Aug 8, 2010

Bluegills and more at Wehrspann - Chalco Hills

Finally got the chance to get out on the lake again, but this time with my 6 year old boy and his friend.  

We went to Wehrspann (in west Omaha) and brought along night crawlers and bobbers.  

TIP: When bobber fishing for gills with worms, try this setup.  Use a small bobber.  Big bobbers may be necessary for visibility, especially if the water is rough or you are casting a long way.  But, if you are fishing close and a fairly calm day, keep the bobber as small as possible.

TIP: Another suggestion is to use a small jig head instead of just a hook.  I picked up some tiny jigs at Wal-Mart and took off the grub bodies.  You can then tip the jig with a piece of worm a little bigger than the hook.  I have had better luck hooking blue gills with this setup than with a standard hook/bobber combo.  I think the brightly colored jig head helps get attention and the horizontal presentation may be more easier for gills to get into their mouths...

We fished the point just southeast of the boat ramp first and my boy hooked this 9.5 inch crappie right off the bat.

We caught a few more fish there and then headed south down the west shoreline.  We caught a few more, but nothing spectacular.  We then went down and under the pedestrian bridge and tried our luck in the shallow south end of the lake.  Nothing.  

On our way back under the bridge, the boys wanted to stop and fish.  Good thing we did, because we caught a bunch of nice gills along the south end of the bridge.  Most were bigger gills, between 8-9 inches long.  Here are a few shots.

Happy Fishing!

You having any luck recently?  Email me at Heartlandfishing@gmail.com with pics and I will share your report.

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

Jul 7, 2010

Invasive Crayfish - Important info for Nebraska Fisherman (via @NEGameandParks)

Ran across this post on barbsandbacklashes.wordpress.com about an invasive crayfish species that has been found in NE waters. Good info for you NE fisherman. If you ever catch one of these in NE waters, or buy them at a bait shop, please take the time to report it to Nebraska Game and Parks. Help protect our native waters and native species.

Jason
@heartlandfishin
heartlandfishing.blogspot.com

[excerpt]...Unfortunately, there are exotic species of crayfish that can cause problems in waters where they are not native. One of those crayfish species that has caused problems in some parts of the United States is the rusty crayfish, Orconectes rusticus. Rusty crayfish are native to the Ohio River basin in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee but have been introduced to many other “Midwestern” states. Once introduced into waters outside their native range, rusty crayfish have caused some major problems. Rusty crayfish have literally elminated aquatic vegetation from some waters and thus dramatically altered the aquatic habitat and food chain. They also out-compete native crayfish and may have significant impacts on other aquatic macroinvertebrates (e.g. aquatic insects). In some cases it is suspected that rusty crayfish prey on fish eggs. So, once again this is another example of an exotic species that we would like to keep out of our waters. [read the entire article]

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

Jun 3, 2010

Nebraska Game & Parks website gets a makeover - thank goodness!

Was doing some checking on NE regulations and stopped by the NGPC website to find out that it got a makeover!  Looks a lot better than it did.  Haven't spent much time snooping to see if it is easier to use, but at least happy to see this change happen.

Take a peak for yourself...

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

May 26, 2010

Iowa Free Fishing Weekend - June 4 - 6, 2010

Iowa's free fishing weekend for 2010 is June 4 - 6th.

Unlike Nebraska's, it is for residents only.  Sorry!

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

May 21, 2010

Fishing Report: Northern Pike fishing near Valentine, NE - May 2010

For the fifth year in a row, I fished the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge lakes near Valentine, NE, for northern pike during the middle of May (13th - 15th to be exact).  The fishing was pretty good this year.

On the refuge we fished mostly on Dewey, though we tried Clear Lake as well.  We didn't catch anything on Clear - the lake was a good foot or foot and a half higher than previous years, but it was extremely murky.

