Fishing

Those of us who ice-fish have always known it.  Others are just beginning to figure it out. . . . Only the “cool kids” ice fish! Don’t believe me?  This commercial has been running on TV lately: https://youtu.be/SY77PRsbu9c I know this, they do not come any “cooler” than Matthew McCounghey! And he’s ice-fishing! When I run into ole Matt on the ice sometime, we will have to share tips: I thought it looked like he could have used more bait …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – Stay safe on the ice this winter while enjoying a day of ice-fishing. Follow these tips from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for safety on the ice: — The minimum ice thickness for supporting one person is at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. — Drill holes or use an ice chisel or spud bar to check the ice conditions while working your way out to your fishing spot. — Wear a life jacket. …

I am still getting caught up on some “stuff” after the holidays.  Want to post some updates about several things in this blog post.  Yes, I know some of these have made the rounds already, know that the news has already been released, but I want to spread the word as much as possible.  So, in no particular order: Holmes Lake ice-fishing event canceled LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has canceled the Discover Ice-Fishing Clinic scheduled …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has canceled the Discover Ice-Fishing Clinic scheduled for Jan. 11 at Holmes Lake in Lincoln because of a lack of safe ice. It will not be rescheduled. A similar event is scheduled for Jan. 19 at Kearney’s Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Lake No. 6 from 8 a.m.-noon. While the event has not been canceled yet, conditions do not appear promising. These clinics are for young or new anglers to gain …

If I hear one more perky TV girl talk about how nice the weather has been this winter, I am going to start throwing tomatoes.  I imagine security would prevent me from doing that live, in the studio, so my big screen at home might get some abuse. Between lack of ice and snowstorms, I still have not been on the ice fishing.  I am getting grumpier by the day. But, that will not prevent me from talking about it …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hudson Lake in Cherry County is temporarily closed because of deteriorating road conditions. Warmer temperatures in recent days have prompted melting snow with runoff causing damage to the access road. Hudson Lake, which is about 24 miles southwest of Valentine, is available for public recreation through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Open Fields and Waters Program. Conditions will be assessed on a weekly basis to determine the lake’s reopening.

Gotta be honest with you.   I am still “out of the office”, but still have not been on the ice.  It embarrasses and pains me to say that!  Actually, I have been on it a couple, three times, but have not found any safe enough to fish.  Now, I am fully aware that ice fishing is occurring in parts of our great state.  Just is, I have not been there, yet.  Oh, over the holidays I thought I would make …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers should be aware of changes to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission sport fishing orders that will take effect Jan. 1, 2020. The changes pertain to daily bag limits, possession limits, length limits and open areas. The changes are: Trout – The daily bag and possession limits on cutthroat trout change from five and 12, respectively, to two and four, respectively, and only one fish in the bag can be 12 inches or longer. Cutthroats do not …

Do not know how long it will be until I get on the ice.  I am getting tired of waiting.  I am even watching cat videos to pass the time. Pretty sure this cat needs an auger! Maybe could use some creepers too! Hopefully soon we will have enough ice for me and my cat to go fishing!

Not going to be in the office much the next few days.  Not going to be on the key-board.  So, on my way out the door. . . Merry Christmas! I would much rather wish you happy holidays from a bucket on the ice instead of sitting behind my desk.  Hopefully, that will be the case! I do have one gift that some of you have been looking for. . . . The “hard copy” of the 2020 Fishing Forecast …