2007 NEBRASKA FISH SAMPLING -- PAGES 6-7

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

www.OutdoorNebraska.org

Winter/Spring 2008

NGPC: No More Depletions on Lower Platte

By Tom Keith The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is finalizing a biological opinion that concludes that additional degradation of the lower Platte River and its tributaries by the issuance of additional surface water appropriations will jeopardize the continued existence of the pallid sturgeons, interior least terns and piping plovers that depend on the river for survival. Weve been studying the river for more than 25 years and we feel the evidence is conclusive that the river can stand no further depletions, according to Kirk Nelson, assistant director of the Commission. The river provides recreation and drinking water for Lincoln, Omaha and many other towns close to the river. And, it is necessary to survival of at least three endangered or threatened species. The pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhyncus albus) is a state and federally endangered fish. Its complex life cycle requires habitat with certain depth, velocity and river connectivity. Interior least terns (Sternula antillarum athalassos) are state and federally endangered and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are state and federally threatened. These birds rely on sandbars for nesting, which are created by the natural spring high flows and revealed by summer low flows of the lower Platte River. The lower Platte River is a section of the Platte from the Loup River confluence near Columbus downstream to its mouth. These species utilize the lower Platte River and require the natural high flows in the spring and low flows in the summer that still remain in this stretch of the Platte River, Nelson said. These natural high and low flows are dependent on inputs from the Loup River, Elkhorn River, Salt Creek basins and the central Platte River, therefore the action area of the biological opinion includes the Loup, Elkhorn and lower Platte watersheds. The fact is that there has been a dramatic amount of degradation to the lower Platte River in little more than a century. But returning flows in the river to the levels recorded from 18951909 isnt the Commissions goal. See Platte, Page 2

Its big fun fishing for smallmouth

Missouri River is hot spot for catching smallies in Nebraska
By Jeff Kurrus While Nebraska might not be nationally known for its smallmouth fishing, those anglers fishing for them usually are talking about the same areas. The best spot for smallmouth fishing is the Missouri River in northeast Nebraska and on the main water at Lewis and Clark, said Nebraska Game and Parks Commission lakes and reservoirs program manager Daryl Bauer. Anglers can catch fish both upstream and down from Lewis and Clark, while also fishing the rock jetties on the lake proper. If Im going up there, Im always thinking about what they are eating, Bauer said Predator/prey that drives the whole system. Smallies can be caught Smallmouth throughout Bait Options the year on Crankbaits this stretch of Spinnerbaits water with a Soft Plastics variety of Emerald Shiners lures, most notably downsized largemouth bass options. Crankbaits, resembling crawdad in the spring and summer and youngof-the-year shad in the fall, are used, along with spinnerbaits and soft plastics. In addition, Bauer said, emerald shiners also are an option for anglers on the river. Up from Lewis and Clark at the end of May, fish near Niobrara State

Plenty of turkeys for spring

Three birds may be taken by each hunter
By Bob Grier What a great time to be a spring turkey hunter in Nebraska. With record statewide turkey populations, liberal hunting seasons, popular youth hunting seasons, up to three permits per hunter and lengthy seasons, Nebraska is quietly becoming one of the very best turkey hunting destinations across North America. The overall picture of Nebraskas turkey population is amazing, said Kit Hams, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission big game program manager. Spring shotgun permits have increased unbelievably in numbers since 1993 and rural mail carrier surveys continue to show record spring, summer and fall turkey numbers since the surveys began in 2000. Continuing increases in the spring, summer and fall counts is truly unprecedented. The growth in the turkey population gives hunters across Nebraska the opportunity to use the statewide permits to hunt close to home or to hunt other areas of the state. The permits are unlimited in number. Looking at the Nebraska turkey spring season harvest data between 1964 See Turkey, Page 2

BOB GRIER

Smallmouth bass like this one may be caught on a variety of lures, especially downsized largemouth bass options. Park (SP) or Verdel Landing on the Missouri River. During that part of the year, said tournament angler Brian Caughron, Concentrate on the rocks. If that doesnt work, try the sandbars on the down-current side of the river with crawdad imitators. He said anglers also might find fish below Gavins Point Dam in backwater areas down to Ponca SP. A handful of other spots in the state also have good smallmouth fishing, including Merritt, Red Willow, Enders reservoirs and Lake McConaughy. In addition, fish can be caught on the stretch of canal below Sutherland Reservoir, downstream to Johnson Lake. Where there is rock, there are smallmouth, Bauer said about this area in the central part of the state. Also work the dam and outlet at Johnson, as well as the stretch of canal below Maloney. You wont catch many big ones there, but you can catch a bunch of them, he said. Fort McPherson State Recreation Area (SRA), an Interstate 80 lake at Exit 190, also boasts good smallmouth. Multiple anglers have caught smallmouth bass at this lake, and it remains a honeyhole many drive by See Smallmouth, Page 2

Inside
Sandhill cranes, Page 2 Panfishing, Page 3 Childs tackle box, Pages 4-5 Winter in the parks, Page 8