Dewey, on the other hand, was pretty good fishing.  The lake was full, and the water was the clearest I remember.  Past years found us fishing mostly the east end along the reeds, and the middle of the lake.  This year, we fished mostly the west end of the lake.  We put in on the western most ramp (there are now 4 ramps on Dewey).  We caught a lot of fish, northern and a couple perch, about 50-100 yards straight south of the ramp.  We repeatedly passed through that general area and caught fish nearly every time.

We threw mostly brightly colored spoons (I am a fan of Little Cleo's) and retrieved pretty slowly to get them nearer the bottom (it's only about 6 foot deep there).  

Most of the northern we caught were in the 21 - 26 inch range, with one 30 incher in the 2.5 days of fishing.

The refuge boasts some of the best northern fishing in Nebraska, but due to these lakes be shallow, sandy bottom lakes, they get pretty mossy and weedy come mid-summer which makes them hard to fish.  

Now is a great time to get to Valentine NWR and catch some northern!  My 6 year old had a blast catching this 25.5 inch northern all by himself!

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

May 19, 2010

Nebraska Free Fishing & Park Entry Day - May 22, 2010

Nebraska holds a free fishing and park entry day each year in May on the Saturday prior to Memorial Day weekend.  This year that day falls on Saturday, May 22nd.

This Saturday, residents and non-residents, can fish without a license and enter state parks for free.  This is a great opportunity to either give fishing a try, get back into fishing, or for checking out a state park for free.  Also a great, cheap, family outing option. (We can all use those!)

In addition, several state parks have "family fishing clinics" - click here to download the poster with the full list.

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

Mar 23, 2010

No Crappie length minimums in April on Zorinsky & Wehrspann

If you love crappie fishing and you fish in the Omaha metro area, you need to know that the 10 inch minimum length on crappie is lifted for the month of April on both Zorinsky & Wehrspann.

This is perfect for those that love to eat crappie but seem to only catch 9 inchers.  

The best part is that the crappie usually spawn in April so they are a lot more likely to bite as they store up energy for the spawn and vigorously defend their eggs and fry.

Here is the proof from the 2010 Nebraska Fishing Guide:


Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

Mar 10, 2010

Changes to Nebraska Fishing Regulations for 2010

If you fish in Nebraska, be sure to double check with the changes to fishing regulations for 2010.  As usual, there aren't a lot, and some changes are pretty obscure and won't likely affect that big trip you have planned, but it is good to at least check them out before you start fishing this year.

Below are the changes for 2010 straight out of the 2010 NE Fishing Guide, p. 5.  Hope they are helpful.

(from the 2010 NE Fishing Guide, p. 5)
NEW FOR 2010

The following are changes to fishing regulations for 2010:

  • Iron Horse Trail Lake is added to the list of waters with a 21-inch minimum length limit on black bass.
  • It is unlawful to harvest wipers at Zorinsky Lake. Wipers have been stocked into Zorinsky to prey on abundant gizzard shad. The regulation will reduce premature harvest of small wipers.
  • The new walleye spawning reef habitat at Sherman Reservoir is included in the area closed to fishing from sunset to sunrise, April 1 - 20.
  • It is unlawful to possess live baitfish at Hedgefield Lake in Lancaster County. The lake is being rehabilitated, and the goal of the regulation is to reduce introduction of undesirable fish.
  • It is unlawful to possess live baitfish at Lake Wanahoo in Saunders County. The goal of the regulation is to reduce introduction of undesirable fish.
  • The following have been added to a list of waters managed as High Use Fishing Areas: Open Fields and Waters program lakes and ponds, Big Springs City Pond, Birdwood Lake, Friend City Lake, Hedgefield Lake, Hooper City Lake, Humphrey Pond, Kramer Park Lake, Lake Wanahoo, North Platte Interstate 80 Lake, Oxford City Lake, Papio 4, Schwer Park Pond, Silver Creek City Lake, and Stanton Lake.
  • Regarding bait collection and dealer regulations, the maximum legal opening size of a baitfish trap throat increased from 1.5 to 2 inches.

