Hybrid bluegill to be stocked in urban lakes

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska families fishing urban ponds and lakes will have additional angling opportunities as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is stocking hybrid bluegill in 11 bodies of water.

In total, 8,500 fish – a bluegill/green sunfish cross – will be stocked in May in the following bodies of water: Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Lake No. 6, Kearney; Weeping Water Park Pond, Weeping Water; Humboldt City Park Lake, Humboldt; Stanton Lake, Falls City; Fairgrounds Lake, Auburn; Steinhart Park Lake, Nebraska City; Lake Halleck, Papillion; Pawnee City Lake, Pawnee City; Benson Park Pond, Omaha; Towl Park Pond, Omaha; and Walnut Grove Park Pond, Omaha.

These hybrid bluegill are hardy, grow quickly and are great table fare. They are easy to fish for, too; just bait a long-shanked hook with a night crawler and add a little weight and a small bobber.

“May is a great month to be fishing in Nebraska, especially for panfish like these,” said Dean Rosenthal, Game and Parks’ fisheries administrator. “Feeling one of these fish at the end of your line is a great thrill for any kid, and they are fun to catch for everyone in the family.”

Visit OutdoorNebraska.org to purchase a fishing permit or learn more about fishing in Nebraska.