Nebraska · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Nebraska.

Nebraska fishing is bigger than the Cornhuskers' reputation — Lake McConaughy holds trophy walleye and stripers, and the Sandhills hide a real wild brown trout fishery few outsiders know about.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Nebraska. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the NGPC and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the NGPC before purchase.

Freshwater

Walleye, white bass, channel catfish, and largemouth/smallmouth bass drive Nebraska reservoir fishing — Lake McConaughy, Merritt, Calamus, and Sherman. The Sandhills offer fly-fishing for trout in spring-fed streams. Year-round seasons.

Rivers

The Pine Ridge and Sandhills hold spring-fed trout streams — the Niobrara, Long Pine Creek, and Snake River have wild brown trout. The Missouri River provides walleye and smallmouth bass.

Special

Lake McConaughy has special walleye regulations in some seasons. Catch-and-release-only sections on certain Sandhills trout streams.

Popular species

Walleye · Largemouth bass · Smallmouth bass · Channel catfish · Brown trout · White bass

State agency

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Agency site →

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