It's that time of year when the state of NE starts putting trout in many of the smaller lakes and ponds around the more populated areas. While there are parts of Nebraska where trout are found naturally in local bodies of water, most Nebraskans have to drive hundreds of miles to access these fisheries.
So it is nice that NGPC stocks trout in local lakes to encourage fishing, especially family fishing.
Here are some helpful links for those looking to take advantage of these newly released trout.
Stocking schedule
Family trout fishing events - equipment provided!
Additional family trout fishing events - equipment provided!
As far as I know, persons 16 years and older do still need a valid NE fishing permit. You can get your permit online here. (you'll need to be able to print)
There is also a new functionality available for purchasing a permit on a mobile device. It looks like you can purchase a fishing permit on your smartphone even if you cannot print. Haven't personally tried this out yet...
Oct 10, 2014
Oct 9, 2014
Rigging for Crappie
This fall I have been fascinated by trying to catch crappie. I have been reading up on techniques and rigs and locations and movement. Mainly because while I love to fish in general, I really love being able to bring home a stringer of fish to make a meal out of.
But walleye are scarce in this area. I am not much of a catfish guy. And size limits on bass around here are pretty high. I am mostly catch and release - except for crappie. Those I will bring home - if I can catch enough that "eating size."
Anyway, I have tried some new rigs and techniques recently with some success. I haven't tried this one (in the video below), but looks like the best of both worlds - live bait and lures.
How do you rig for crappie?
But walleye are scarce in this area. I am not much of a catfish guy. And size limits on bass around here are pretty high. I am mostly catch and release - except for crappie. Those I will bring home - if I can catch enough that "eating size."
Anyway, I have tried some new rigs and techniques recently with some success. I haven't tried this one (in the video below), but looks like the best of both worlds - live bait and lures.
How do you rig for crappie?
Oct 3, 2014
Big Bass in Nebraska!
I know there are parts of the country where the largemouth bass grow much larger, but most of us can't spend all our extra money traveling around the country trying to catch the biggest fish. We are practical fisherman who might make one or two weekend trips each year, maybe a week long trip if we are lucky.
We know there are huge walleye and pike in Canada. We know there are huge musky in the Great Lakes region. We know the south has huge bass. We know saltwater fishing looks like a blast.
But my 12 foot semi-V John boat and I just can't make it to all these places. However, I can make it to my local lakes and fisheries on a regular basis and hit regional hot spots a few times a year.
I ran across this video the other day and it reminds me that you don't have to have the big fancy boat and the money to travel all over the country in order to find and catch big fish. There are trophies near you!
Enjoy.
Where have you caught big fish in the midwest?
We know there are huge walleye and pike in Canada. We know there are huge musky in the Great Lakes region. We know the south has huge bass. We know saltwater fishing looks like a blast.
But my 12 foot semi-V John boat and I just can't make it to all these places. However, I can make it to my local lakes and fisheries on a regular basis and hit regional hot spots a few times a year.
I ran across this video the other day and it reminds me that you don't have to have the big fancy boat and the money to travel all over the country in order to find and catch big fish. There are trophies near you!
Enjoy.
Where have you caught big fish in the midwest?
Oct 2, 2014
Trout Fishing below Lake McConaughy on In-Fisherman
I was browsing through fishing videos on Youtube and found this one that I thought I would share.
It's from In-Fisherman about trout fishing below Lake McConaughy on the North Platte River. People forget Nebraska actually has some decent trout waters. NGPC's own Daryl Bauer was showing Doug Stange where he could land some nice trout.
To the trout fisherman out there, enjoy!
Where do you fish for trout in Nebraska???
It's from In-Fisherman about trout fishing below Lake McConaughy on the North Platte River. People forget Nebraska actually has some decent trout waters. NGPC's own Daryl Bauer was showing Doug Stange where he could land some nice trout.
To the trout fisherman out there, enjoy!
Where do you fish for trout in Nebraska???
Oct 1, 2014
Crappie fishing on Wehrspann Lake, Omaha, NE
Yesterday, I and a friend ventured out before the rain to see if we could catch some fish on Wehrspann. We hit the lake about 8:30am and caught a couple fish right away. My friend caught a small catfish on a minnow and a bobber, and I a decent white crappie on a small floating Rapala while trolling to a new spot.
The morning was pretty slow. We both had a few bites out on the flats, as well as fishing the shorelines. I landed two small bass, a small walleye, a crappie or two and a feisty bluegill. My friend didn't do as well, but did hook a few crappie.
My friend had to be somewhere at 12:30, so i dropped him off at the boat ramp at noon. No one else was around, so I thought I would fish around the dock a bit and see if anything was biting. With one pole rigged with a slip bobber and minnow, and the other a 1/8th ounce jig head and minnow, I managed to catch quite an assortment over the next 45 minutes.
I landed two 12-13 inch walleye, a nice 13-14 inch largemouth, and probably 10-12 crappie of varying size. I ended up taking home 6 of the crappie that were larger.
Not a bad day, though my buddy says I was waiting until he had to leave before hitting my "secret" spot. :)
Jason
Jason
Heartland Fishing
Sep 11, 2011
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)
May 20, 2011
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.
Mar 14, 2011
Trout Stocking Schedule in Nebraska Lakes - Spring 2011
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.
Mar 3, 2011
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
Bald eagles abound as the ice retreats
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
Feb 24, 2011
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.
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.
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]
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...
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!
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.
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). 
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
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