open water fishing

Why do some people get perplexed when they see someone release a massive, master angler-sized catfish? After all, catfish, even the larger ones, sure taste good, don’t they? So why is it every time we see an angler report or a social media post mention or show a picture of a large catfish they have put back in the water, a spirited discussion most likely ensues over what should or should have not been done with that whopper? So how …

Wagon Train State Recreation Area lake will be chemically renovated Aug. 10, weather depending, to remove the existing fish population. Activities at the rec area, about 2 miles east of Hickman, will be limited that day. The rotenone treatment is aimed at eliminating common carp, white perch and gizzard shad, which are detrimental to aquatic habitat and water quality. Because rotenone is a restricted-use pesticide, day-use areas and the swimming beach will be closed during the chemical application, and no …

Yes, I am going to be “lazy” with this blog post.  My buddy Greg Wagner’s recent blog post was about topwater baits.  It reviews many things I said in a blog post a few years ago (Top Edge) plus adds additional information.  This is an excellent time of year to review topwater baits and their use.  This is “topwater time”.  Please follow the link: Get on Top with Top Water Lures Choose the right topwater for the situation you are …

This news release went out recently: Mayflies a natural phenomenon that passes quickly at Lewis and Clark Lake They’re almost here. The annual emergence of mayflies at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton means the insect soon will be plentiful near and around the lake as they swarm to lights from the marina, cabins, facilities and campers. Nebraska Game and Parks asks for patience during the aquatic insect’s short-lived emergence period, which typically occurs in July or August …

Chug bug. Jitterbug. Hula popper. Creek chub knuckle-head. Zara spook. They all have very creative names and designs by the companies that manufacture them. They imitate every conceivable critter that could be on, around or just under the surface of the water in a wild environment from baitfish or bugs to mice or lizards to frogs, toads or even small flying mammals. They are the “go-to” fishing lures of summer. They are top water lures or surface lures, some call …

I have been “out” on a couple of trips in the past few weeks.  I got outta the eastern part of the state and into “real” Nebraska, back to the sandhills.  The trips were made to spend time with family and meet with co-workers, but you know the fishing gear went with me.  It always does! I did not necessarily spend a lot of time fishing, nor did I get to fish prime times.  I will always tell you the …

This news release went out recently; might as well spread it around: Tips to give anglers edge during summer heat in Nebraska Anglers can use all the help they can get in the heat of summer when fishing gets tough. They, and their baits, really are up against it. There is much competition in the water. Knowing when and where to fish can make all the difference for them. “Fishing gets tough in the summer because fish have so much …

Seems like mid-summer most years I end up posting a blog about catch & release and proper fish handling.  Going to do it again. . . . First of all, to those of you who think you can ignore this because you “catch all you can, and can all you catch”.  BALONEY.  Either by regulation or by personal choice, you WILL BE releasing at least some fish.  When you do that, you might as well do it right or else …

It is mid-summer.  It has been hot.  You might need a little motivation to go fishing: It is the weekend.  Do what you gotta to beat the heat, but don’t forget to spend some time on the water.  The fish are still there.  They will bite.  You ain’t gonna catch anything sitting on the couch!

Planning on an extended weekend for this 4th of July.  So, I am dropping this blog today, and then will take a break for a few days.  Never fear, I will be back, sometime next week. Again a number of topics come around at the same time every year.  It is hard for me to think of anything new to say for Independence Day.  As with many of you, this is a big family holiday for us.  We will spend …