Fishing

I sure enjoy ice fishing when the thick, solid ice arrives on frozen lakes and ponds in Nebraska, but I admit I don’t do much of it. Nevertheless, when there’s an invitation to go with seasoned ice-fishing veterans, you can bet that I will have my fishing permit, grab my current fishing regulation guide and jump at the opportunity. Hey, there’s fish to catch! Such was the case several years back when Ty Stromquist of Norfolk and his dad, Alan …

I have been “out” more than “in” the past couple of weeks, and that will be the case for the next week or so as well.  Just want to quickly touch base here with my blog and wish you all a Merry Christmas! You might think that was the Christmas tree we had here in the Fisheries office.  Actually, it is what one of our brush pile fish attractors looks like below the surface of the water.  Happy fish, we …

The December issue of Nebraskaland has a one-page story by Jeff Kurrus, Don’t Stunt.  Yes, Jeff spent some time in my office talking about the story.  Yes, Jeff quotes me in the article.  If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will recognize the subject matter, again: I have said before, will again now.  I have seen far more panfish populations that suffer from the effects of over-harvest, than I have seen in less numerous, larger, predator …

Standing Bear Lake is being drawn down in preparation for a much-anticipated Aquatic Habitat and Boating Access project. The water level will be lowered about 20 feet in the 135-acre northwest Omaha lake so work can start in early spring of 2023. Visitors can expect the boat ramp and part of the northeast access area to be closed once construction starts. The project will focus on improvements to the boat ramp on the south side of the lake and angler …

It’s here! You can see the 2023 Fishing Forecast right here: 2023 Fishing Forecast It will take us a couple weeks to get the hard copies back from the printers.  So, for now you will have to study the digital version.  Ice conditions are looking better by the day.  Good luck!

Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s changes to 2023 fishing rules are: No Live Baitfish Waters – Crystal Lake (Adams County), Wagon Train State Recreation Area/Wildlife Management Area (Lancaster County), East Sutherland WMA (Lincoln County), West Cozad WMA (Dawson County) and Standing Bear Lake (Douglas County) were added to the list of water bodies where it is illegal to possess or use live …

Coming down to the wire here before Christmas.  Some of you may still be looking for gift ideas.  I have a good one: “Give ’em the gift of fishing.” I cannot tell you anything better than that right there. Got to fish with both my granddads growing up.  Do not know that either one of them were muskie slayers, but I have a bunch of their secret lures in my tackle box.  Got some of Grandpa Bob’s too!

I have probably said it a hundred times, will again.  I fish hard in the fall.  In my opinion, some of the best open-water fishing of the year occurs in the fall.  So, I try to finish open-water fishing each year with a flourish. Like everything else in fishing, although they may all be good, some autumns are better than others.  My fall bite this year was hit and miss.  I would have liked a few more big fish (which …

I like to spread the word on these film tour events, especially when there is a viewing in Nebraska.  This time it is for a virtual screening of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival.  Watch the trailer: Purchase “tickets”, International Fly Fishing Film Festival, Virtual Screening USA 2022. If you have never watched one of these events, well, they are just plain fun.  The fish and fishing in the films always get me fired up.  I know we are looking …

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can flex their artistic skills and outdoor stewardship by participating in the fourth annual Nebraska Fish Art Contest. This international art and writing competition – celebrating its 25th year in 2023 – gives youth the opportunity to highlight their talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes and recognition in Nebraska and internationally. The free contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro …