Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN, Neb. – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 18 is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy fishing or a state park area in Nebraska without the requirement of a fishing or park permit.
Although no fishing or park entry permits will be required on the free day, which is celebrated annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend, all other fee requirements, laws and regulations will be in effect. Anglers at Two Rivers State Recreation Area’s (SRA) trout lake must buy a daily trout tag.
As part of the Free Fishing and Park Entry Day activities, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host Family Fishing Clinics at the following locations: Fort Robinson State Park (SP), Carter P. Johnson Lake, 9 a.m.-noon; Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA), Lake No. 6, 9 a.m.-noon; Fremont Lakes SRA, Lake No. 3, 9 a.m.-noon; Lewis and Clark SRA, 2-5 p.m.; Summit Lake SRA, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Alexandria SRA, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Louisville SRA, 9 a.m.-noon; Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Owen Marina, 9-11 a.m.; Platte River SP, 9 a.m.-noon; Ponca SP, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Two Rivers SRA, Lake No. 1, 9 a.m.-noon.
Wildcat Hills Nature Center near Gering will celebrate the day with Wildlands Day, which includes an 8K run, bird hike, wildflower walk, bighorn sheep tour and children’s crafts.
While the public is encouraged to bring their own fishing gear, tackle will be available for children to use, including rods and reels, bobbers, hooks, sinkers and bait. Game and Parks employees and volunteer fishing instructors will hand out materials and offer fishing tips to the participants.