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Outdoor Nebraska

Winter/Spring 2008

Page 3

Etiquette essential for viewing cranes

Observing these visitors to Platte River may be done without disturbing them
By Jerry Kane Wildlife viewing is one of the best ways to enjoy Nebraskas outdoors. Using proper etiquette and common sense is the best way to ensure that wildlife enthusiasts have a good experience and wildlife remains undisturbed. This is especially true for viewers of sandhill cranes. The annual return of the cranes to the central Platte River each spring is greeted by thousands of viewers from around the world. Knowing where, when and how to observe the cranes allows the birds go about their business of courting mates and refueling for the remainder of their migration. Interest in the cranes has risen dramatically over the years, from the casual observer to the diehard enthusiast. Last year, people from all 50 states and 37 countries viewed the cranes from Lillian Annette Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon. Cranes may be viewed from blinds, bridges, platforms or roadsides, from public or private land. The area of the central Platte where cranes focus, from Kearney to Grand Island, is mostly privately owned, so minimizing the impact on local landowners and residents is important. Using a vehicle as a viewing blind is a good way to observe the birds from the

Crane Viewing Tips

If viewing from a vehicle, stay inside the vehicle Keep vehicle headlights off Do not try to approach cranes on foot It is unlawful to harass cranes Do not block roads, bridges, driveways or field entrances Let faster traffic pass on the road Do not park on the shoulder of the interstate Get as far off the road as is safe, but do not stop where there is no shoulder Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a better view Get permission before entering private property Turn the flash off of your camera When viewing from a blind, follow guides instructions roadside, as long as the vehicle is parked safely on the shoulder. It is important not to trespass on private land or block roads. Viewers should turn off headlights and camera flashes and stay in the vehicle. Binoculars may be used to get a close-up view and proper clothing, considering Nebraskas unpredictable weather, should be worn. The latter part of March and the first

of April, the cranes become less wary of vehicles and courtship becomes more intense, said Gene Hunt, superintendent of Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA). Sandhill cranes are wary because they are hunted in many states, though it is unlawful to hunt them in Nebraska. Roll your windows down because listening to the cranes is half the enjoyment, Hunt said. Some good public viewing areas include the Fort Kearny SRA Hike-Bike Bridge southeast of Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary south of Gibbon, and the Central Platte Natural Resources District viewing platform south of Alda. The best time of day to observe cranes from a viewing blind is an hour before sunrise or an hour before sunset. At dawn, they leave their river roost to feed on waste corn in fields near the river. By early April, they will expand their range to five miles as the closest fields are picked clean. In the afternoon they move to wet meadows to feed on small invertebrates before returning to the river to roost at dusk. The sandhill cranes spend the winter in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. They migrate to Nebraska in February and stay until about mid-April, when they leave for their nesting grounds in Alaska, Canada and Siberia. For more information go the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Web site, www.OutdoorNebraska.org.

Panfish Gold
Outdoor Nebraska
is published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 N. 33rd St. Lincoln, NE 68503 Copyright 2007

Outdoor Calendar
Mid-January: Wintering trumpeter swans concentrate. Late January: Great horned owls begin nesting. February: Ice-fishing for panfish and northern pike excellent on Sandhills lakes. Other lakes and reservoirs also good for bass, bluegills and crappies. February through early April: Bald eagles concentrate on rivers and reservoir spillways across the state. February: Final month to hunt rabbits. Mid-February: First sandhill cranes arrive on Platte River. February or March: At ice-out, catfishing good in all reservoirs, northern pike fishing good in reservoirs and Sandhills lakes. March 25: Archery turkey season opens. March and April: White bass and walleyes in Tri-County Canal below checks. Mid-March: Shorebirds begin arriving. March and April: Catfish move from Lake McConaughy into North Platte River on spawning run. Will run all the way to Scottsbluff.

Everyone knows about bluegill, but state has many alternatives

By Tom Keith Have you ever been sitting in your boat, surrounded by electronic equipment, watching more graphs, computer screens and dials than found in the cockpit of a modern commercial airliner? Were you looking down at a tackle box bigger than most fast food restaurant dumpsters? Were were gazing in amazement at an array of rods that remind you of how a pound of uncooked spaghetti looks when it stands on end when you first put it in the pot of boiling water? Did you realize that you had all that gear, but didnt catch a fish all weekend? Maybe its time to reconsider what you are doing and take the panfish challenge. Everybody likes to fish for and catch bluegill and crappie, the most popular of the panfish found in Nebraska. But there are five other panfish species, too, and the challenge is to catch all seven of them in one year, or even better, catch a Master Angler-sized representative of each type in whatever amount of time you want to allow yourself. Be sure and take your son or daughter or grandchildren along when you go panfishing. Outfit them with a cane pole, an inexpensive rod with a spin-cast or spinning reel (depending on the childs age and skill level), a can of worms or nightcrawlers, and have a good time. Daryl Bauer, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions lakes and reservoirs program manager, provides a rundown on the states lesser-known sunfish species the pumpkinseed, orangespotted sunfish, green sunfish, redear sunfish and rock bass.

Winter

What You Need

Cane pole or inexpensive rod and spin-cast or spinning reel

Commission Offices
Headquarters 2200 N. 33rd St. P.O. Box 30370 Lincoln, NE 68503-0370 (402) 471-0641 World Wide Web address: OutdoorNebraska.org Alliance 299 Husker Rd., Box 725 Alliance, NE 69301-0725 (308) 763-2940 Bassett 524 Panzer St., Box 508 Bassett, NE 68714-0508 (402) 684-2921 North Platte 301 E. State Farm Rd. North Platte, NE 69101-0430 (308) 535-8025 Norfolk 2201 N. 13th St. Norfolk, NE 68701-2267 (402) 370-3374 Kearney 1617 First Ave. Kearney, NE 68847-6057 (308) 865-5310 Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31 Gretna, NE 68028 (402) 332-3901 Omaha 1212 Bob Gibson Blvd. Omaha, NE 68108-2020 (402) 595-2144

