Fishing

Last weekend I watched a guy pull over so he could rescue a turtle that was in the middle of the road.  Once he had the turtle in hand, he walked to the side of the road where the ditch was full of water and dropped the turtle, a painted turtle, splash, back in the water. What if the turtle did not want to be in the water? What?  Has my pointy-head finally gone crazy?  Everyone knows that turtles live …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ten anglers took home outdoor prizes in the first round of prize drawings for the Take ’em Fishing challenge, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and partners who have donated prizes. Anglers answered the challenge to take a new or lapsed angler fishing with them, for the chance at a range of prizes. To date, more than 700 photos of fishing trips have been submitted for contest entries. The winners are: Russell Banzhaf, Lincoln – …

Most of you know that I am all fishing, all the time, but I love to hunt and trap too.  I seldom go more than a few days without drying off a fish or two, but in the spring when the turkeys are gobbling, I get distracted.  This spring has been no exception.  I spent as much time as possible listening to my favorite birds gobble from ridge tops, fields, and canyon bottoms.  When the time is right, often in …

Do you want to keep that big fish on the line? These three knots will help. Practice before you go so you are familiar with them. By Larry Pape, Fisheries Education Specialist The Improved Cinch Knot This is the most commonly taught fishing knot and can be used on monofilament line to attach a hook, lure, or swivel. The knot is simple to remember and the line retains nearly all of its strength. 1. Thread the loose end of the …

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.  ~Doug Larson Because I know of places where the water seems endless. Because the day is bright and the sand pulse along the shore is warm. Because I enjoy the challenge, pursuit and thrill of the catch. Because I want to bond with a loved one in the natural world. These are the primary reasons why I like to fish. But there’s more to …

We have five state fish hatcheries in Nebraska.  In any given year those hatcheries will produce over 30 million fish, around 30 different species, and those fish will be stocked literally from one corner of the state to the other.  More than 250 public waterbodies will be stocked each year.  If you are interested in what is stocked where, when and how many, you can see all of our fish stocking database.  By the way, that database includes fish stockings …

Nebraska’s public waters have enthralled me for more than 30 years. I first picked up a bow in 1988, and very quickly, bowfishing became a lifelong passion. Stalking a fish, unleashing an arrow and hoping for the best – the thrill is similar to hunting. I will always choose fishing with a bow over a rod and reel. Another reason why I love bowfishing so much – bowfishers still account for a small percentage of anglers in Nebraska, which means …

All of us who love to fish have a story or two about the one that got away, don’t we? Invariably, the tale involves hooking the fish of a lifetime and losing it to unforeseen circumstances or mistakes. Trust me, I have made my share of mistakes when it comes to large, prized game fish. Without question, these stories, however embellished, can be devastating to those who have a passion for wetting lines. For as many wild and crazy occurrences …

I realize that the big Memorial Day weekend is behind us, so when I mention these updates, some of you are going to say, “Thanks for nothing, wish you would have told me this five days ago”.  Sorry.  However, in my defense, a couple of these just came across the wire: Flooding prompts Cottonwood Lake closure MERRIMAN, Neb. — Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area in north-central Nebraska has been temporarily closed because rains have flooded the park’s access road and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Community Fishing Night event scheduled for Tuesday, May 28 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake has been cancelled by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Parking lots and the trail around the lake flooded after heavy rain brought the lake level up. For a complete schedule of other fishing events scheduled by Game and Parks this summer, visit outdoornebraska.gov/familyfishing/.