When not on a shoreline or the water pursuing fish this spring, anglers can use the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website as a resource to prepare for the next outing. Many anglers already buy their Nebraska fishing permits online. But by spending some time on the website, anglers of all experience levels may discover something new about fishing in the state. Among the fishing-related topics to browse are: Interactive maps – Click on Maps at the top of OutdoorNebraska.org to …

Aquatic Habitat improvement projects are underway at Summit Lake and Wagon Train Lake in eastern Nebraska that affect angler and boater access. Summit Lake’s water level is 8 feet below normal. Removal of sediment from the lake’s south basin is almost complete; construction will move to the west sediment basin. The Summit project is nearly 50% complete, but boaters can expect limited access for watercraft launching this season until the water level returns to normal. Construction at Wagon Train has …

By Daryl Bauer There is no doubt the fish species that can send the largest number of anglers to the banks during the spring outbreak of fishing fever is crappies. Everyone loves to sit on a shoreline on a warm afternoon and experience a good crappie bite. On the other hand, with schizophrenic weather changes, no other species of fish can be more frustrating than spring crappies. Consistently successful anglers always are adapting. What can an angler do to maximize the …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in May. Here are several opportunities: Bird Crawl in Venture Parks is May 14 Migrate to the Platte River valley May 14 for a daylong birding adventure. To celebrate Nebraska Bird Month and International Migratory Bird Day, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is hosting Bird Crawl in the Venture Parks.  Registered participants will receive an itinerary to guide them, from 10 a.m. to 4 …

Due to drought conditions and extreme fire danger, many Nebraska state recreation areas and some wildlife management areas are temporarily banning campfires until further notice. Although everyone should be cautious when using fire throughout Nebraska, the list of areas with temporary closures includes: Southwest Region: Medicine Creek, Red Willow, Swanson, Enders, Sutherland and Buffalo Bill SRAs Southern Panhandle Region: Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, Lake Minatare and Wildcat Hills State SRAs, and Ash Hollow State Historical Park Central Region: Sherman and Victoria …

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe the courtship ritual of the greater prairie-chicken in southeastern Nebraska. Approximately 20 birds have been using a lek at Burchard Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County. A lek is a specific area where the birds gather to display their mating rituals year after year. The public is invited to view the spectacular mating rituals of the male prairie-chickens. Viewers will be able to interact in the bird’s environment and see the importance for conservation of habitat …

Because of the fire hazard created by dry and windy conditions, a burn ban is in effect at Calamus State Recreation Area until further notice. This ban includes all open fires, such as campfires, and those in any place throughout the SRA. Calamus SRA includes nearly 5,000 acres of native grassland in the Sandhills region of Nebraska. For more information about Nebraska state park areas, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

The Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal, Nebraska, in Antelope County, will close to visitors April 11-15 for maintenance and inspection on the diversion pond. “While the maintenance takes place, staff will be using heavy equipment, and public safety is taken into consideration for this closure,” Fish Production Manager Joe Cassidy said. “While this is a necessary part of the operation of the facility, we want this to be brief and resume public visitation. We thank visitors and anglers for …

Spring turkey hunters are eager to get back in the woods again this year, but they should not be so eager they overlook safety. The archery season opened March 25. On April 9, youth under age 16 may begin hunting turkeys with shotguns. Adults get the chance to hunt with shotguns starting April 16. The spring turkey season closes May 31. “Hunting continues to be one of the safest recreational activities there is, but there are a few things to …

Guests interested in dining at the aptly named The View at Mahoney can enjoy that experience without having to purchase a park entry permit during the month of April. Located inside Peter Kiewit Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, the restaurant offers family friendly dining options. The View also offers to-go purchases of pizza and wings, and caters as well. “The restaurant offers a stellar view of the Platte River and is a great place for a night out, …