Fishing

Fish identification can be a challenge.  There are a hundred some species of fish in Nebraska.  Anglers may catch maybe forty-some of those species.  That does not seem too daunting, but it gets complicated by the fact that any species of fish can come in a variety of sizes and coloration is highly variable.  For that reason, it is useful to know identification characteristics other than coloration or “looks”.  However, it is true that we learn different species simply by …

By Justin Haag Nebraska’s fisheries have their ups and downs, especially if we’re talking water levels. The water stored in many of the state’s most popular fishing lakes is vital for irrigating crops when Mother Nature is stingy with rain. The annual drawdown of water is important for agriculture, but can be challenging for fish populations and the people pursuing them. Anglers at many Nebraska reservoirs have become accustomed to casting lines among trees in spring and watching the shoreline …

I want to mention something new being offered to our Nebraska hunting and fishing permit holders.  Many of you probably already received an e-mail on this, but in case you did not notice. . . . You can purchase a collectible “hard card”: Collectible Hard Cards Make Life Easier! As a lifetime hunting or fishing permit holder, we thought you’d like to know about a convenient, collectible new option that’s only $6: all lifetime permit and stamp information can now …

You all know this was a holiday week, and like many of you, I was “outta the office” for much of the week.  Then I had some “technical difficulties” making a blog post.  As a result, I just posted yesterday, going to follow that up with another one today.  Like I will tell you with everything I post, you can take it or leave it. It is the end of a short week.  I am going to keep it light.  …

We are in the middle of the application period for paddlefish snagging permits.  Consider this a reminder: Apply for a paddlefish snagging permit Experience the thrill of landing one of Nebraska’s most unique fish species! Apply for your chance to snag paddlefish in Nebraska from July 1-14. Here are some things you need to know: -An angler must be 12 years old by Oct. 1, 2023, to be eligible to apply for a snagging permit. -The application period opens at 1 …

 By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist Picture this: You’re fishing on the Missouri River and all a sudden, you feel your line tug hard! You have a huge fish ready to pull you in — a real monster at the end of your line. Your adrenaline is going, and as you reel in the fish, you start to see its tail emerging from the water. You see rows of scales and a shovel-like nose. “What in the world is this?!” …

Chug bug. Jitterbug. Hula popper. Creek chub knuckle-head. Zara spook. They all have very creative names and designs by the companies that manufacture them. They imitate every conceivable critter that could be on, around or just under the surface of the water in a wild environment from baitfish or bugs to mice or lizards to frogs, toads or even small flying mammals. They are the “go-to” fishing lures of summer. They are top water lures or surface lures, some call …

Lake Mac Study Fuels Changes to Fisheries Managment By Julie Geiser Lake McConaughy is one of the best fisheries in Nebraska for many fish, including wiper, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and, especially, walleye. For the latter, it is considered one of the best in the Midwest. Maintaining the walleye fishery, however, is complicated. Recruitment is cyclical in most walleye waters, with strong production years often followed by poor ones, and McConaughy is no exception. In Big Mac, anglers have as …

Heading out the door for a few days off to celebrate Independence Day.  I am going to post a video to commemorate the occasion.  Warning:  If you do not like firearms and fireworks, you will not like this video.  But, if you are like our family, you will be  celebrating by lighting some fuses and pulling some triggers! If you do not care for that, maybe this is a little more your speed? ‘MERICA!!!!!!  Is this a great country or …

The fourth of July, or more appropriately, Independence Day, has always been one of our family’s favorite holidays.  As a matter of fact, for many of us, I would go so far as to say it is our most favorite holiday.  I suppose there are a lot of reasons for that, summer weather and long days, food, boating, parades, water fights, float trips, music, demolition derbies, and a whole lot more.  I am pretty sure most of all it is …