Worms or nightcrawlers Snails, scud flies, tiny jigs

Bluegill All will bite on a small hook baited with a small piece of worm. Pumpskinseed It is found in the north and northwestern parts of the state in waters such as some of the Sandhills lakes, Box Butte Reservoir, and Cottonwood Lake near Meriman. Orangespotted Sunfish Nebraskas smallest sunfish, a 4to 5-inch fish is a big one. Look in small clear streams to locate this fish. Youll have a better chance in eastern and southeastern parts of state, although it also is found in other areas. Green Sunfish It can be found most everywhere in Nebraska. It thrives in flowing or standing water, including those that are unable to support other fish. Rock Bass It is found in the upper Missouri River and some Interstate 80 lakes. It does best in clear water with abundant cover. Redear Sunfish Memphis Lake had 8- to 9-inch fish, some were found in Rock Creek Lake and a few of the I-80 lakes. It does best in ponds and small reservoirs having warm, clear water. Try a chunk of nightcrawler, garden worm, snails, scud flies, micro-jigs. Bauer says sunfish fall under panfish regulations. The daily bag is 30 in combination, 60 in possession. In lakes where there is an 8-inch length limit on bluegill, there also is an 8-inch length limit on sunfish.

Green Sunfish

Spring
Late March through late April: Walleye spawning runs begin on large reservoirs across the state. Peak varies according to weather. Lake McConaughy typically the last. Early April: Sandhill cranes depart. Whooping cranes arrive on Platte River. Early April: Prairie grouse courtship display peaks. Viewing sites available. April 12: Shotgun turkey season opens. April: Channel catfishing picks up in the upper end of Lewis and Clark and other reservoirs, also holes in rivers throughout the state. April: Application begins for archery paddlefish and resident deer, elk, and antelope permits. Mid-April to mid-May: White bass, wipers and walleyes in Republican River above Harlan County Reservoir. Late April: Good catfishing in rivers, lasts until water drops in mid-summer. Late April through May: Morel mushroom hunting peaks. May: Largemouth bass fishing in ponds, pits and reservoirs. Spinners, plugs and spinnerbaits work well. Bluegills begin spawn. Crappies spawn in reservoirs and sandpits.

Turkey
Continued from Page

Platte
1
Continued from Page 1

Orangespotted Sunfish

and 2007 shows the tremendous impact of the states growing wild turkey population, Hams said. The Commission issued 750 permits for the 1964 spring season and hunters harvested 130 turkeys. During the 2007 spring season, 33,758 permits were issued and the hunter harvest was 18,001. Between 1964 and 2007, slightly more than 394,000 permits have been issued and the total harvest during the same period was 160,000 turkeys. Calling a wild gobbler during the spring archery and shotgun seasons is challenging and rewarding. Hearing a gobbler respond to a hunters call and continue to respond as it closes the distance and seeing the bird appear, often in full breeding display or strut is exciting for hunters of any age. The opportunity to bring the bird into close bow or shotgun range from a safe calling position makes spring turkey hunting ideal for a young hunter accompanied by a parent or hunting mentor. Turkey hunters can use a

With three permits available per hunter, there is no better time to go spring turkey hunting in Nebraska. decoy to help bring the gobDuring quiet, low-wind conbler into close range and ditions, birds as far as a half lighter recoiling shotguns like to three-quarters of a mile a 20-gauge with No. 5 to 7 may respond and shot are very effecapproach in tive at 30-35 yards. response to a Spring Calling wild hunters calls. Harvest turkey with a cedar Preseason scouting 2007 18,001 box call or one of and landowner con2006 17,531 the other types of tact to acquire 14,782 calls that reproduce 2005 landowner permis2004 12,858 the hen turkeys sion and to locate 2003 10,536 yelping sound is relareas used by wild atively low-tech and turkey will pay divifairly easy. During the spring dends once the season opens. breeding season, the hens use Turkey tracks, feathers and droppings often reveal a rising series of three or overnight roost trees, travel four yelps to locate and lanes and mid-day loafing attract the gobbler and the areas. Hunters can take a stand male bird often responds and call or hike quietly and with the ringing gobble call call from different locations. to announce his presence.

We arent attempting to undo what has already happened or change its current status, Nelson said. What we are saying is that the very least we can do is to stop further degradation to protect the rivers status at todays level. The interior least tern and piping plover are in jeopardy now, and pallid sturgeon numbers are below historic levels. We simply can not allow further degradation to the natural flow regime of the river. The bottom line is that the Commissions mission is to provide stewardship of the states fish, wildlife and park, and outdoor recreational resources in the best long-term interests of the people and those resources, Nelson said. Thats what we are doing and we hope people understand our action benefits not only the wildlife species dependent on the Platte River, but also the sustainability of the river for the people who use it.

BOB GRIER

Commissioners
Chairman: Gary Parker, Columbus Vice Chairman: George E. Hall, Bridgeport 2nd Vice Chairman: James Ziebarth, Wilcox Jerrod Burke, Curtis Dr. Mark Pinkerton, Wilber Ron Stave, Waterloo Dr. Kent Forney, Lincoln Lynn Berggren, Broken Bow Director: Rex Amack Assistant Directors: Roger Kuhn Kirk Nelson Sam Sidner

Pumpkinseed

Illustrations by Duane Raver and Joe Tomelleri

Staff
Administrator, Information & Education: Doug Bauch Editing and Design: Jerry Kane Outdoor Nebraska Vol. 17, No. 1
Under federal and/or state law, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, national origin, disability or political affiliation. If you think you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility or want more information, contact the Affirmative Action Officer, Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE, 402-471-0641, or the Equal Opportunity Commission, Lincoln, NE, 402-471-2024.
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink by Jacob North Companies, Lincoln, NE.