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

Mar 9, 2010

Available online - NGPC's Guide to Nebraska Fishing

Need to double check the rules and regs for fishing in Nebraska? Stop by the NGP website and view or download the 2010 Fishing Guide.

Jason
@heartlandfishin
Hearland Fishing Blog

FISHING GUIDE

Browse or Download 2010 Fishing Guide

The Fishing Guide provides information you need to fish Nebraska water.

  • Current Regulations
  • Seasons
  • Limits
  • Special Area Regulations
  • Where to Fish - Public Waters Guide
  • Where the Fish Are - Stocking Reports
  • Reports from the field - Outdoor Reports
  • A Fish Identification Guide
  • Who Caught What - Master Angler Awards
  • Show Me Your Fish - Angler's Anchive - Photos
  • Purchase a Permit Online!
  • Discussion Forum

Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog

Feb 24, 2010

Omaha - 63rd Annual Boat, Sport, and Travel Show - Feb. 25-28, 2010

Need something to do this weekend that will get your mind off the fact that you can't get your boat out on the lake yet?

Consider attending the 63rd Annual Boat, Sport, and Travel show in Omaha at the Qwest Center from Thursday, Feb. 25th through Sunday, Feb. 28th.

You get to roam through row after row of outdoor wonderment including fishing equipment, RV's, fishing destinations, boats and more boats, and various outdoor related exhibits. There's always some good food being peddled by exhibitors, a trout fishing pond for the kiddos, and various seminars and "shows" throughout the weekend.

Check out http://www.gototheshows.com/bst-v-home.html for more information.

Growing up in the Omaha area, this is a show my family attended quite frequently when it used to be held down in the Civic Center. I have great memories of walking through all the exhibits and watching the shows (including lumber jack competitions, including log rolling, pole climbing, etc., as well as unusual performers like Wes Harrison).

I attended last year for the first time since the early 90's and was a little disappointed to see how much smaller the show has become. Everything now fits in one exhibition hall at the Qwest (instead of multiple exhibition halls and the main arena at the Civic back in the day). I will say it was still a pretty good day for the family and I picked up several helpful pieces of information from various exhibitors on fishing locations and strategies.

Anyone planning on attending? Please share your comments below...

Posted via email from Heartland Fishing Blog

Feb 5, 2010

Planning your fishing season in NE - via NEBRASKAland Magazine

This article appeared in Nebraskaland magazine a couple years back, but it is a good resource for you NE fisherman. The author talks about tips, tricks, and tools for planning a successful fishing season and even shares his favorite time to fish certain lakes.

Be sure to check it out. Here is an excerpt. Read the entire article here.

Jason (@heartlandfishin)

A Plan for Success
A First Look at This Year's Fishing Trips
By Jeff Kurrus
Maps....Computers....Surveys....Biologists. Spending a bit more time in the off-season organizing this year's fishing trips will pay the dividends you're looking for during the fishing season.

Growing up, I couldn't count the number of good lakes and reservoirs I had to fish on my fingers and toes. I lived in a rural area, went to a big school, and knew a lot of people. Permission came easy. Then I moved from Tennessee to Nebraska where my wife, who had enlisted in the Air Force, was stationed. "They have hunting and fishing there," she told me, but I didn't have my private water any longer, no round-the-corner honey holes where I locked the gate behind me when accessing. So I had to start researching. I learned slowly at first, yet with each new tactic I came across, I was better able to pinpoint exactly what I was looking for - fish... read the entire article

Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog

Jan 27, 2010

Purchase Colorado Fishing License Online - Colorado Division Of Wildlife Total Licensing System

Click the link at the bottom of this post to purchase a CO fishing license (or other license) online.

