Conservation

We have been sharing this video with folks who attended our virtual public meetings a couple of weeks ago.  It is a good video with excellent information; I want to share it with as many anglers as possible. Fisheries management in Nebraska, most of the country for that matter, is pretty much accomplished on a “user pays” basis.  You fund Nebraska fishing opportunities through the purchase of fishing permits and through excise taxes collected on the sales of fishing and …

I have spent my entire week answering the phone.  Almost every one of those calls was inquiring whether the spring, put & take trout had been stocked in one favorite waterbody or another.  I guess I understand, we have not published the exact dates of those stockings.  In the crazy coronavirus world we continue to live in, we do not want crowds gathering around stocking trucks.  So, the stocking schedule only says “The week of _______”. I swear, if we …

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year, early spring.  On one hand, who is not happy to see spring roll around?  On the other hand, I hate to quit ice-fishing. We get a few days of nice weather this time of year and everyone thinks they are a fisherperson.  On the other hand, in my opinion, early spring is some of the toughest open-water fishing of the year.  The water is still cold, the fish are not …

This news item will not affect a lot of Nebraska anglers, but I always know there are at least a few who will want to know. . . . The canal system in central Nebraska provides some great fishing opportunities.  Fish can be caught from the canal itself with water control structures or “checks” being some of the best spots.  In addition, as the canal winds through canyon country water has filled some of those canyons creating additional fishing opportunities.  …

By now you are probably familiar with the invasive nuisance species silver carp.  You know, the “flying fish” that jump out of the water like crazy.  You have probably seen news reports or YouTube videos of them. I found another video this week that might be the biggest silver carp I have ever seen. If you watch the slo-mo replay, notice that fish tail slaps both rods in the rod holders.  If I did not know better, that looked maliciously …

Last week we held public informational meetings via “Zoom”.  We promised that those meetings would be taped and available.  Here they are: First, the statewide session: Next I believe was the southeast regional meeting: Then was the northeast region: After that, the northwest regional meeting: And last, the southwest regional meeting: I am sure contact information for all of our regional fisheries biologists is provided in each one of those videos.  If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact …

Without a doubt, when we get some warm weather in early spring, everyone has the fishing bug.  To encourage that “sickness” we will be stocking catchable-size rainbow trout in waters around the state again this spring.  Here is the list: Week of March 8 Bridgeport Bridgeport NW 700   Terrytown Terry’s Pit 1,500   Scottsbluff Scottsbluff Zoo Pond 900   Morrill North Morrill Pond 2,250   Morrill Middle Morrill Pond 450   Venice Two Rivers SRA 13,000   Week of …

Some of you may have seen mention of this in the news already: Game and Parks urges public to check aquariums for invasive zebra mussels LINCOLN, Neb. – After a recent discovery of invasive zebra mussels within Marimo or “moss” balls used in aquarium tanks, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of this highly destructive species. A container of Marimo balls sold as “Betta Buddy” was first found to …

My son and I do not get to fish together all the time.  Still it is nice knowing that even though we are separated by miles, we are on the water.  Maybe apart for now, but still on the water.  In fact it is interesting how often we are doing the same things even though we are fishing individually. For example, each winter we target big bluegills, 10-inches and larger, just like we get after muskies in open water.  At …

Got this note from Brandon Maahs, one of our field biologists in north-central Nebraska: Need a new fishing hotspot? Be on the lookout for new artificial habitat structures in Merritt Reservoir this year. NGPC Fisheries staff have built and are ready to deploy at least 30 modified Georgia Cubes. Years of siltation, erosion, and decay of submerged trees has reduced the overall habitat complexity within Merritt Reservoir. Adding artificial habitat, such as these PVC cubes, can help replenish degraded natural …