event. From 1-5 p.m. Jan. 14, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at Kearney’s Yanney Heritage Parks Environmental Resource Center. This will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top ice fishermen. Seating is limited, …

Stay safe on the ice this winter while enjoying a day of ice-fishing. Follow these tips from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for safety on the ice: The minimum ice thickness for supporting one person is at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Drill holes or use an ice chisel or spud bar to check the ice conditions while working your way out to your fishing spot. Wear a life jacket. Avoid falls by wearing ice cleats on …

Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area in Garden and Keith counties has reopened to vehicle access. It had been closed because a recent winter storm produced high winds and heavy, drifting snow there. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission advises anyone traveling on the WMA to watch the weather conditions as continued blowing snow could cause drifting on some roads.

Three big game public information meetings planned by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have been postponed. These meetings, originally scheduled in December, now are set for January. The schedule for those three: Jan. 9 – Gordon, Gordon City Auditorium, 311 N. Oak St. Jan. 11 – Norfolk, Northeast Community College Lifelong Learning Center, 801 E. Benjamin Ave. Jan. 11 – Oshkosh, Oshkosh Auditorium, 602 W. 2nd St. Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game …

Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2, 2023. The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/nonresidents. People may apply …

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 Train State Recreation Area/Wildlife Management Area (Lancaster County), East Sutherland WMA (Lincoln County), West Cozad WMA (Dawson County) and Standing Bear Lake (Douglas County) were added to the list of water bodies where it is illegal to possess or use live …

Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area in Garden and Keith counties is closed until further notice to all vehicle access due to high winds and heavy, drifting snow. The closure includes the Special Hunting Area, where controlled waterfowl hunting takes place from blinds. There will be no drawings for goose pits and no staff present until conditions improve.

Hunters are advised to be cautious and avoid heavy equipment performing wetland enhancement work at Pintail Wildlife Management Area in Hamilton County. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges the public to stay at least 200 yards from all equipment on the area for their and the equipment operator’s safety. Operators will be using T Road, so hunters are advised to avoid using this road to park. This project will improve wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities by recovering wetland hydrology …

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can flex their artistic skills and outdoor stewardship by participating in the fourth annual Nebraska Fish Art Contest. This international art and writing competition – celebrating its 25th year in 2023 – gives youth the opportunity to highlight their talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes and recognition in Nebraska and internationally. The free contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro …