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Walleye Challenge

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You may have caught wind of this by now: Anglers, biologists join forces in Midwest Walleye Challenge Anglers and biologists are joining forces to bring a new kind of fishing tournament to Nebraska. The Midwest Walleye Challenge will give anglers in states across the Midwest a chance to compete for prizes while collecting important data for biologists. The collection of angler catch data during the Nebraska challenge, which runs March 30-June 30, can help the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission …

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It Is All in Your Head

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If you have been paying any attention at all to modern sportfishing, you know that forward-facing sonar is THE latest, greatest technology.  There are all kinds of debates ongoing about what this powerful technology means for the sport and for our fisheries.  I am still trying to decide exactly what I think about it. I will tell you that I have always believed that the most important tool any angler can have is the one between their ears.  The mental …

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A Jerk on One End of the Line. . .

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We have open water early this spring.  I know, everyone has the fever and cannot wait to hit the water and catch some fish. . . . Then they find out that the water is still darned cold, the weather is schizophrenic and catching fish right now ain’t easy.  In my opinion, early spring is the most challenging fishing of the entire year. I have blogged often about some early spring strategies, so I am not going to repeat that …

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Fisheries Meetings, Spring 2024

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It is that time of year again.  Wanna spread the word on this: Join Game and Parks in virtual discussion on fisheries in March Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in a virtual discussion on fisheries management during meetings March 18-21. These four regional public informational sessions – one for each Game and Parks Fisheries district – will provide local updates on the fishing outlook and special projects in respective areas. The informal, interactive gatherings will provide a chance …

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A Fan of the State Tree

As Nebraska celebrates its 157th year of statehood, an iconic, representative symbol of the state is the official tree — the native eastern cottonwood. The 1972 legislature named the eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) as the state tree, replacing the original selection made in 1937 — the American elm (Ulmus Americana L.). The eastern cottonwood was chosen because many elm trees had been killed by Dutch elm disease and it is rooted in Nebraska’s pioneer history. The cottonwoods are large deciduous …

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Turn It Off!

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I am betting many of you were at least a little bothered with the FaceBook outage this week. That reminded me of a meme I had seen.  Some of you are old enough to “get this”. For those of you who do not “get it”, listen close: This chord was struck again on a calm afternoon on the water recently.  Sound carries far over water.  I listened to a guy’s stupid cell phone ring all afternoon, WHILE HE WAS FISHING! …

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Brutal Pike Tagging

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As you know we have open water early this year.  Yes, fish are being caught already.  I am also hearing questions about early open water and spawning seasons.  This discussion comes up every spring.  I have and will give the same answers every spring:  Weather will modify spawning activities a bit, but you can count on spawning occurring pretty much the same time every year.  The amount of daylight or photoperiod is the primary driver of spawning activity on most …

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The Secret Life of American Mink

The American mink is becoming increasingly prevalent in Nebraska’s aquatic ecosystems. By Monica Macoubrie, Wildlife Education Specialist In the quiet corners of the Midwest, among the rustling reeds and meandering streams, lurks a creature of remarkable stealth and cunning: the American mink (Neovison vison). With its sleek fur and sinuous movements, this mysterious carnivore prowls the water’s edge, weaving through the tangled undergrowth in search of its next meal. While they are rarely seen by humans, the American mink is …

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Youth Fishing Instructor Certification, Spring 2024

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News release on this went out a few weeks ago and I know that many of you have already signed up.  However, I want to post a reminder and I will always make a post to publicize this opportunity: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors at workshops across the state in the coming months. Instructors are part of the Youth Fishing Program, a statewide team of volunteers …

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Better Go Fishing

From what I am hearing, you better go fishing this weekend.  Things are getting a little tense at the tackle shop: Seriously, I know it is “spring” and we all have the itch.  Also know that it is very early spring and just this week our weather has been erratic.  That is going to happen about 136 times in the next couple, three months.  We all want to be on the water hooking fish, and are getting tired of wandering …

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