Barbs and Backlashes

Bluegills are one of the most widespread and common fish in Nebraska. They are also one of the most interesting. This time of year most anglers know it is not hard to find colonies of spawning bluegills.  A patient person can catch some of those fish.  Patience is required because the males guarding the nest are much more interested in guarding and herding a willing female onto the nest than they are in biting.  Nonetheless, if you can hover a …

Want to highlight some recent projects in progress or completed on a couple State Recreation Areas.  You can read the entire press release about a number of SRAs and recent projects, but here I just want to highlight those that will improve fishing and fishing access: Two Rivers State Recreation Area A new ADA-accessible fishing pier opened this spring thanks to a $224,000 public-private partnership matching memorial donations with federal funds. Louisville State Recreation Area A more than $1.2 million …

Calendar says it is the end of May.  Our Great Plains weather does not necessarily follow the calendar, but it is safe to say “spring” is coming to an end. It has been a great one! I may not necessarily blog about my adventures as often during the spring as I do at other times.  The reason for that is spring only lasts so long and I am busy trying to spend as much time as possible in the field.  …

This is not a big deal and I know it will not impact many.  On the other hand, I want to spread the word: Grove Trout Rearing Station to close temporarily for maintenance The Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal in Antelope County will close to visitors May 28-30 for maintenance and inspection of the diversion pond. “While the maintenance takes place, staff will be using heavy equipment, and public safety is taken into consideration for this closure,” said Fish …

I will pretty much tell you May and June are two of the best months for open-water fishing in Nebraska.  That is true every year, a variety of waters, for a variety of fish. For that reason, Memorial Day weekend is one when a lot of fish are caught.  Oh sure, some wet, stormy weather can put a damper on that, but you really should be fishing.  NOW!  Yes, the weekend will be busy, yes, there will be other folks …

The kickoff of summer is here.  Our waters will be busy again this year, and everyone has a part to play! As zebra mussels creep closer, Game and Parks urges boaters to Clean, Drain and Dry While Nebraskans can expect to see many boaters on the lakes this Memorial Day weekend, they also can expect to find Nebraska Game and Parks staff inspecting boats for invasive zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are a small, D-shaped clam with alternating light and dark …

Want to highlight this “after the rehab project” rundown! Aquatic Habitat 2024 These waters are back!  They are producing good fishing right now! GO FISH!

Proper fish handling is a topic I blog about frequently.  With the significance of catch & release in all fishing now, handling fish so they have the maximum chance of survival is imperative. The thing is, fish are slimy.  They can also be very lively and strong when being handled.  All of that can result in some awkward moments when no matter our good intentions, the fish end up doing something else. That can create some instances when you just …

Have to return to a topic I have blogged about before.  From what I have seen and heard over the past few days, there is no doubt that there are a bunch of anglers who need to know some sturgeon identification! The Missouri River and the lower portion of tributaries to the Missouri in Nebraska can be home to sturgeon.  The shovelnose sturgeon is relatively common in some of those waters.  However, correct sturgeon identification is critical because pallid and …

Time to publicize the full list of Community Fishing Events for this summer! Family fun returns with 2024 Community Fishing Events Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for another spring and summer of fun with Community Fishing Events. Community Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity. Rods and reels, as well as bait and fishing instruction, will be available for free. …