Crappie Fishing on Walnut Creek

Finally!

I have lived back in this area for almost six years and have not, until yesterday, caught enough crappie in one trip to bother keeping.

My son and I went out to Walnut Creek Recreation Area (in Papillion, NE) specifically targeting crappie. A few weeks before, the whole family went out (3 kids, ages 3, 5, & 7) fishing and I happened to pick up some minnows at a nearby gas station (84th & 370, if you want to know where to get minnows close by the lake). Fishing from shore on that trip we managed to catch about 3 nice crappie (that we released) and several bass, including a 17 inch specimen that my 7 year old son caught.

So, this trip it was just the two of us - oh, and we brought the boat this time. We stopped for minnows and a cup of coffee (for me, of course) and got on the lake.

We went to a likely spot, and on my first cast - a nice keeper crappie! The rest of the morning was pretty slow fishing (despite the quick first fish), but we managed 5 decent sized crappie and several gills and smaller crappie.

We fished a bare jig head tipped with a minnow about 6 - 8 feet under a small bobber around the trees. We mostly baited them through the back, but I am sure through the head would have worked as well. 

We'll be eating them tonight!

Oh, by the way, the sheriff was out checking boats - be sure you have the proper number of life jackets, a throwable floatation device, and a bailing bucket. I saw them kick at least one boat off the lake. (you can find the regs here)

Jason

@heartlandfishin

heartlandfishing.blogspot.com

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Nebraska Free Fishing and Park Entry Day - May 21

Each year most states set aside a "free fishing" day. Nebraska is no exception, but in Nebraska it is also a free park entry day. What a great opportunity to get out and have some fun with the family at a state park or recreation area and maybe do a little fishing.

NGPC also has several event for families around the state that day. They will even have fishing gear on hand for those that don't have their own. So get out and fish! No excuses.

From the NGPC website: [Click the link below the excerpt for more information.]

LINCOLN, Neb. – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, Saturday, May 21, is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy fishing or a state park area in Nebraska without being required to have a permit.

Although no fishing or park entry permits will be required on the free day, which is celebrated annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend, all other fee requirements, laws and regulations will be in effect. Anglers at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA) trout lake will be required to purchase a daily trout tag.

As part of the Free Fishing and Park Entry Day activities, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host Family Fishing Day events at several locations across the state.

via outdoornebraska.ne.gov

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Trout Stocking Schedule in Nebraska Lakes - Spring 2011

For all those in Nebraska looking for some fun early spring fishing be sure to check out the spring 2011 trout stocking schedule from the Nebraska Game and Parks.  This would be an awesome time to take the kiddos. The trout ought to be pretty easy to catch.  Here are the announced dates (below).

Jason

Heartland Fishing

@heartlandfishin

heartlandfishing.blogspot.com

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will stock rainbow trout in several city ponds and lakes across the state in March.

The schedule, subject to change depending on conditions, including date, location, quantity, and approximate time of stocking is as follows:

March 16 – Niobrara State Park (SP) Ponds – 1,000, 11:30 a.m.

March 17 – Qwest Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney SP – 2,500; Windmill State Recreation Area (SRA), Gibbon – 1,200; Holdrege City Lake – 1,500; Auble Pond, Ord – 750.

March 18 – Auburn Rotary Club Lake – 1,400; Fremont SRA No. 2 – 4,200.

March 19 – Lake Halleck, Papillion – 1,200, 11 a.m.; Steinhart Park Ponds, Nebraska City – 1,200, 12:45 p.m.; Holmes Lake, Lincoln – 3,000, 11:15 a.m.; Such’s Lake, Grand Island – 650, 10:15 a.m.; Heartwell Park Lake, Hastings – 450, 11:15 a.m.; TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk – 1,500, 9:30 a.m.; Pawnee Park West, Columbus – 1,500, 11 a.m.; Barnett Park Pond, McCook – 1,000, 11 a.m.; Lexington City Lake – 750, 12:30 p.m.; Elm Creek – 1,000, 2 p.m.

Trout fishing is an excellent activity for children. It requires only a basic rod and reel, hook, worm, and bobber. Small spinners and prepared baits also work well.

All anglers fishing in Nebraska, except residents under age 16, must have a fishing license.

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It's On Right Now - Spring Fishing Classic 2011 - Bass Pro Shops

I know it's already part way through this event, but it's not too late to take a trip over to Bass Pro and take in some of the events and seminars while you shop for some early deals on fishing gear. With locations across the nation, and several in the heartland (Altoona, IA; Council Bluffs, IA; and Denver, CO) there ought to be one within driving distance.

via basspro.com

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Bald eagles abound as the ice retreats

NOW is the time to see Bald Eagles at large lakes in the east. The ice is going out and the birds are coming in and Bald Eagles love sitting on the remnant ice. I tallied 66 Bald Eagles at Branched Oake Lake near Lincoln this afternoon. - Joel Jorgensen, Nongame Bird Program.

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University of Walleye is coming March 12, Pre-Reg by March 5 (via NEBRASKAland Magazine)

Ran across this today - looks like a great opportunity for you Walleye fanatics out there. Hurry though. You must be pre-registered by March 5th.

Read more here

via outdoornebraska.ne.gov

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Omaha Boat, Sports, & Travel Show

It's that time of year again in the eastern Nebraska, western Iowa region - the Omaha Boat, Sports, and Travel Show.

There are lots of exhibitors ranging from RV and boat sales, to travel destinations, to fishing and hunting equipment, to exhibitors like the NGPC.

I don't know the prices, but you can look those up. :)

It's calling for snow this weekend, so you might as well go to the Qwest Center and enjoy the outdoors, indoors.

Jason

Heartland Fishing

@heartlandfishin

heartlandfishing.blogspot.com

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