Barbs and Backlashes

The year 2021 is in the rear-view mirror.  Time to summarize the state record fish that were caught last year: Surface Spearing No state record fish were taken by surface spearing in 2021. Underwater Spearfishing Two state record fish were taken by underwater spearfishing last year, both of them channel catfish.  The first was taken on June 5 and weighed 26 pounds 9 ounces. A little over a week later, that record was bested by a 27 pound 5 ounce …

The water level at Wagon Train Reservoir south of Lincoln is down several feet right now.  We will be doing some maintenance and modifications on previous aquatic habitat work there.  Eventually, a rotenone renovation will be done as well. There are numerous cedar trees around Wagon Train that need removal.  While the water is down, those cedar trees might as well end up as fish attractors in the reservoir.  Volunteers and fisheries staff muscled 300 cedar trees into the reservoir …

I hope I do not offend anyone with this blog post.  I found an interesting article that made some observations about the personalities of some of our favorite fish.  Now, I have told you before I have not yet learned to talk to the fish.  If I suddenly, unexpectedly retire, you will know I figured it out.  Since that is not yet possible, we can only assume that these would be the personalities of the fish we pursue. From what …

I mentioned in the latest Trout Slam Update that my son and I had finally completed our Trout Slams.  It took us far too long to finally get back to the northwest corner of our great state where we could check off brook and cutthroat trout.  Simply put, a person has to visit that corner of Nebraska to complete a Trout Slam.  What a great excuse to go there! Let me go back and rehearse my Trout Slam and make …

As I often do, start with the news release.  In this case I took the liberty of modifying it: Learn ice-fishing at events in January LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host two on-ice events and one classroom event. The last on-ice event will be from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 …

Been halfway across the state and back a couple of times recently.  Had to sit in on a couple of meetings, but have managed some time on the ice too. First let me say this:  Ice conditions vary widely!  There are some Nebraska waterbodies where you can hit the ice right now with no problem.  Of course YOU must make sure it is safe every time you walk on, but there are some parts of the state with good ice.  …

If you have read any of my ice fishing “stuff” over the years you have probably heard me say, “Drill baby, drill”.  Fundamentally, when you are ice fishing, you are fishing a relatively small area right below your hole.  If you ain’t catching anything, likely there are not any fish there.  I do not care how good of a “stick” you think you are, you cannot catch ’em where they ain’t.  So, one of the keys to catching fish through …

There has been a lot of discussion recently about “what” or even “who” is science?  I am not sure I can keep track any more and I was trained as a biologist.  I can tell you that there are a whole lot of people who would not know “science” if it rear-ended them. Speaking of which, there is no debaiting whether this is science or not:  Scientist successfully train goldfish to drive a vehicle. Wow!  Man has been to the …

Keyes Outdoors produces a muskie fishing show for TV, Keyes Outdoors Muskie Hunting Adventures. You will not find Keyes Outdoors Muskie Hunting Adventures on any Nebraska TV stations.  Who fishes for muskies in Nebraska? I will tell you who fishes for muskies in Nebraska–Keyes Outdoors!  They filmed not just one, but two episodes in Nebraska last year.  The first of the year marks their new TV “season” and guess what two episodes debuted their 2022 season?!  You will want to …

Spreading the word on this: Note:  Saturday is in the classroom, bring your questions!  Then, hopefully you can also venture out Sunday morning for hands-on, on-the-ice application of what we spent Saturday afternoon talking about!  Be sure to pre-register, NO CHARGE! Hope to see you there, looking forward to it.  This clinic is always fun and guaranteed you will learn something too!