Rock Bass

Redear Sunfish Nebraska Outdoors Saturdays on 1480 AM Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Jeff Rawlinson, Ralph Wall and Aaron Hershberger, along with ESPN 1480 AMs Tim Barrett, Saturdays from 7-8 a.m. for Nebraska Outdoors. This radio call-in show features every outdoor subject under the sun. Call in to (402) 466-ESPN or 1-800-8255865, or catch the show live at www.ESPN1480.com.

Rainbow trout stocked in Nebraska ponds, lakes

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission stocked 49,800 rainbow trout in ponds and lakes across the state in October to provide anglers an opportunity to enjoy fall and winter trout fishing. Dean Rosenthal, assistant administrator of the Fisheries Division, said the dates that trout were stocked and the number of fish stocked were:
Oct. 8 Crystal Cove, South Sioux City, 4,250 Oct. 9 Fremont SRA Lake No. 5, Fremont, 4,250; Grove Lake, Royal, 1,500 Oct. 10 Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, 4,000 Oct. 15 Weeping Water Pond, 1,200; Steinhart Park, Nebraska City, 1,200; Auburn Lake, 1,400; Barnett Park Pond, McCook, 1,000 Oct. 16 Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 4,000; Qwest Lake, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 2,500; Benson Lake, Omaha, 1,050; Halleck Lake, Papillion, 1,200 Oct. 17 TaHaZouka Park Lake, Norfolk, 1,500; Pawnee Park Lake, Columbus, 1,500; Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, 2,500 Oct. 22 Towl Park in Omaha, 300; Hitchcock Lake, Omaha, 450 Week of Oct. 22 Ord City Lake, 1,500; Suchs Lake, Grand Island, 1,300 Oct. 23 David City Lake, 600; Windmill State Recreation Area Lake No. 1, 4,000 Oct. 24 Lexington City Park Lake, 1,500; Holdrege City Park Lake, 3,000 Oct. 25 Birdwood Lake, North Platte, 4,000; Arnold Lake, 850 trout

Smallmouth
Continued from Page

everyday, yet few actually know about. When on the rivers of the state, fishing from a boat is probably the most effective

option for anglers. There are some areas on the Missouri that can be accessed from the bank, but a boat offers the ability to cover much more water. The dam areas can be fished from the bank and, quite often, these anglers will find fishing just as effective as from a boat, especially near backwater areas near natural struc-

ture and wing dikes. Regardless of how or where one fishes, though, Nebraskas smallmouth fishing is too-seldom practiced by many who would enjoy their fierce fighting in such a small package. And there are multiple areas to experience these fights, either on moving or still water, big or small.

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Getting Hooked on Fishing

Bobber Rig
For this simple rigging, clip a bobber onto the line, 2 feet above the hook, then add a split shot 6 to 12 inches above the hook. Adjust the bobber and split shot to fish at different depths.

Outdoor Nebraska

Winter/Spring 2008

Page 5

Basic tackle box to help get children started fishing

By Jerry Kane A day outdoors beats one indoors any day. What better way to spend it than fishing, or, better yet, teaching a child to fish. Fishings a lot of fun and can be inexpensive. With a minimal amount of equipment and instruction, a child can be catching fish in no time. Fishing may be combined with a camp-out or a picnic, and it helps give children an appreciation for the natural world. This page is designed to be a starting point for children who want to learn how to fish. Happy fishing!

Safety
Look behind you before
casting your lne to make sure your hook will not be caught on a power line, tree, or person. Do not leave your tackle lying on the ground. Another person may trip on it and fall, step on a hook, or break your equipment.

When transporting your

fishing equipment, remove the hook from your line and keep it in your tackle box.

Tips
Get the kind of
equipment that is best suited for the kind of fishing to be done.

Sinkers
Sinkers are used to get the bait to a certain depth, and, in rivers and streams, to keep the bait from rolling in the current. There are numerous styles. Split-shot sinkers work well for beginners. Egg sinkers are good for catfishing because they allow the line to slip freely through the weight so a fish cannot feel resistance.

Be sure that every angler,

swimmers and nonswimmers alike, wears a personal flotation device at all times -on a boat, a dock or the shore. Bring a long-handled fishing net, not just for netting fish, but in case you need to reach out to someone in the water.

Use a casting plug to

practice casting. Find an open area where the child may practice safely.

Fish are scared by highpitched sounds and rapid movements. Remain still and speak softly when fishing.

Reels
Because of its ease of use, the spincasting reel is recommended for beginners or children. These reels generally are less expensive than other types of reels (spinning and bait-casting). They are lightweight, ideal for smaller fish such as bluegill and crappie and handle smaller terminal tackle.

Split Shot

Have a first aid kit with you

with medical supplies to deal with all kinds of cuts, scrapes, bumps and bruises.

Apply sunscreen and lip

Hook
balm before fishing. The light rays of the sun can do plenty of damage to the skin, eyes and lips. Wear sunglasses, a cap, and clothing appropriate to the climate and sun conditions.

Properly set the drag.

The drag controls how easily the line is pulled off the reel. When properly set, the drag allows a larger fish to pull line from the reel until the fish tires.

Apply insect repellent before

Children can practice

tying knots at home.

