open water fishing

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 …

I spent a few days out of the office recently; might as well tell you about it. . . . Spring is a busy time for fisheries workers.  Once the ice is gone, one species after another starts spawning.  We have a variety of crews busy collecting eggs for producing fish to stock, then there is sampling that needs to be done, some tagging projects, etc., etc.  In the spring it is “all hands on deck”. Pretty much every year …

Fisheries staff at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission again will capture spawning walleyes at Sherman Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy to collect eggs to meet stocking requests. As of April 1, a designated area along the dam at Sherman is closed to bank anglers and boats following sunset. The collection there will begin the night of April 1. Crews will begin collections at Merritt on or near April 6 and finish at McConaughy likely the following week. Access …

There are so many fish and fishing-related things to blog about.  I try to include variety.  I try to include a blend of news, fisheries science, ichthyology and just plain fishing.  A lot of you are likely better sticks than I am, but I also like to include stuff that has worked for me, things that might help someone catch more fish. . . . Well, this is one of the biggest breakthroughs that I have seen in years.  I …

I need to spread the word on this too, and looking at the calendar, I need to do it now! Two angler creel surveys to begin at Lake McConaughy in April It’s the time of year for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to survey Lake McConaughy anglers for information that assists in statewide fisheries management decisions. Two surveys will be conducted at the state recreation area starting April 1: 1. A daytime survey will take place April through October with …

I have been doing a little rod shopping again lately.  Oh yes, there is a reason and a story behind it. . . some other time.  Anywho, I have often joked about just buying another Ugly Stik.  Seriously, for the price, they are good rods, and they come in a variety of models.  There is an Ugly Stik for a lot of fishing situations. They really are just about indestructible.  I have one that I have had since I was …

I am wondering if the student loans would be worth it????? Have a great weekend!  Remember to “whip it”, “mend it”, and above all, “SET!”

Need a date?  Wait a minute, maybe I should ask if you need a great idea for a date night?  I got one, this Saturday night.  Nebraska’s own Cornhusker Fly Fishers is hosting this year’s International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4): Get your tickets HERE. If you have never been to one of these fly-fishing film festivals, they are a hoot!  The films are excellent, there are lots of big fish, and I guarantee you will get fired up, ready …

Anyone interested in walleye fishing at Lake McConaughy is invited to a public informational meeting March 29 at the lake, where the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will discuss fisheries research, changes in stocking and angler surveys. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Mountain time at the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center. This session will provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback. Game and Parks’ recent meetings at the lake with anglers and concessionaires focused on the agency’s 2022 walleye …

Got a couple of news items I want to spread the word on: Iron Horse Park (i.e. North Platte I-80 Lake) NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Iron Horse Park in North Platte will close temporarily throughout parts of the park for upgrades to angler access and other amenities. Partial closure of Iron Horse Park, located south of the I-80 interchange at North Platte, will close temporarily for public access beginning March 3, 2022. The upgrades will include the development of five …