Use this site to:
Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp (for $10.25 per individual) which includes the Colorado Search and Rescue fee, access
to state wildlife areas (SWA) or state trust lands (STL) and helps fund additional habitat for wildlife. (Product Code #61)
--> purchase the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp
or
purchase hunting and/or fishing licenses for the State of Colorado
or
complete and submit hunting applications for the State of Colorado
or
update your address/personal information by clicking on the button provided without the purchase of either a license or application
or
fullfill habitat stamp obligation and pick up awarded license(s)
If you need more information on Licenses and/or Hunting Applications for Colorado before you begin your purchase, see additional information on the CDOW Home Page.
To use this site, you will be required to complete 4 basic steps:
Step 1: Tell Us Who You Are
Identify yourself, including residency and personal information. If you are an existing CDOW customer, you will be able to retrieve current information from the CDOW Total Licensing system and simply verify its accuracy. If you know you are in the CDOW database, and your record does not come up, please call the CDOW for assistance. Once you have completed the customer information section, you will be able to update your address/personal information.
Step 2: Select Products
Select the license(s), stamp(s), and/or applications you wish to purchase. Additional information may be required.
Step 3: Verify Your Selections & Submit Payment
Confirm your selections, choose your delivery method, and provide your payment information. You may use Visa, MasterCard, or Discover to pay for your purchase.
Step 4: Remember to Print Your Confirmation!
This page is your receipt, keep it for your records.
If you do not wish to purchase your license here, you may visit your nearest Total Licensing Agent or contact Phone Sales.
IMPORTANT: if you have questions on limited licenses, preference points, or group hunts, you must contact the CDOW help line at 303-297-1192. To apply for a Limited License, you must apply online or submit a paper application to CDOW. Phone Sales Representatives are not equipped to answer questions regarding limited license applications.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife does NOT charge convenience fees for this, or any other, license purchase. This is the ONLY online license sales site provided directly by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for its patrons.

Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog

Jan 26, 2010

Fishing Permits for Nebraska - buy online or at a local retailer

Need a fishing license for the state of Nebraska? Here is the price list and links to the website for purchasing permits online for the state of Nebraska.

Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog

Jan 23, 2010

Iowa Fishing Licenses - prices and information

Looking for information on Iowa fishing licenses? Below is a summary from the iowadnr.gov website.

To purchase a license online, click here.

Fishing Licenses

Resident License Fees

License Type

Cost

Fishing (16 years of age or older)

$17.50

Fishing, 7-day

$12.00

Fishing, 1-day

$8.00

Trout Fee When is a Trout Fee Required?   

$11.00

Lifetime Fishing (65 years of age or older)

$51.00

Lifetime Combined (disabled military veteran or POW)

$31.00

Boundary Water Sport Trotline

$11.00


Nonresident License Fees

License Type

Cost

Fishing (16 years of age or older)

$39.50

Fishing, 7-day

$30.50

Fishing, 3-day

$16.00

Fishing, 1-day

$9.00

Trout Fee When is a Trout Fee Required?   

$13.50

Boundary Water Sport Trotline

$21.00


Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog

Nebraska Fishing Tournaments 2010 - via NE Game & Parks

If you are interested in entering a tournament, here is a quick list of several options in the state of Nebraska. Please check out each one individually for further details.

Nebraska Fishing Tournaments

| Download Fishing Tournament Registration Form |

Dates/Times/Location Organizer Disposition & Awards
Start:1/24/2010@8:00 AM
End: 1/24/2010@ 2:00 PM
MERRITT RESERVOIR
MULTI-SPECIES - HARVEST
VALENTINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P O BOX 201
VALENTINE, NE69201
402/376-2969
Weighed in and then harvested

Heaviest fish

Start:1/31/2010@8:00 AM
End: 1/31/2010@ 3:00 PM
SHELL LAKE WMA
MULTI-SPECIES - HARVEST
NIOBRARA SPORTSMAN'S CLUB
300 N MAIN ST
GORDON, NE69343
308/282-0256
Weighed in and then harvested

Heaviest total catch

Start:4/10/2010@7:00 AM
End: 4/10/2010@ 3:00 PM
WEHRSPANN
BASS - RELEASE
OMAHA BASS ANGLERS
11305 LOCHMOOR CIR
BELLEVUE, NE68123
402/884-0283
Fish will be measured at boat and released