Hooks
The size of the hook is matched to the size of the fish being sought and the size of the bait being used. The sharper the hook the better. Hooks ranging in sizes No. 6 to No. 10 are recommended for beginners. The larger the hook size number, the smaller the hook.

Catch and Release

If you dont want to keep the fish you catch, it is important to release the fish unharmed. Here are some tips:

Rods
They come in all sizes, but a 5-footlong light-action rod is perfect for the beginner or child. Its ideal for smaller fish. They handle smaller terminal tackle and are not too expensive. The rod should be flexible but rugged enough to withstand hard use.

fishing in the summer. Mosquitoes, ticks, bees and other insects not only sting, but they also may carry diseases.

Bait
You cant beat the worm for catching fish. Nightcrawlers are plentiful and very easy to obtain. The night after a rain, take a flashlight out and you will find more nightcrawlers on the ground than you probably will ever need. They also are readily available at tackle shops.

Pinch down the barbs on hooks if you plan to release fish. This increases the chance of survival and makes catching them more challenging. Use long-nose pliers to help
remove hooks from a fish. If a hook is deep inside the fish, use a hook disgorger. If you cannot remove a deep hook with a hook disgorger, you may want to cut the line and leave the hook in the fish. Hooks left in fish will work themselves free or rust out.

Improved Clinch Knot

This simple knot may be used with a hook, swivel or lure. Good knots prevent the line from breaking. Thread the line through the eye of a swivel, hook or lure, then double it back. Twist the line around the first strand five times. Thread the free end of the line through the loop above the eye, then through the big loop, as shown below.

Bobbers
Bobbers are used to adjust the depth of the bait off the bottom of the river or lake and to indicate strikes. Use a bobber that's just big enough to keep the bait or weight from sinking it under the water. There are many types of bobbers. Pencil-style bobbers are more sensitive than round ones. Some bobbers are designed to make casting easier.
DOUG CARROLL

Regulations
Be sure to abide by state regulations. Pick up a copy of the Nebraska Fishing Guide at Commission offices or at locations that sell permits.

When to Fish
Fish generally are more active early in the morning and late in the evening. Avoid fishing during the hottest part of the day, when fish move into cooler, deeper water.

Other Equipment
Hook disgorger Each end is a different diameter, for removing hooks from fish of various sizes. This works well for deeply hooked and toothy fish. Nail clipper This simple household item is perfect for trimming line. Long-nose pliers This may be used to pinch down barbs on hooks or remove hooks from fish.

Permits
A permit is required for any resident Nebraska angler at least 16 years old. Slide the loose knot down the line to the eye, carefully keeping the coils in a spiral. Do not let them overlap. Slide the knot tight against the eye, tighten with steady tension on both ends of the line, then clip the tag end of the line close to the knot.

If possible, keep the fish in the

water when removing the hook.

How to Handle a Fish

An angler can use his thumb and index finder to grasp a largemouth bass by its lower jaw and hold it vertically. Holding the fish horizontally in this manner may break its jaw. It also makes hook removal easier. To handle a fish with sharp teeth, such as walleye or northern pike, carefully hold it around the body. When handling catfish, be sure to avoid the sharp spines on the dorsal (top) and pectoral (side) fins. Never hold a fish by the eyes or gills if you plan to release it.

Wet your hands before

handling the fish to avoid disturbing the fishs protective mucus.

Where to Fish
Find places that have lots of fish, not necessarily bigger fish. Look for small, uncrowded waters close to home. Try the shallows, weedy shorelines, around docks, rocky spots, places were trees overhang the water, and near submerged trees or brush. If youre not having any luck in one spot, try another.

Line
A 275-yard spool of 6- to 10-pound test line will work. Fishing line is available in a variety of colors and weights. Pound test refers to the strength of the line. It's the amount of weight required to break the line. The larger the number of the weight, the stronger the line. You must match the pound-test line to the size of rod and reel, the bait you're using, and the fish you are after.

For More Information

For more on fishing, go online to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Web page: OutdoorNebraska.org.

Do not play the fish until it is

exhausted.

Remove the hook gently. Do

not squeeze the fish or place your fingers in its gills.

