Find the latest fishing news and opportunities.

View as a website / Share

Silhouette of angler against red sunset with text "Fish Nebraska"

Nebraska Fishing News & Opportunities

An angler holds up a crappie he caught in spring from a boat

Get hooked on crappies this spring

Spring fishing fever is on, particularly for crappies. So how can you make the most of this opportunity? Try targeting warmer areas and bays, coves, corners and areas protected from the wind. Find cover in those warming areas and you'll likely find crappies. Read more for additional tips!

Read more

Boaters fishing on a foggy day

Low water affecting boaters this spring

Nebraska is experiencing low-water conditions across the state — something to be aware of before launching a boat this spring. Find a list of known affected locations at the link below. Conditions can change rapidly, so it's a good idea to call ahead to state parks and ask about current ramp conditions.

Read more

Mom fishing with her son at a Community Fishing Event

Events offer free, friendly fishing instruction and loaner gear, bait

Whether you're new to fishing or haven't fished for years, Community Fishing Events are for you. Buy a fishing permit and join us at more than a dozen of these events across the state, where you'll find friendly instruction and loaner gear and bait for the evening, all provided free of charge. 

See events

Families fish at a Nebraska state park

Free Fishing Day is May 17, with events on tap

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 17: the one day of the year when you don't need a permit to fish, or to visit a state park, either! Introduce a friend or family member to your favorite pastime, or try out the fishing opportunities at a park that's new to you.

Fun park events are also planned that day, including a kids' fishing derby and beginner fishing workshops. Learn all about it at the link below. 

Read more

Additional Opportunities

Girl fishing at Chadron State Park

Park spotlight: Fishing at Chadron State Park

Looking for great fishing options in northwestern Nebraska? Thanks to a renovation, Chadron State Park's pond boasts great water quality and chances for trout and nice-sized smallmouth bass. Try Chadron Creek, winding through the park, for some trout. 

Learn more

Angler holding a record-size fish

Is your catch trophy-sized? Here's what to know

If you make a whale of a catch, it may quality for Game and Parks' Master Angler Award, or even the state record book. Keep reading to learn what qualifications you'll need, length requirements and how to apply.

Learn more

A pallid sturgeon lays on a tree stump.

How to ID the protected pallid sturgeon

You can catch some cool, primitive-looking fish in the Missouri River, but identification is important. Most will be shovelnose sturgeon, but you could encounter pallid or lake sturgeon, both of which are protected species. Here's how to identify them. 

Learn more

Someone holding a trout in the water

Give feedback on put-and-take trout fishing

In the final days of April, Game and Parks wrapped up its spring trout stocking schedule. We hope it provided good opportunities, and continues to! Share your feedback and experiences with put-and-take trout fishing online.   

Take survey

Female angler holding a large walleye

Join walleye challenge, benefit fisheries

Want to challenge yourself as an angler while supporting walleye management? It's not too late to get in on the Midwest Walleye Challenge, which lasts through June 29. Weekly and grand prizes are being drawn.

Learn more & sign up

A kayak angler at sunset

Pick up new fishing knowledge and tips

While our "Going Fishing Guide" is a great breakdown for beginners, other anglers can benefit too. Browse through this guide to explore topics like fishing knots, fishing technique, species identification and much more.

See guide


This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission · 2200 N. 33rd St, · Lincoln, NE 68522 - 402-471-0641 GovDelivery logo