Conservation

Quick news item today.  Once again I know this is not going to impact many, but it will a few.  If you are one of those, you will want to know.  Also, this road closure could last for some time: Road to Guide Rock Diversion Dam WMA closed for construction The south access road at Guide Rock Diversion Dam Wildlife Management Area near Guide Rock in Webster County will be closed temporarily to vehicle access due to construction beginning Feb. …

An Acreage Transformed Story and photos by Renae Blum When Sue Kirkpatrick bought her acreage in 2013, which is 3 miles east of Lincoln, she didn’t intend to become a native prairie hobbyist. After 30 years of living in neighborhoods with city ordinances, neighborhood covenants and manicured lawns, Kirkpatrick simply desired the freedom to do what she wanted in a more relaxed environment. But things changed after she signed up for the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program in 2014. The program …

I was accused of being grouchy this week.  Actually, another adjective was used, but I will not repeat it here. Is it any wonder? With some modifications, this meme pretty much nails it: Oh sure, I will transition to open-water fishing.  Gotta fish!  However, I know there is a lot of cold weather, cold water, and tough fishing to come before “spring” is really here.  Under those conditions, I can, and have, caught way more fish through a hole in …

Have only fished the relatively new Flanagan Reservoir in NW Omaha a couple of times.  Have caught a grand total of four northern pike there so far. Two of them were tagged. Previously mentioned some details about the first of those tagged pike, On Ice, On Air.  Let me return to that subject today, tell you about the other tagged Flanagan pike, and explain a little more about the fisheries work going on there. Let me start all the way …

Have been doing a number of projects on Interstate lakes to improve shoreline access.  Here is the latest: Tree removal begins Feb. 6 at Hershey WMA A tree-removal project at Hershey Wildlife Management Area, which will boost angler bank access and improve access for controlling invasive and noxious weeds, will begin Feb. 6. This project in Lincoln County will open the lake’s shoreline by mulching eastern redcedars, Russian olives, honey locust, and Siberian elm trees. The Nebraska Game and Parks …

If you spend any time on the interwebs, you know there are certain questions and discussions that come up all the time.  Some mentioned so often that they become annoying: Sure, I realize folks are always looking for the hottest bite.  I also know that to experience that, you need to spend time on the water, not on the internet. By the time you hear about a hot bite. . . . You are too late. I do however spend …

Last Friday I blogged about it being time to walk on water.  I have been trying to practice that as much as possible.  Who knows how long our ice season is going to last? So far I have been able to practice a little heavy lifting too.  Oh sure, I have caught the customary complement of panfish, bluegills and crappies, even a redear, but have also showed a number of predator fish the top side of the ice. None of …

I hesitate to post this on my blog because I do not have any new information.  On the other hand, I continue to hear lots of questions and a lot of misinformation about our sandhill lakes. . . . Yes, the winter of 2022-2023 was a hard one and we saw widespread winterkill on sandhill lakes.  We saw winterkill on lakes that have not had an event like that in a long, long time.  So, yes, there are some lakes …

You’re not into ice fishing, are you? I though so. I bet you wish there were some open-water fishing options? Guess what? You’re in luck, there are! Open-water fishing options exist in Nebraska during this – the coldest part of the year. These involve trout, coolwater streams and even an opportunity to work on completing your Trout Slam challenge. So, check conditions, pack the snacks and drinks, grab the neoprene waders and gloves, rig the rod and put gas in …

Been a while since I posted any fishing commercials for my Friday blog post.  Got one today: Do not care if it is a Scheel’s commercial or not.  “It’s time to walk on water”! YES! Hope you get to do some walking this weekend!  And maybe even a little heavy lifting!