A great chance to get outdoors, fishing is as much an escape as it as challenge. With a wide variety of species and landscapes, anglers have a variety of options to do some Nebraska fishing. Rivers, lakes, streams, and reservoirs all around the state are perfect locations for fishing, whether anglers want to cast a line, a fly, a net, or even a spear. Several resorts and local outfitters ensure that visitors will find the perfect place to do some fishing.

Fishing in Nebraska is year-round venture, even though the season varies depending on the species. Hook-and-line fishing is allowed no matter what the date, October is prime time for Nebraska fly fishing, and ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular. Game fishing in Nebraska is permitted between July 1 and December 31 in most public lakes.

The experts say that bass fishing in Nebraska is best in the inland lakes along the Interstate 80 corridor, especially where the highway follows the Platte River from Grand Island to North Platte. In central Nebraska, anglers have their pick of places without wandering far from the major thoroughfare. Many of these lakes, which are actually borrow pits, were created with anglers in mind as the interstate was built, stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. Today, 40 of the 50 lakes are open to the public for fishing. Places like Maxwell Westbound Rest Area, Chappell Interstate Lake, and Lake Maloney State Recreation Area are known for the bass fishing, especially largemouth, small mouth, and white bass.

Nebraska Map

Anglers also flock to lakes to do some Nebraska trout fishing. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area is one of the top spots for trout and Nebraska fishing in general; it's located just below the dam from Lake McConaughy, the largest lake in the state. Lake Ogallala, a tail-water fishery, is an option for Nebraska fishing all year-round, supporting trophy-size bass. The recreation area is also a poplar place for boating and camping. Lake Mac is a sporting lake in its own right, regarded as one of the best places to fish for walleye. Downstream from both, anglers can enjoy Nebraska fishing in the Sutherland Supply Canal. Along this chain of lakes and canals, walleye, white bass, channel catfish, and wipers are in abundance, in addition to trout.

The cold waters in other waterways all around the state support several species of trout, including brown, brook, and rainbow. Many experienced in Nebraska fly fishing head right to fast-moving streams to catch cutthroat trout. The brown trout are found in warm waters. If you're not an expert, don't worry. A variety of local outfitters and experts will join novices on excursions and show them the best place to find trout and other species.

Fishing in Nebraska means fishing in the home of Cabela's—the premiere outdoor retailer got its start in Sydney. The museum, store, tackle shop, hunting outfitter, and restaurant all in one also has locations in Kearney and LaVista. Each of the retailers carries a dizzying array of tackle, poles, boats, and everything one needs to prepare for Nebraska fly fishing, hunting, and other types of outdoor recreation. Along with thousands of square feet of space, Cabela's features aquariums, museum-style animal displays, and restaurants specializing in wild game sandwiches.Several independent stores all around the state also equip anglers with everything they need.

Nebraska fishing permits are required for anglers over the age of 16 for both residents and visitors. They can be purchased from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Additional fees are required for paddle fishing and entry to state parks.