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Outdoor Nebraska

Winter/Spring 2008

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FALL 2007 FISH SAMPLING

By Daryl Bauer Heres a look at the 2008 Nebraska fishing outlook, based on fall 2007 sampling, for several species. Walleye -- Sampling showed there was an exceptional population of walleyes, including lots of fish over 20 inches long, in Merritt Reservoir. Johnson, Maloney, Minatare and Oliver reservoirs will be excellent waters to catch numbers of eating-size walleyes, while Lake McConaughy and Merritt will be the best waters to pursue big walleyes. There were an exceptional number of walleyes collected at Willow Creek Reservoir in the fall of 2007, but most of those fish were less than 15 inches long. Also try Stagecoach, Lewis and Clark or Sutherland reservoirs. White bass -- The white bass fishery at Harlan County Reservoir looks particularly good, while Medicine Creek, Swanson, and Enders will also offer anglers some excellent fishing. Reservoirs on the canal system in west-central and central Nebraska also can offer great fishing. Anglers should try Maloney, Sutherland and Jeffrey reservoirs on that system. Sherman and McConaughy reservoirs also will offer some excellent fishing. Wiper -- Enders, Red Willow, Maloney, Medicine Creek, and Sutherland reservoirs should offer anglers some of the best action for wipers. There are a number of waters around the state that will offer anglers an excellent chance at a wiper longer than 20 inches, including Minatare out west, Stagecoach in the east and Calamus in the middle of the state. Also try Jeffrey, Elwood, McConaughy or Swanson reservoirs. Bluegill -- Anglers can find good bluegill fishing in a variety of waters across the state, ranging from small reservoirs in the east like Olive Creek, Summit and Wildwood, to urban waters like Grand Islands Suchs Lake, and Burchard Reservoir in the southeast. Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area south of Rushville and Smith Lake on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge will not produce lots of bluegills but could give a persistent angler a fish as big as his/her face. Crappie -- Small- to medium-sized reservoirs in eastern Nebraska commonly have abundant populations. The challenge is finding quality-size crappies in these waters. Czechland, Branched Oak, Stagecoach and Zorinsky will be the best of those reservoirs. Whitney and Oliver reservoirs in the west and Sherman and Johnson reservoirs in the central part also have nice crappies. Largemouth bass -- Although a number of waters have high densities of small largemouth bass, which is desirable because lots of small bass regulate panfish, preyfish and rough fish numbers, anglers can fish other waters that have higher abundances of bass larger than 15 inches. The best of those waters will be pits like Grand Islands Pier Park, and Two Rivers SRA pits Nos. 2 and 3. Sandhills lakes produce some of the fattest, most beautiful largemouth bass and Smith Lake WMA should be one of the best. Of the small reservoirs, try Grove and Walnut Creek, and of the Interstate 80 lakes, fish East Sutherland and Fremont Slough. Channel catfish -- Reservoirs are hard to beat for catfishing. Branched Oak is one of the best catfish fisheries in the state, offering anglers the chance to catch channel, flathead and blue catfish. Wagon Train also will be particularly good for channel catfish. Other reservoirs that will be good for channel catfish include Maloney, Swanson, Sherman, Red Willow and Jeffrey. Anglers looking for a shot at a big channel catfish should keep Lake Ogallala in mind. Other species -- Nebraska has developing blue catfish fisheries at Conestoga, Wehrspann, and Zorinsky reservoirs. Excellent flathead catfish fishing also can be found at Branched Oak, Harlan County and Sherman reservoirs. Anglers who pursue bullheads should check out Powder Creek Reservoir and special bullhead fishing opportunities on some state recreation area lakes. Northern and western parts of Nebraska, especially the Sandhills, offer opportunities to catch cool-water species like northern pike and yellow perch. Try Big Alkali, the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge lakes, Goose Lake, and Willow Lake. Johnson and Lewis and Clark reservoirs offer excellent smallmouth bass numbers. Also at Lewis and Clark, do not overlook the sauger. Sauger can also be found in the small reservoirs and canal system above and including Johnson. There are muskellunge opportunities at Merritt, Calamus and Wagon Train reservoirs, and Cottonwood-Steverson lakes. There are cold-water opportunities on streams and rivers, mostly in the western and northern parts of the state, where anglers can fish for rainbow, brown and brook trout, many of them wild fish.
By Rocky Hoffmann

2008 NEBRASKA REGIONAL FISHING FORECAST

Southeast
Anglers will benefit from above-average rainfall in 2007. Refilling reservoirs benefits the fishery by flooding vegetation, which provides a nutrient boost to the lake, while providing food, cover and spawning habitat. Among other impoundments getting a boost, rainfall filled Merganser, Timber Point, Walnut Creek 2A, Yankee Hill, Swan Creek 67 and Cottontail reservoirs. Wildwood, Holmes Lake, Olive Creek and Wagon Train have been improved and anglers in the Lincoln area will find they provide good catch rates. Omaha-area anglers have some excellent fisheries at Walnut Creek, Memphis, Wehrspann and Jenny Newman Lake. Anglers looking for the best largemouth bass fishing should try Burchard and Iron Horse Trail lakes. Branched Oak Reservoir is a top producer of Master Angler awards, especially for flathead catfish and wipers. walleye and sauger populations, many longer than 20 inches. White bass numbers in Lewis and Clark were above average and should provide good fishing. Smallmouth bass continue to provide good fishing at Lewis and Clark and the Missouri River above the lake. Goose Lake should provide good to excellent fishing for bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike and largemouth bass. Water levels increased more than three feet in 2007, and fish habitat and food organisms are excellent. Look for good bass and pike fishing in April and May and panfish from late April through August. Other bluegill spots to try are Summit and Skyview lakes. Summit, Maskenthine Lake, Buckskin Hills and Grove Lake have abundant bass with good size structure. Catfish may be found in public lakes as well as the Elkhorn, Missouri and Niobrara rivers. Good catfish lakes include Maskenthine, Buckskin Hills, Skyview, Willow Creek and Summit. Trout fishing is good in the East Branch of Verdigre Creek above Grove Lake. Two hundred catchable rainbows are stocked each week and nearly a mile and a half of the stream is open to the public. Catchable bullheads are stocked at Fremont State Recreation Area Lake No. 3 and Powder Creek Reservoir has excellent numbers of bullheads. future fishing for walleye, white bass, crappie and channel catfish. The reservoir has a great white bass population with a good size distribution. Crappie fishing at Sherman Reservoir should peak in May in coves and bays. There should be another good walleye spawning run in March and April, with better fishing in May and June. Sherman has trophy-sized northern pike. Walleye numbers at Johnson Lake should remain high, with good numbers of fish over the 15-inch length limit. Anglers also may catch sauger. There are good numbers of white bass, wiper, channel and flathead catfish at the inlet. Elwood Reservoir has trophy-size muskellunge and channel catfish, while the lakes best fishing is for walleye and white bass. More than 20 lakes along the central Interstate 80 corridor provide good angling for largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Several lakes also have northern pike, walleye, rock bass, redear sunfish and smallmouth bass. Catchable-size rainbow trout are stocked in winter months at Hartwell Park in Hastings, Lexington City Lake, North Park Lake in Holdrege, Suchs Lake in Grand Island and Windmill State Recreation Area. Trout are in Elm Creek near Red Cloud. population, with an excellent size structure, good fishing for northern pike, bass, catfish and panfish, and maybe trophy or state record muskie. Calamus should have a good population of 15- to 20-inch walleye and a good chance to take a trophy muskellunge. Look to Calamus for catfish, white bass and wiper action. The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge has some of the states best fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch. Also check Big Alkali Lake for pike, crappie and channel catfish. The lake has many improvements. There is good fishing at Shell or Cottonwood lakes for bass and panfish. Long Pine and Plum creeks offer stream fishing for naturally produced brown and rainbow trout. Public access is available at Long Pine SRA, Long Pine Wildlife Management Area, Pine Glen WMA, Bobcat WMA, and Plum Creek Valley WMA. improvement in white bass and wiper numbers. Enders had the highest fall survey catch rate of wipers and channel catfish in the southwest and showed a strong improvement in white bass numbers. Maloney and Sutherland reservoirs are good bets for walleye. Because of heavy fishing pressure in 2007, numbers of large walleye are down, but there should be plenty of legal-sized fish. Arnold Lake SRA is developing a good population of bass and bluegill. Fall stocked rainbow trout provide a popular winter fishery, along with North Plattes Birdwood Lake and McCooks Barnett Park. I-80 lakes continue to produce good fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.

