How To

Short, simple blog post today.  Once again, just spreading the word on some news items: Watercraft access limited, swimming beach closed at Summit Lake LINCOLN, Neb. – A planned water-level drawdown of Summit Lake is underway, prompting the closure of the swimming beach and creating limited access for watercraft launching. A sediment basin maintenance project prompted the need to lower water levels at the Burt County reservoir. Water levels will be kept 6-8 feet below normal pool levels during construction, …

I have been watching the Head to Head Fishing Pro Walleye Series on Lake McConaughy all week.  Two techniques have accounted for most fish.  Both techniques are somewhat uniquely Nebraskan.  In fact it could be argued that they have been perfected if not developed in Nebraska.  Trolling has been one of the winning techniques, including trolling leadcore with big, heavy spinnerbaits–definitely a Nebraska technique.  The other winning presentation has been vertical jigging with slab spoons, “slabbing”–another technique more popular in …

Yes, it has been hot, and yes, my motivation to fish lags under those conditions.  That does not mean I have quit! I have been “around” a bit, spent some time on several different waters.  What I have found has been typical for late summer. . . . First, was some bass fishing.  I should have taken some pictures of the water I was fishing.  It was absolutely choked with aquatic vegetation.  They were not weeds.  “Weeds” are unwanted plants.  …

I remembered late this morning that Head To Head Fishing Pro Walleye Series is fishing Lake McConaughy this week.  Their anglers will be there all week, and you can watch the competition LIVE!  Follow the link on their webpage or pick it up on their FaceBook Page. Fishing this first day was tough, the lake was flat calm.  That does not happen often on McConaughy. The most fish anyone caught this morning was four, and there were several anglers that …

If I miss a fish, first thing I do is look at the hook.  At times the size may need to be adjusted, but always you have to make sure it is sharp! I found this on the interwebs.  It will help you get it right! https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYg-rOAJm-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link You can tell when I have been sharpening hooks, my thumbs and thumbnails look like pin cushions. Have a great weekend!  FISH ON!

Several of you have asked about last week’s renovation project at Hackberry Lake on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.  I was there, helped a little bit, took some pictures. . . . First of all, some context:  If you are not aware of the work being done on the Valentine Refuge, it has been cussed and discussed over and over.  Please go back and read this, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Update.  If you are unfamiliar with rotenone renovations in …

Another one of my news blogs today. . . . Spreading the word on a news release: Summit Lake sediment basin reclamation set to begin LINCOLN, Neb. – Summit Lake is being drawn down this week for a sediment basin reclamation project at the Burt County reservoir. Reclamation of the sediment basins on the south and west arms of the lake will begin during the fall. The south boat ramp will be modified to allow boat access during construction, which …

We are in the “dog days” of summer. In fact, it was so hot in Nebraska the other day I saw a coyote chasing a rabbit and they both were walking! Just kidding. On the serious side of things, wildflowers are in bloom, ears of sweet corn are being harvested and elderberries will soon be ripe. The start of school is also just around the corner. Boating, swimming, tubing and fishing are being widely enjoyed now on the hot weekends. …

I have had this video for a while.  Love the kid, love the fish, love the reaction.  That right there is what it is all about! https://www.facebook.com/Cabelas/videos/927973147723181/ Once again, you have plenty of time to participate in our Take ‘Em Fishing Challenge.  As if you need any other reason to find a kid, someone new, and take ’em fishing. Do it.  Do it this weekend.  Your lives will be better for it!

Time for a state record update.  It is the time of year that the spear-fishing and bow-fishing records come in. White Sucker The first one actually came across my desk a few months ago.  Brionna Schafer of Alliance was bow-fishing when she arrowed a 6 pound 6 ounce white sucker back in April.  She found her fish swimming in Box Butte Reservoir. That was a big sucker!  It beat the old bow-fishing state record by just a little over a …