Fishing

The lakes on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge have been some of the most unique and best fisheries in Nebraska for a long, long time.  Several generations of Nebraskans have stories of pulling big beautiful panfish, pike, and largemouth bass through ice holes drilled on those Valentine Refuge lakes.  The open-water fishing has provided just as many memories. In conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service which owns and operates the refuge, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission through …

CHADRON, Neb. — Boaters at Whitney Lake Wildlife Management Area should have an easier time getting on and off the water thanks to improvements at the lake’s launching site. The Whitney Lake Fishing Club collaborated with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to widen the lake’s 150-foot concrete boat ramp and replace its dilapidated dock with a new model. Because of Whitney Lake’s role as an irrigation reservoir, the seasonal rise and fall of its water level had long posed …

Heading over tomorrow morning to team up with my buddy Greg Wagner on his weekly radio show, Great Outdoors Show, on 1620 The Zone in Omaha.  We will be on-air starting at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.  You can listen to us for an hour and still have time for pre-game before the Huskers kick it off. We will talk all things fishing, especially fall fishing, and knowing Greg, whatever else comes up.  Even if you are not close enough to …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Since 1971, National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day has recognized America’s hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. This year, NHF Day has added a challenge. Richard Childress, honorary chair of NHF Day, is challenging hunters and anglers to pledge to take someone hunting, fishing or shooting by Sept. 23, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day. NHF Day, celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains an effective grassroots effort to promote …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A public informational meeting regarding the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge fisheries will be held Oct. 5 in Valentine. The meeting, hosted by the refuge and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. U.S. Highway 20. Presentations will be given on improvements over the past several years, ongoing fish management surveys, fish populations for individual lakes, plans to eradicate common carp, and proposed future fisheries management actions. …

It was late afternoon, the day was winding down; my phone rang.  I answered and listened as an angler at nearby Bowling Lake described a fish he had just caught and laid in the grass; something he had never seen before.  Identifying fish over the phone is always a challenge, but in this case I had an idea what he had caught.  I asked him if he would be there for a few more minutes, I was on my way. …

Unquestionably, fall in Nebraska is one of the best times of the year to spend outdoors! The days are getting shorter and the summer heat is waning: the air is crisp; the leaves and other foliage are transforming into canopies of deep orange, bright yellow, and brilliant red; and the fall gardens are abundant with brightly colored fruits and vegetables. If you are looking for new and different opportunities to have fun, burn calories, acquire more Vitamin D, remain active, and maintain …

A couple of news items I want to call attention to today.  These will affect anglers in a couple areas of Nebraska, so even though the news releases have been published already, I want to mention them in my blog too. Merritt Reservoir Merritt Reservoir’s Main Landing temporarily closed September 8, 2017 LINCOLN, Neb. – The construction of a new boat-launch facility at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area’s Main Landing has begun. The Main Landing area will be closed temporarily. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Stagecoach Reservoir will be drawn down this fall for the construction of a new boat launch facility. In addition, the fishery will be renovated and a public salvage will be allowed. A 10-foot drawn-down will allow for the construction of a new, lighted boat ramp, gravel kayak launch, and a new breakwater to protect the ramp and increase access for shoreline anglers. Stagecoach’s fishery has been degraded by the presence of common carp and gizzard shad. The …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The construction of a new boat-launch facility at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area’s Main Landing has begun. The Main Landing area will be closed temporarily. Reservoir water levels are typically at their lowest now, following irrigation season. This will facilitate the construction of the new ramp, as well as a protective rock breakwater adjacent to the parking area for the old high-water ramp. Construction will continue into mid-October as the reservoir refills. An alternate fish-cleaning station is …