Panhandle
Lake Minatare anglers should find most walleye above the legal size limit. Fall surveys have shown a decline in the number of wipers, but individual fish have increased in size to about five pounds. Minatare has an excellent population of channel catfish, and anglers may see some blue catfish. Oliver Reservoir has an excellent walleye population, most of legal size. Oliver also has an excellent fishery for channel catfish. Box Butte Reservoir should produce larger catfish, northern pike and walleye. Smith Lake WMA has Master Angler-size largemouth bass and large bluegill. Fort Robinson State Park offers catchable-size rainbow trout. The park also has good channel catfish and largemouth bass fishing.

Southwest
Lake McConaughy will continue to be a good choice to catch quality walleye. Fall surveys showed a decrease in overall walleye numbers, but there is a good population of 20-inch and larger fish. Also, many white bass are entering the 12- to 15-inch range. Low water at McConaughy resulted in a movement of fish into Lake Ogallala, improving opportunity for walleye, white bass, wipers and channel catfish. Heavy rains improved water levels and opportunity for fish and recreation at Enders, Swanson, Medicine Creek and Red Willow reservoirs. There should be an

Northeast
Willow Creek and Lewis and Clark Lake should offer good walleye fishing. The 2007 fall sampling showed a high number of walleye at Willow Creek and about 40 percent of that population should be legal. Fishing pressure has been intense and most of the fish will be under 16-17 inches, with a few up to 22 inches. Lewis and Clark continues to have strong

South-central
A dramatic increase in water levels at Harlan County Reservoir in 2007 resulted in excellent fish survivability that will improve

North-central
Walleye anglers should look to Merritt and Calamus reservoirs. Survey numbers at Merritt continue to show a strong walleye

ChannelCatfish Catfish Channel

Branched Oak Wagon Train Sherman Oliver Stagecoach DeSoto Bend Walgren Ogallala Enders Jeffrey Red Willow
Stagecoach Willow Creek Merritt Johnson Sherman Maloney Lewis & Clark Oliver McConaughy Minatare Elwood

Walleye Walleye
Alda Farwell South Walnut Creek Fremont#4 Verdon Burchard Olive Creek Wildwood Alexandria West G.I. Pier Park Fremont#5

Bluegill

Largemouth Bass
Holmes
Grove

Crappie
Enders Red Willow Maloney Willow Medicine Creek Sutherland Johnson Jeffrey Stagecoach Czechland McConaughy Elwood

Wiper

Jenny Newman Memphis Fremont#4 Skyview Mormon Island Middle Two Rivers 2 Summit Prairie View G.I. Pier Park Olive Creek Walnut Creek Two Rivers 1 Maxwell Rest Area
Sherman Stagecoach Harlan

Swanson Minatare Johnson Willow Creek Calamus Ogallala Conestoga

McConaughy
Sutherland

Arnold Fremont#2

Alexandria West Alexandria East Verdon Two Rivers 3 Arnold

Oliver Branched Oak

under 8 inches 8 to 12 inches 12 to 15 inches 15 to 20 inches over 20 inches

Willow Creek
Calamus

Branched Oak 0 10 20 30 40

Minatare
Zorinsky

Cottonwood Chalkrock
Wagon Train

East Twin Calamus

Medicine Creek

Wiper Per Gill Net

Grove Alexandria East

Harlan

Keller#2 Fremont#2 Fremont#5 Isham Chalkrock Two Rivers 4 North Platte I-80 G.I. Suchs Grove G.I. Rest Area

Whitney

Sutherland Maloney
Jeffrey

White Bass
Harlan Swanson

East Sutherland Holmes

Enders Box Butte Pawnee DeSoto Bend Wehrspann East Twin Swanson

Champion Mill

Lewis & Clark Zorinsky Swanson Yankton Harlan Conestoga Medicine Creek Johnson Merritt Pawnee Elwood Wehrspann 0 5 10 15 20 25

