Fishing

Updated Sept. 28, 2022 Rainbow trout will be stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter. “This program emphasizes the urban and community waters statewide,” said Greg Anderson, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor. “Ten-inch trout are stocked to provide angling opportunities for all ages to catch and harvest.” The stocking of trout will begin the week of Sept. 26 and continue weekly through October. “Hatchery crews work tirelessly throughout the year …

I have other things I could blog about, but these updates keep coming and if you fish these waters, you will want to know about them.  So, I am going to “spread the word” some more: Boating access limited on some Nebraska reservoirs Drought conditions have limited public boating access on some reservoirs across Nebraska, but the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working to improve boating access where possible. Conditions at many boat ramps, piers and access points are …

I have a couple, three news releases I want to highlight.  These all deal with access to different fisheries and I know the news is making the rounds.  Yes, many of you already know about these.  But, I learned a long time ago that when a person thinks word has gotten around to everyone, it has not.  So, if you already know about these, just ignore me.  If not, this will affect some of your fall fishing: Calamus Reservoir boat …

Extremely low water levels and underwater hazards have limited access to the lake and challenged boaters at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area near Burwell. Several ramps have closed or have restrictions due to low water and underwater sand movement. The reservoir currently is at 41% capacity, which is the second lowest level on record. These conditions, in addition to wave action and power loading of boats onto trailers, have led to a large sand ridge forming in front of the …

The Marina Bay boat ramp at Sherman Reservoir near Loup City will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Sept. 19 until further notice so immediate repairs can be made. Low water levels in the reservoir have exposed a significant settlement of the east lane, which has caused a nearly 5-inch lip to occur on the ramp. On the west lane, the ramp has cracked and needs immediate repair during this low water period. Work is expected to take one week, …

Anglers at both ends of the state will benefit from improved fisheries after the recent completion of two Aquatic Habitat Projects at Nebraska state parks. Fort Robinson State Park and Summit Reservoir State Recreation Area both saw work to improve water quality and access. In the west, the North Grable Pond at Fort Robinson was deepened, an outlet structure replaced, and a kayak launch installed. A covered fishing pier and in-lake fish habitat structures also were built within casting distance …

I know many of you seize every opportunity to take someone fishing.  Most anglers like to find someone who has never fished before, or someone who has not fished in a while and take ’em!  It is almost as rewarding to watch someone like that catch fish as it is to catch them yourself.  In some cases, when someone catches their first fish, it is MORE rewarding. Unfortunately, we all know those guys who fish, maybe even fish a lot, …

Access to roads, the campground and boat ramp at Burchard Lake Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County may be closed temporarily due to a road repair project there this fall. This project consists of improvements to the interior WMA road, WMA campground road and to a portion of 615 Avenue from Highway 4 to the WMA. Burchard Lake is closed annually to all access Oct. 15 through Jan. 14, except walk-in access for bank fishing along the perimeter of the …

If you know anything about muskie fishing, you know about the “figure 8” maneuvers at the end of the cast: Having a big muskie follow and then strike on the “figure 8” has to be one of the biggest thrills in fishing. But, it ain’t just muskies that hit on figure 8’s.  A few years back this video showed up on the interwebs; this time it was walleyes: Obviously, the walleyes in that waterbody were darned hungry.  As a matter …

I have blogged about oddly-colored fish before, Just Fish, Weird, Bonus Fish, Details!  There can be several different reasons for those oddities in nature. Some of you bass sticks may have seen this already.  I was recently made aware and am just getting around to blogging about it.  There is an effort underway to better understand some of these unusual colorations on black bass.  You can be part of it: If you want, here is the link:  Blotchy Bass Bonanza. …