I have not given a state record update since last year’s summary. Right now I do not have a lot to update, but I never know when applications will come in. If I wait for more, it could be months before I do an update. So, might as well tell you about what I have. . . . Back in April, Chuck Hensel from Valentine was fishing Merritt Reservoir. He caught a common carp that beat the old state record …
Read More »Memorial Day, 2023
Here we are! I know many folks eagerly wait for this weekend every year. It is the beginning of summer! Many will be heading for our waters around the state this weekend to enjoy the water, enjoy the outdoors, do some fishing, spend time with family and friends. I hope you get out to enjoy it all and dry some off while you are at it! Right now is some of the best fishing of the year for a variety …
Read More »“Blinded Me with Science”–Bluegill Growth Rates
The May issue of Nebraskaland magazine has a short article on bluegill growth rates. You will want to check it out. Right now you can see the full issue HERE. Or, here are the two pages: Over-harvest of panfish, bluegills and crappies, is a real problem on a lot of waters. No, those populations are not harvested to the point where there are not enough fish to reproduce and maintain the population. They are over-harvested to the point where they …
Read More »Fishing Etiquette
I often joke that this time of year EVERYONE is an angler. People who only fish once or a few times a year are fishing now. That makes this a good time for this reminder, for all of us, beginners and old salts: Fishing etiquette for every type of angler A great day fishing is as much about catching what you’re after as it is about the experience you had while away from home. But to keep your fishing trip …
Read More »You ARE Going to be Releasing Fish, Might as well Do It Right!
I noted a week ago that the fish are biting, now. The reports I am hearing and photos I am seeing have exploded in the past week. May and June are some of the best open-water fishing months every year. We are in the middle of that NOW! Have noticed some other things about all of those photos and reports, so I am going to blog about it again: Best fish handling practices. Now, don’t you dare tune me out …
Read More »Ruby Year
I was flipping through my turkey hunting scrapbook this spring when I realized this is the 40th year I have been chasing spring toms in Nebraska! Some of you will say that means I am old. Whatever, whippersnappers! Let me reminisce a bit. . . . I am the second generation of spring turkey hunters in Nebraska. That would be the second generation of turkey hunters since seasons were established and turkeys were re-introduced and recovered in the state. My …
Read More »Standing Bear Cleanup
This event is still a couple of weeks out, but I want to let folks know about it. Put it on your calendar! You can also sign up HERE. Unfortunately, from what I saw when I was at Standing Bear a few weeks ago, it needs a cleanup! That goes for the area surrounding the reservoir as well as the exposed bottom of the reservoir with the water down. If you can show up to help with this, it will …
Read More »GO FISH!
All of my channels of communication have exploded this week with fishing reports and fish pictures. In short, right now, do not pass “Go”, do not collect $200, GO FISH!!!! I always say that May and June are the best two months for open-water fishing in Nebraska, whatever species, whatever water. GO FISH! Do not wait for someone to give you a report, do not ask if the fish are biting–they are! If you cannot decide where to go, pick …
Read More »Foreshadowing
Yes, I have been spending a lot of time with turkeys this spring, literal, feathered turkeys. I do every spring. Have not had a chance to blog about it yet. There have been other items that have been a higher priority and have warranted previous blog posts. Today it is time to tell a story. . . . If you have read my thoughts on spring turkey hunting before, you know that I consider the key to success to be …
Read More »News Updates, May 8, 2023
I have a couple, three small news items to include in my blog today. No, none of these are major, but if they are one of your favorite fishing spots you will want to know about them. So, in no particular order: Killdeer Lake dam maintenance project to begin Killdeer Lake, located 2½ miles north of Martell in Lancaster County, will be undergoing a dam maintenance project beginning the week of May 8. The project, which will require the lake …
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