Fishing in Nebraska. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Nebraska

Below are 30 types of fish that can be caught in Nebraska. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Nebraska and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Nebraska to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Nebraska

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Nebraska. Each Nebraska body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Lake McConaughy (NE)

Merritt Reservoir (NE)

Calamus Reservoir (NE)

Sherman Reservoir (NE)

Wehrspann Lake (NE)

Lake Wanahoo (NE)

Kramper Lake (NE)

Prairie Queen Lake (NE)

Carter P Johnson Lake (NE)

Licenses for fishing in Nebraska

In Nebraska, fishing permits are required for various activities, with specific fees for residents and non-residents. Special permits are available for different age groups and circumstances.

For the most accurate and detailed information, it's best to visit the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission website where you can also purchase a fishing permit online.

Permit Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Fish, annual	$38.00	$84.00
Fish/Hunt, annual	$52.00	$177.00
Fish, 1-day	$10.00	$14.50
Fish, 3-day	$31.00	$37.00
Fish, 3-year	$90.50	$216.50
Fish, 5-year	$132.00	$326.00
Paddlefish	$33.00	$57.00
Deployed military, annual	$5.00	-
Veteran/Senior Fish/Hunt, annual	$5.00	-
Special disabled, annual	$8.00	-

Notes:

These fees include various types of permits like annual, short-term, and special category permits.
Special permits are available for seniors, veterans, deployed military, and disabled individuals.

Fishing Regulations in Nebraska

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is allowed only with specific permits and in designated areas.
Use of live fish as bait is restricted in certain waters to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Snagging fish is prohibited except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specific waters.

Catch Limits

Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass: Daily bag limit of 5, minimum length of 15 inches.
Trout: Daily limit of 5, no size restrictions in most areas.
Walleye, Sauger, and Saugeye: Daily bag limit of 4, with a minimum size limit in some waters.
Channel Catfish: Daily limit of 5, no size limit.
Panfish (Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch): Daily limit generally 15-30, depending on the species and location.
Northern Pike: Daily limit of 3, with a minimum size limit in some waters.
Muskellunge: Daily limit of 1, minimum length of 40 inches.
White Bass, Striped Bass, and Hybrid Striped Bass: Combined daily limit of 15, no size limit.
Paddlefish: Seasonal and area-specific limits, catch-and-release only in some areas.
Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only in most waters; check specific regulations.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for wildlife management or conservation efforts.
Fishing on private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special regulations for fishing in state parks and wildlife refuges.
No fishing zones enforced around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal access restrictions in certain areas for fish spawning and habitat management.

Zones of Special Regulation

Catch-and-release areas for certain species, especially trout.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial lures only or fly fishing zones.
Slot limits for bass and walleye in certain lakes and rivers.
Special regulations in waters with high fishing pressure or ecological sensitivity.
Trophy fisheries with enhanced size and bag limits in selected areas.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits.
Reporting accidental catches of rare species is essential for conservation efforts.
Areas with significant ecological value may have additional fishing restrictions.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Ice fishing regulations, including shelter and gear restrictions, during winter months.
Seasonal closures in sensitive ecological areas for species protection and habitat restoration.
Temporary closures during environmental events or for population studies.
Special regulations for early and late fishing seasons in certain areas.

Most popular cities for fishing in Nebraska

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Nebraska. Cities in Nebraska include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.