Conservation

This news release has been making the rounds: Game and Parks to host fly-tying workshops in March Anglers can learn the basics of fly tying that will prepare them to catch trout and panfish this spring. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host fly-tying workshops March 6 and 10 at the Turpin Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. Members of the Cornhusker Fly Fishers Club will teach the two sessions, which are at 6 p.m. March 6 and 2 p.m. …

Saw a new commercial I like.  Like many of the best ones, this is a Rapala commercial: “Anything to drink?” “Water!” Bwaaaaahahahahaha! If you are like me, you sometimes need to catch up with the latest and greatest products and lingo.  Yes a Ned BLT is needed too! We have open water in most of the state.  I have no recent catches to tell you about, but I am hearing a few reports!  Wait for a warm afternoon and get …

We are a month into 2024 already.  Let me summarize the state record fish we had caught in Nebraska last year. One Last Entry Invariably, as soon as I post a state record update a new entry hits my desk.  Last fall was no exception.  My last update was in October and I posted a postscript to that update.  I had received news of a new state record right after that blog was posted.  At that time I teased that …

Quick news item today.  Once again I know this is not going to impact many, but it will a few.  If you are one of those, you will want to know.  Also, this road closure could last for some time: Road to Guide Rock Diversion Dam WMA closed for construction The south access road at Guide Rock Diversion Dam Wildlife Management Area near Guide Rock in Webster County will be closed temporarily to vehicle access due to construction beginning Feb. …

An Acreage Transformed Story and photos by Renae Blum When Sue Kirkpatrick bought her acreage in 2013, which is 3 miles east of Lincoln, she didn’t intend to become a native prairie hobbyist. After 30 years of living in neighborhoods with city ordinances, neighborhood covenants and manicured lawns, Kirkpatrick simply desired the freedom to do what she wanted in a more relaxed environment. But things changed after she signed up for the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program in 2014. The program …

I was accused of being grouchy this week.  Actually, another adjective was used, but I will not repeat it here. Is it any wonder? With some modifications, this meme pretty much nails it: Oh sure, I will transition to open-water fishing.  Gotta fish!  However, I know there is a lot of cold weather, cold water, and tough fishing to come before “spring” is really here.  Under those conditions, I can, and have, caught way more fish through a hole in …

Have only fished the relatively new Flanagan Reservoir in NW Omaha a couple of times.  Have caught a grand total of four northern pike there so far. Two of them were tagged. Previously mentioned some details about the first of those tagged pike, On Ice, On Air.  Let me return to that subject today, tell you about the other tagged Flanagan pike, and explain a little more about the fisheries work going on there. Let me start all the way …

Have been doing a number of projects on Interstate lakes to improve shoreline access.  Here is the latest: Tree removal begins Feb. 6 at Hershey WMA A tree-removal project at Hershey Wildlife Management Area, which will boost angler bank access and improve access for controlling invasive and noxious weeds, will begin Feb. 6. This project in Lincoln County will open the lake’s shoreline by mulching eastern redcedars, Russian olives, honey locust, and Siberian elm trees. The Nebraska Game and Parks …

If you spend any time on the interwebs, you know there are certain questions and discussions that come up all the time.  Some mentioned so often that they become annoying: Sure, I realize folks are always looking for the hottest bite.  I also know that to experience that, you need to spend time on the water, not on the internet. By the time you hear about a hot bite. . . . You are too late. I do however spend …

Last Friday I blogged about it being time to walk on water.  I have been trying to practice that as much as possible.  Who knows how long our ice season is going to last? So far I have been able to practice a little heavy lifting too.  Oh sure, I have caught the customary complement of panfish, bluegills and crappies, even a redear, but have also showed a number of predator fish the top side of the ice. None of …