By now you have probably heard the news that Nebraska outdoors has lost a legend.  Dick Turpin passed on Feb. 2. Another one of my heroes is gone. If you have not seen the story that ran in the Omaha World Herald, it was a nice tribute to Dick, A Giant among giants:  Dick Turpin Since he passed, I have read a lot of tributes from a lot of people.  I need to write one too. . . . First …

I have another news item to share today: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors at Ponca State Park LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors at a workshop Feb. 13 at Ponca State Park. Instructors are part of the Youth Fishing Program, a statewide team of volunteers and Game and Parks staff who host educational fishing events. Trainings will take place at Ponca State Park’s Education and Resource Center from 1-4 …

Seems to be common anymore that every one is looking for workers.  Might as well join the list. . . . Most years we, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, will be doing on-the-water, angler surveys someplace in the state.  That kind of survey work is labor-intensive and expensive.  We never do a lot of angler surveys in any one year.  On the other hand, as it is with most data we work with, I will tell you that information …

With the “up” and “down” temperatures we have had this winter, our ice conditions vary widely across the state.  In some places we are looking at “late ice” conditions already.  In some places I am afraid we are already beyond that. Does anyone know where I can get one of these? https://www.facebook.com/sherpru/videos/2042315952694766/ I am outta the office.  I ain’t giving up, yet.  More fish to catch. . . .

The year 2021 is in the rear-view mirror.  Time to summarize the state record fish that were caught last year: Surface Spearing No state record fish were taken by surface spearing in 2021. Underwater Spearfishing Two state record fish were taken by underwater spearfishing last year, both of them channel catfish.  The first was taken on June 5 and weighed 26 pounds 9 ounces. A little over a week later, that record was bested by a 27 pound 5 ounce …

The water level at Wagon Train Reservoir south of Lincoln is down several feet right now.  We will be doing some maintenance and modifications on previous aquatic habitat work there.  Eventually, a rotenone renovation will be done as well. There are numerous cedar trees around Wagon Train that need removal.  While the water is down, those cedar trees might as well end up as fish attractors in the reservoir.  Volunteers and fisheries staff muscled 300 cedar trees into the reservoir …

I hope I do not offend anyone with this blog post.  I found an interesting article that made some observations about the personalities of some of our favorite fish.  Now, I have told you before I have not yet learned to talk to the fish.  If I suddenly, unexpectedly retire, you will know I figured it out.  Since that is not yet possible, we can only assume that these would be the personalities of the fish we pursue. From what …

I mentioned in the latest Trout Slam Update that my son and I had finally completed our Trout Slams.  It took us far too long to finally get back to the northwest corner of our great state where we could check off brook and cutthroat trout.  Simply put, a person has to visit that corner of Nebraska to complete a Trout Slam.  What a great excuse to go there! Let me go back and rehearse my Trout Slam and make …

As I often do, start with the news release.  In this case I took the liberty of modifying it: Learn ice-fishing at events in January LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host two on-ice events and one classroom event. The last on-ice event will be from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 29 …

Been halfway across the state and back a couple of times recently.  Had to sit in on a couple of meetings, but have managed some time on the ice too. First let me say this:  Ice conditions vary widely!  There are some Nebraska waterbodies where you can hit the ice right now with no problem.  Of course YOU must make sure it is safe every time you walk on, but there are some parts of the state with good ice.  …