Tag Archives: Aquatic Habitat Program

Anglers in Nebraska got a lot accomplished this year — just by buying a fishing permit. Regardless of their success on the water, their purchase of a permit — and the Aquatic Habitat Stamp that is included — helped fund more than $8 million in improvements through the Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Program in 2022. In essence, they helped bring new life to aging waters. The program, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, enhances aquatic ecosystems by implementing restoration techniques in …

Highlighting another news item today.  No, it will not interest a lot of you, but I know it will be of much interest for some of you: Gracie Creek Pond set to reopen to anglers The Gracie Creek Pond rehabilitation project is nearing completion, and the area once again will be open for anglers to pursue rainbow trout. The pond is located in the northwest corner of Calamus Reservoir along Highway 96. It was severely damaged from flooding and sedimentation …

Again, I know this news will not be of interest to many, but there have been questions going around, and I want to get this out: Fishing salvage allowed at Standing Bear Lake ahead of improvement project Standing Bear Lake will be drawn down this winter to make way for boat ramp repairs, access and habitat improvements, and fisheries renovation at the Omaha water body. Public fish salvage will be allowed. From Oct. 29, 2022, to March 31, 2023, anglers …

I have not spent a lot of time on Sowbelly Creek when I have been “out west” in our great state.  I am going to make sure I do the next time I am out in those parts! Fishing improvements made to Sowbelly Creek Thanks to a recently completed project by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, anglers are sure to enjoy better fishing on a half-mile section of trout stream in one of the Pine Ridge’s most scenic locations. …

As is often the case with my Monday blog posts, I am just trying to spread the word.  Here is the news release that recently went out: Main ramp area upgrades continue at Merritt SRA Declining water levels at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine has provided the opportunity for additional upgrades to the main ramp area. The work will result in temporary closure of the ramp. Upgrades include extending the concrete boat ramp to accommodate safe low-water elevation …

Since this is the 25th anniversary of our Nebraska Game & Parks Commission’s Aquatic Habitat Program we have been highlighting the achievements of that program this year.  I have blogged about it several times.  I want to return to that subject today.  In fact, this is a blog post that I should have done months ago. . . . This past year Nebraska’s Aquatic Habitat Program was honored by the Fisheries Management Section of the American Fisheries Society.  The American …

I have a news release I want to share: Wagon Train SRA lake to be chemically renovated Aug. 10 Wagon Train State Recreation Area lake will be chemically renovated Aug. 10, weather depending, to remove the existing fish population. Activities at the rec area, about 2 miles east of Hickman, will be limited that day. The rotenone treatment is aimed at eliminating common carp, white perch and gizzard shad, which are detrimental to aquatic habitat and water quality. Because rotenone …

Wagon Train State Recreation Area lake will be chemically renovated Aug. 10, weather depending, to remove the existing fish population. Activities at the rec area, about 2 miles east of Hickman, will be limited that day. The rotenone treatment is aimed at eliminating common carp, white perch and gizzard shad, which are detrimental to aquatic habitat and water quality. Because rotenone is a restricted-use pesticide, day-use areas and the swimming beach will be closed during the chemical application, and no …

Swung by the Gracie Creek Pond on the north side of Calamus Reservoir recently.  For those of you that might not know, there is a little pond there where highway 96 crosses Gracie Creek.  The water from Gracie Creek is cold enough to support trout, so we frequently stock catchable-size, 10-inch rainbow trout into the pond.  There is easy access there including an accessible fishing dock and it is a popular fishing spot. Unfortunately, cold water is not the only …

I mentioned over a month ago that this year was the 25th anniversary of our Aquatic Habitat Program.  I also mentioned at that time, that you would be hearing more about it.  Well, I have a video to share now: We have accomplished a lot in the past 25 years!  Without a doubt our fisheries, waters, anglers and all Nebraskans have benefitted! We are not done!  More work to do!