open water fishing

I continue to be called bad names for wearing them. Most recently, I was called a “super wimp” for having them on my hands. I have been labeled an “inadequate angler” since I have donned on them. I have been told that my “bravado” and “edge” have been lost when it comes to fishing because I am handling fish while wearing rubber gloves. Ah yes, THOSE GLOVES. People have also had their curiosity piqued by those of us who wear rubber …

The last day I walk off the ice every winter is a bad day.  I hate that day.  Oh sure, I am on the water or in the field somewhere in Nebraska twelve months of the year, but I really love ice-fishing. So I kind of ease into spring.  You know what it is like in early spring. . . well, more like winter many days.  Sure, we will get a day or two of beautiful, warm, sunny weather, but …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. – Consider your motivations on why you enjoy fishing. Is it to catch a meal, compete for the largest fish, get away from life’s stresses or to be with friends? To faithfully mentor a new angler, whether they be young or old, one probably should start by asking why the angler wants to fish. The angler might have some experience but still be seeking to learn. From there, add the …

Going to blog about something that comes up every year about this time.  I have had a few phone calls and messages about it already. . . . Every year about this time we get reports of dead crappies or dead bluegills on a variety of waters.  It is understandable that folks are concerned when they see dead fish.  Of course assumptions are always the worst, that there has been some pollution event or there is something “bad” in the …

It is the eve of the Memorial Day weekend; the unofficial, official start to summer.  I know many of you have big plans for the weekend, camping, boating, picnicking, and yes, of course, FISHING!  We are right in the middle of May-June, some of the best fishing of the year, every year, on waters all over the state for a variety of species.  Simply put, right now, do not ask where, do not ask what baits, do not pass “GO”, …

In recent years we have tightened up some of our baitfish regulations.  Simply put, in eastern Nebraska, you pretty much cannot collect your own baitfish and use them in any waters other than the water from which they were collected.  Of course, many wonder why we are so restrictive? Let me tell you that invasive species are a huge threat to our fisheries.  They are such a threat that they can keep a fisheries biologist awake at night.  Without exception, …

Thank goodness the coronavirus is finally running its course.  We are starting to schedule some fishing events again!  This news release went out recently, but I want to share it, spread it around some more: Discover Fly-Fishing expands program for 2021 LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans are becoming increasingly curious about fly-fishing. So much so, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with the help of Cornhusker Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited, has expanded its Discover Fly-Fishing event schedule for 2021. The …

“Dang, I thought I had a big bass! Hey, it’s a big channel cat.” The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Nebraska’s official state fish, sometimes gets misunderstood, particularly it seems, by those who exclusively fish for bass and walleye. Catfish, especially the channel cats, have a reputation as bottom feeders that just lazily swim around sucking up stinky, dead stuff from the bottom. And that is not entirely true! I asked Chris Pokorny of Elkhorn, NE, who’s among Nebraska’s most avid …

From time to time someone asks, “If you could only have one lure/bait, what would it be?”  My answer to that question has always been the same, a jig!  However, you know as soon as I say that I have to post disclaimers and explanations. . . . “A jig” is really not a fair answer.  Jigs come in an infinite variety of sizes, styles, colors, actions, and bodies.  Of the 500 pounds of tackle in my tackle box, probably …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans are becoming increasingly curious about fly-fishing. So much so, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with the help of Cornhusker Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited, has expanded its Discover Fly-Fishing event schedule for 2021. The third year of the Discover Fly-Fishing program kicks off May 26 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake. It’s one of five events on the schedule, three more than previous years. Discover Fly-Fishing events are free and open to anyone interested in a basic …