Fishing

Northern pike have been swimming in Lake McConaughy since biologists stocked them around the time the reservoir on the North Platte River began filling in 1941. But judging by fish sampling data, angler reports and the 10 pike that topped 36 inches in length or 10 pounds to qualify for Master Angler there in 2013, the current population may be the best since. That doesn’t mean there are a lot of the toothy critters in the lake. “[The pike population] …

I hate “litter bugs”.  If I see another styrofoam worm container on the shoreline of one of my fishing spots, I am going to scream!  I have used the word “pig” before to describe folks who discard all manner of trash in our environment and especially around our public fishing areas.  I probably should not call ’em “pigs” because that is offensive to real pigs.  If I had my way, discarding trash of any kind on our public hunting and …

Had a cousin, actually first cousin once removed although I do not know what she was removed from, but I digress, anyway she shared this with me and I think it is pretty good advice, especially for a weekend! Oh, do NOT think that fly-fishing is just for trout!  Right now would be one of the best times of the year to use that fly-rod to catch some Nebraska bluegills!

Many of you know that the last month has been a difficult one for me.  If you did not know, my Dad was battling cancer since last December.  Although he never was in a lot of pain, he just lost all strength and vitality and passed away about sunrise on May 18.  As you can imagine, his condition and trying to be there for him and Mom have occupied a lot of time in the past few weeks.  But, as …

The Memorial Day holiday is past, all of summer lies ahead!  I know we have already had some Family Fishing Events, but the schedule really ramps up in the coming weeks! Here is the .pdf of the same poster if you want to see a “cleaner” version, Family Fishing Poster 2014 11×17 .  Be sure to check out the Family Fishing Webpage for more information.  These events are being held in a number of communities across the state, check out the MAP. …

This has been floating around the internet again, I might as well post it here too.  You might have already seen it, but it is so funny.  Anyway, this stupid commercial comes from Nitro Boats, http://www.nitro.com/ . You gotta admit, her outfit did match the boat! Have a great weekend, hope you get outdoors and get a little peace and quiet.

I have a couple of interesting pictures to show you.  This is a 26-inch walleye recently found at Johnson Lake. Here are a couple of other views: Obviously that walleye “bit off more than it could chew”.  Walleyes are predator fish, no doubt about it.  I have made the point before that predator fish may try to eat anything that will fit in their mouth.  Unfortunately, they can get something in their mouth that is a little bigger than will …

This past weekend was really described by the title above, and for once I’m not describing the weather. Speaking of the weather, it absolutely impacted our plan. My buddy Steve and I fished a walleye tournament at Elwood Reservoir this past Sunday, and saying it was brutal is a real understatement. The water temp the previous week had been all the way up to 60, but when the 30 degree nights came along during the week, the water dropped all the …

The May 2014 edition of NEBRASKAland magazine is available on-line right now: As always there is a variety of “stuff” and I do not care who you are, you will find something in there that will interest you.  If I may, let me point one out:  On page 38, Jeff Kurrus has an interesting article titled Pound for Pound, Fighting Nebraska’s Fish.  In that story you will find a species by species breakdown of different Nebraska fish, their anatomy and …

Some of you are looking at the title of this blog post and thinking to yourselves that I am crazy.  For the record, I am, crazy that is.  Secondly, there are times where I literally do wear my life jacket to work! But more specifically today, May 16, 2014 is National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day! This annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) serves as a fun, educational way to kick off National Safe …