Resources available to help Fishing Beneath Nebraska Skies

No matter where you decide to fish in Nebraska, you can count on landing a great outing when you fish beneath Nebraska skies.

To help prepare for any fishing adventure, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several online resources available. For example:

Fishing Guide

The annual Fishing Guide, released each January by the Nebraska Game and Parks, can either be viewed online or downloaded to your computer or mobile device. You also may pick up a printed copy wherever permits are sold. This helpful booklet contains a summary of regulations, a section on public fishing areas and much more useful information.

Find a place to fish

Nebraska’s landscape is dotted with lakes, rivers and streams, providing plentiful and diverse fishing for experienced anglers, beginners and everyone in between. With about 450 lakes and streams open to public fishing in the state, deciding where to fish sometimes can be challenging. Find a spot using Game and Parks’ resources, including an interactive public waters map, lake contour maps, Missouri River Access Guide, and Public Access Atlas.

Fishing Forecast

Is it hard to find a lake to fish based on the type of fish you like to cast for most often? Explore the annual Fishing Forecast, which contains research statistics and graphs to explain sampling information for important sport fish species sampled across Nebraska from the previous year.

Accessible fishing spots

Whether you want to catch trout, bass, bluegill, northern pike or catfish, a lake near you with fishing accommodations likely will include one or several of these fish species. Americans with Disabilities Act-approved fishing piers, trails, boat launch facilities and parking accommodations are included where appropriate in all recent and new aquatic habitat, angler access and sportfish restoration projects. Other lakes may have older handicap accommodations. Check the Fishing Guide for locations or contact your local Game and Parks office to inquire about these opportunities.

Area fishing guides

A wide breadth of fishing opportunities exists across Nebraska, from bluegill in Omaha’s urban lakes to brook trout in the Pine Ridge streams. Game and Parks offers guides to fishing the Omaha-area waters, the Interstate 80 lakes, and trout streams.

Trip planners

Find additional ways to fish the Omaha and Lincoln areas by viewing Game and Parks’ trip planners.

Want to learn more about catching the big one? Want advice from our experts on lures to use and locations to go? Check out additional resources, including fishing tips, family-friendly lakes, fishing events, fish identification, fish stocking database and much more. And don’t forget to buy that fishing permit.

Start planning your fishing adventure at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Fish.