Mormon Island Mormon Island Middle Middle

Redtail Powder Creek Walgren North Platte I-80 Skyview

Zorinsky

Enders Maloney Jeffrey

Willow Creek

Medicine Creek Sherman

Pawnee

Sutherland McConaughy

Fremont Slough I-80

under 8 inches 8 to 12 inches 12 to 15 inches over 15 inches

Wehrspann

under 10 inches 10 to 15 inches 15 to 20 inches 20 to 25 inches over 25 inches

3 to 6 inches 6 to 8 inches over 8

Cottonwood Iron Horse Trail East Sutherland Smith(WMA) South Pine

Stagecoach Memphis G.I. Suchs Summit G.I. L.E. Ray

under 11 inches 11 to 16 inches 16 to 24 inches over 24 inches

Walgren

Ogallala Branched Oak Red Willow Conestoga 0 10

under 5 inches 5 to 8 inches 8 to 10 inches 10 to 12 inches over 12 inches

Johnson Elwood Calamus East Twin Pawnee Ogallala Red Willow Merritt

Walnut Creek

Sutton Clark
Yankton

under 6 inches 6 to 9 inches 9 to 12 inches 12 to 15 inches over 15 inches

G.I. L.E. Ray

0 50 100 150 200 250

20

30

40

50

100

200

300

400

500

100

200

300

400

10

20

30

40

50

Catfish Per Gill Net Catfish Per Gill Net

Walleye Per Gill Net

Bluegill Per Trap Net

Bass Per Hour Electrofishing

Crappie Per Trap Net

White Bass Per Gill Net

Winter/Spring 2008

Page 8

Winter at the Parks

Winter provides new opportunities at state park areas
By Jerry Kane The weather may have turned cold and snowy, but Nebraskas state park areas still offer many reasons to enjoy the outdoors. These parks are all part of Nebraskas diverse landscape -- and so are the activities available during the winter months. Sportsmen may enjoy hunting and fishing, children could go ice skating or sledding, and wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy winter camping and hiking in order to observe Nebraskas abundant wildlife. Looking for a weekend getaway? The parks never close and many have cabins available year-round. Nebraskas state park areas never close, so bundle up and come out and enjoy the scenery and fun that the state has to offer. A park entry permit is required for all parks and may be purchased online at www.OutdoorNebraska.org.

DOUG CARROLL

Sledding and Tobogganing

If Mother Nature doesnt supply the snow but gives us colder temperatures, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park makes snow for the sledding and toboggan run behind the Lee and Helene Sapp Riverview Lodge. The lodge rents sleds and also has concession items such as hot chocolate, hot dogs and chips available.

Camping, Cabins and Lodges

Winter camping rates are offered at state parks, with electricity available year-round. Cabins and lodge rooms also are available, with 30-percent winter discounts on cabins Sunday through Thursday, excluding holidays. Year-round cabins are available at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP), Platte River SP, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area and Niobrara SP.

Hunting
State recreation areas, or portions thereof, are open to hunting, subject to general hunting regulations, from the first Tuesday following Labor Day through the conclusion of the spring turkey season in May, unless prohibited or restricted by signs or specific area regulations. Hunting is prohibited within 100 yards of any public-use facility or activity area, including picnic areas, campgrounds, private cabins, concession areas, boat ramps, and parking lots.

Bald Eagle Viewing

DOUG CARROLL

Ice Skating
Eugene T. Mahoney State Parks outdoor ice skating rink is fun for the whole family. Hot chocolate, pizza and other concession items are available, as well as skate rental. To warm up, the Activity Center has a large indoor playground and rock climbing simulator. Ice skating is available at all recreation areas, depending on weather and ice.

Bald eagles may be viewed near Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area. The best days to view them are the last two weeks in January. Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District has an eagle-viewing building equipped with spotting scopes, binoculars, and video. Open by appointment during the week and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Call (308) 284-2332.

ROCKY HOFFMANN

Ice-Fishing
Catch rainbow trout at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area (SRA) Lake No. 5, Eugene T. Mahoney State Parks (SP) Qwest Lake, Fort Robinson SPs Carter P. Johnson Lake, Windmill SRA Lake No. 1, and Arnold SRA. Largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie await anglers at Wagon Train, Olive Creek, Summit Lake, Willow Creek, and Alexandria SRAs. Other options include Merritt, Sherman, Swanson, Rock Creek, Red Willow, Enders, and Medicine Creek reservoirs, and Lake Ogallala. Also try the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and other Sandhills lakes.
ROCKY HOFFMANN

Christmas Lights
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Enjoy Christmas at the Cody's on Dec. 20-23 from 5:30-8 p.m. See the 1886 mansion (above photo), 1887 horse barn, log cabin, and other outbuildings dressed up with exterior Christmas lights. The mansion has 18 lighted and decorated trees inside, while the barn has a large lighted and decorated tree, where visitors may make their own ornament to hang. Children may visit with Santa Claus each night, and there will be live music in the mansion. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park The park decorates the outside and inside of the Peter Kiewit Lodge, and it has a large tree in the front lobby. There is a holiday play at the Kountze Memorial Theater that runs to the final Sunday in December.

Trails
Winter nature hikes are great on the park trails, which always are open. Enjoy cross country skiing or snowmobiling on the Nebraska snow. Branched Oak and Lewis and Clark state recreation areas provide great snowmobile trails.