open water fishing

It is a season that is open here in eastern Nebraska. It is an unusual season, but one that just flat out reeks of adventure, challenge and tremendous entertainment value. It is a season tailor-made for kids. And, trust me, this is the season that will create memories and stories like no other! No, it is not a hunting season. “It” is Nebraska’s bullfrog season. “Bullfrog season,” you say, “really?” Yep. Look at the size of this adult North American …

A classic case of misrepresentation keeps occurring. Folks, especially those new to the Cornhusker State, continue to express their disbelief to me that a crystal clear, cold, spring-fed trout fishing stream exists in northeast Nebraska. “No way,” they’ll say. “Impossible in farm country,” they’ll say. “You’re drinking, can’t be,” they’ll say.  “I’ve driven through there and never seen it,” they’ll say. These are just some of the phrases people have uttered to me about the East Branch of the Verdigre …

I have blogged about fishing topwater baits several times (e.g. Top Edge , Topwater Bait Selection).  Safe to say that catching fish on topwater baits is one of everyone’s favorite ways to catch fish.  Also safe to say that right now, summer, is peak time for using topwaters. However, if you have spent any time on the water, you know you better have a plan B, plan C, and a whole lot of other plans.  Some days the fish, for …

The July 2023 issue of Nebraskaland has a excellent story on Long Pine Creek.  That story highlights some of the aquatic habitat and angler access work done there.  Of course it also highlights the fishing.  Follow the link and turn to page 48 to check it out! Nebraskaland July 2023

Last Friday I had some fun with some of the jargon we use as anglers, especially muskie anglers (Now You Can Speak Muskie Too!). This week it is the fly anglers turn, especially fly fishing guides: Now, I know there is some risk in posting this.  Especially with the hot weather, some folks do not seem to have much of a sense of humor. Lighten up!  It is the weekend!  Get on the water, or maybe with this heat wave, …

Why do some people get perplexed when they see someone release a massive, master angler-sized catfish? After all, catfish, even the larger ones, sure taste good, don’t they? Consider the belly meat on a flathead catfish. So why is it every time we see an angler report or a social media post mention or show a picture of a large catfish they have put back in the water, a spirited discussion most likely ensues over what should or should have …

I laugh sometimes at all the jargon that applies to fishing.  Listen to yourself sometime! Lure names alone are stimulating.  You have your Hula Poppers and Rat-L-Snakies, Lazy Ikes, Royal Coachmen, and Whopper Ploppers.  Jerkbaits refer to how an artificial lure is properly fished, and not necessarily the guy on the end of the rod. What in the world is “bottom bouncing”?????  And, “walking the dog” ain’t what you think it is and has nothing to do with canines. Shockingly, …

We are in the middle of summer, but that does not mean I have quit fishing!  In fact, I have been out and about the state a couple of times over the past two, three weeks.  As always the fishing gear went with me, and I grabbed some time on the water when I could! Spent one afternoon wading and casting for some bass in the sandhills.  No, all sandhills lakes did not winterkill last winter. I purposely had my …

By Justin Haag Nebraska’s fisheries have their ups and downs, especially if we’re talking water levels. The water stored in many of the state’s most popular fishing lakes is vital for irrigating crops when Mother Nature is stingy with rain. The annual drawdown of water is important for agriculture, but can be challenging for fish populations and the people pursuing them. Anglers at many Nebraska reservoirs have become accustomed to casting lines among trees in spring and watching the shoreline …

We are in the middle of the application period for paddlefish snagging permits.  Consider this a reminder: Apply for a paddlefish snagging permit Experience the thrill of landing one of Nebraska’s most unique fish species! Apply for your chance to snag paddlefish in Nebraska from July 1-14. Here are some things you need to know: -An angler must be 12 years old by Oct. 1, 2023, to be eligible to apply for a snagging permit. -The application period opens at 1 …