Heaviest total catch

Start:5/16/2010@6:30 AM
End: 5/17/2010@ 3:30 PM
MISSOURI RIVER - VERDEL
BASS - RELEASE
NBAA WEEKEND CHALLENGE
P O BOX 403
CERESCO, NE68017
402/499-8886
Weighed in and then released

Heaviest total catch

Start:5/29/2010@9:00 PM
End: 5/30/2010@ 9:00 AM
MERRITT RESERVOIR
CARP - HARVEST
BOWFISHERIES O NEBRASKA
4121 GERTIE AVE
LINCOLN, NE68516
402/450-0957
Weighed in and then harvested

Heaviest total catch

Start:6/26/2010@7:00 AM
End: 6/26/2010@ 3:00 PM
HARLAN CO. RESERVOIR
MULTI-SPECIES - HARVEST
GARY WERNER
3942 W OLD HWY 30
GRAND ISLAND, NE68802
308/389-7206
Weighed in and then harvested

Heaviest total catch

Start:7/17/2010@6:30 AM
End: 7/17/2010@ 3:30 PM
MISSOURI RIVER - SIOUX CITY
BASS - RELEASE
NBAA WEEKEND CHALLENGE
P O BOX 403
CERESCO, NE68017
402/499-8886
Weighed in and then released

Heaviest total catch

Start:8/21/2010@6:00 AM
End: 8/21/2010@ 2:00 PM
BURCHARD
BASS - RELEASE
OMAHA BASS ANGLERS
13305 LOCHMOORE CIR
BELLEVUE, NE68123
402/884-0283
Fish will be measured at boat and released

Heaviest total catch

Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog

Winterfest Ice Fishing Derby

Like to ice fish? Like to win money for fishing? Give the Winterfest Derby a shot on Lake Manawa near Council Bluffs, IA.

Check out the information below or on the website

$25,000 Winterfest Ice Fishing Derby

Jan. 30, 2010 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lake Manawa, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Over $50,000 in Cash & Prizes!

Reel in Winter Fun with this one-day tournament at Lake Manawa State Park!

Look Here!New Pre-registration fee is $15.

Look Here!All Pre-registrants will have the opportunity to win a free ice shack.

Drawings will be held on January 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. Jim Flowers will announce the winner on the 6:00 news on channel 6.

Look Here!Pre-registrants will also receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win the 2009 Arctic Cat ATV 250 2x4 valued at $3,999. Additional chances for this prize are also available for $5 or 5 for $20.

Come check out the ICE BASH!!!!

Friday, January 29 from 6-8 p.m.

  • At Hy-Vee by Mall of the Bluffs

  • With hosts Crash Davis from The Brew & KFAB

  • Fish fry hosted by HyVee

  • Beer Tasting by Doll Distributing

  • Ice fishing seminars

  • Door prizes and silent auction

  • Safety rules for the ice derby

PRIZES will be given away for the following:

  • Big Fish: Prizes awarded for: the largest catfish, walleye, crappie, drum, wiper, and bluegill.

  • 3 places awarded in each age category: Adult division and youth division (to age 15).

Biggest fish in each category determined by length of fish.

All fish to be measured must be taken to the registration tent. Designated officials will measure and examine the fish for freshness. Any fish that appears not to be fresh will be disqualified.

During extreme cold conditions, find a Derby Official quickly to verify that your fish is alive.

Prizes:

  • First Place Winners will receive a Vexilar FL12.

  • Second Place Winners prizes to be determined.

  • Third Place Winners will receive a Coleman cooler and hand ice auger.

Prizes will also be awarded for the Best Decorated Ice House and the Doll's Distributing Chili Cook-off.

Contestants must be entered in the Fishing Derby. Contestants must enter the contest by 9 a.m. at the registration tent.

Contestants must be registered by 9 a.m. and assigned times will be given for the chili tasting. All contestants will be asked to sample their chili before the judges start sampling. The Chili Contest will begin @ 11 a.m.

Posted via web from Heartland Fishing Blog