Fishing

The weather has been nice and I know folks have fishing fever.  Recently, my phone has not quit ringing about the spring trout stockings.  I have been telling folks that when we have the schedule set, we would let everyone know.  Here you go. . . . Grab a young angler or beginner, and GO FISH! Location Number Time Location Week of March 7th Gracie Creek 1,025  Calamus SRA 16-Mar Bridgeport NW 1,400 Middle Morrill 450 North Morrill 1,350 17-Mar …

LINCOLN – The fishing bridge located at the north end of Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area soon will be removed because of wind damage. In late February, extremely strong winds caused irreparable damage to the aging docks that made up the fishing bridge. Nebraska Game and Parks staff assessed the damage and determined the bridge was not safe for use. The bridge will be removed in the next few weeks. Game and Parks was already planning to replace the bridge. …

You hard-core bass anglers likely will know that the 2016 BassMaster Classic is happening in Oklahoma this weekend.  The Classic is a huge happening each year, especially for bass anglers, but in many ways for a lot of the North American freshwater fishing world.  Once again this year, Rapala has been teasing us with a promised announcement and huge “splash” for a new bait.  Regardless if you liked last year’s Shadow Rap or not, their marketing strategy worked because for at …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will stock nearly 41,000 catchable-size rainbow trout in city ponds and lakes across the state this month to enhance spring fishing opportunities. Angling for stocked rainbow trout is an excellent way to introduce young and new anglers to fishing. The stocking schedule, subject to change depending on conditions, includes date, location and quantity (times are approximate): Week of March 7 – Gracie Creek Pond, 1,025 March 16 – Bridgeport State Recreation Area …

My ice fishing season ended in literally a week this year; we were on 13+ inches of hard ice, and a week later it was not safe.  It was much too short.  My son and I were left with a feeling of unfulfillment–we needed just one more trip, just one more big fish.  I suppose you could say we have that feeling at the end of every ice season, but we felt it even more this year. I have not …

On the Nebraska fish and fishing “front”, I have several things I want folks to know about right now.  So, in no particular order. . . . Brady Interstate Lake Boat Ramp In the past year we have completed some new boat ramps and angler access improvements on several interstate lakes in the North Platte area.  One of those was the interstate lake at the Brady interchange.  There are some “finishing touches” that need to be done on that ramp …

I know spring fever has exploded into an epidemic.  You might as well feed it some more! . . . Are you kidding me?  Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston both????!!!!!  “Oh Son!” and “Hee hee hee“! Dick Turpin too?  I may never be in our Nebraska Game & Parks Commission booth when I am supposed to be working–I will be listening to the seminars! In the middle of it all, booth #1225, you will find our Game & Parks Commission …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors March 12 at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31, Gretna, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Nebraska Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events, as well as receive program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Nebraska Game and Parks programs as …

I love to see Nebraska waters on fishing shows, and every time I find one I can share with you, you can count on my doing just that.  The most recent one I am aware of is by The Next Bite TV.  They did an episode last year on McConaughy highlighting a very unique presentation for catching walleyes, a presentation that originated in Nebraska!  Here is is, watch it, watch it all! The anglers in the show are professional walleye …

LINCOLN – Applications for archery paddlefish permits will be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission March 1-14. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Mail applications must be received in the Commission’s Lincoln office by 5 p.m. and online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 14. Permits will be issued through a random drawing based on preference points earned, with the persons having earned the most preference points receiving the …