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Fishing in Nebraska
Nebraska Fishing at a Glance
Nebraska is home to some of the best fishing in the United States, mainly due to the Missouri River which runs for about 400 miles along the state’s eastern border
There are also many other lakes and rivers to try your luck in including the Platte River which is home to bass, catfish, trout, and more, and Lake McConaughy, which is known for its large population of bass and catfish.
Many of Nebraska’s lakes and ponds also offer excellent ice-fishing in the winter.
There are a few important things to know before you go fishing in Nebraska. The first thing is the regulations. In Nebraska, everyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license in order to fish in any public waters within the state. Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or at any commission office. A fishing license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used for both recreational and commercial fishing purposes. Anyone found fishing without a license may be subject to fines and other penalties. So, if you’re planning on doing any fishing in Nebraska, make sure you get your license first.
Nebraska ranks #23 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enthusiasts with over 11.39% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Nebraska offers some of the best fishing in the United States, thanks to the Missouri River and many other lakes and rivers.
- The Platte River is home to bass, catfish, trout, and more, while Lake McConaughy has a large population of bass and catfish.
- Many of Nebraska’s lakes and ponds offer excellent ice-fishing in the winter.
- Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in any public waters within the state. Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or at any commission office.
- A fishing license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used for both recreational and commercial fishing purposes.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 1,961,504 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 223,480 |
| Fishing License % | 11.39% |
| Hunters Rank | 23 |
The state of Nebraska is mostly private land with just 1.60% of acres considered public land -ranking #48 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 49,201,900 | ||
| Public | 785,760 | 1.60% | 48 |
| Private | 48,392,340 | 98.35% | 3 |
| Tribal | 23,800 | 0.05% | 23 |
Nebraska Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Nebraska DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Nebraska DNR
2200 N. 33rd St.
Lincoln, NE 68503
- (402) 471-0641
What are the most popular freshwater fish to catch Alabama?
The most popular types of fish to fish for in Nebraska are catfish, bass, walleye, trout, and crappie. Each of these fish has its own unique flavor and set of challenges, making them perfect for any fishing enthusiast. Catfish are known for their fighting spirit, and bass are prized for their delicate flavor. Walleye are a popular choice for those who want to reel in a big fish, while trout are perfect for those who enjoy a challenging catch. Crappie are also a popular choice, thanks to their tasty flesh and abundance in Nebraska waters..
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Fishing private land in Nebraska
Fishing on private land in Nebraska has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Nebraska or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Platte River
2. Niobrara River
3. Missouri River
4. North Platte River
5. South Platte River
Fishing private land in Nebraska
Fishing on private land in Nebraska has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Nebraska or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.