Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at Discover Ice-Fishing clinics in January.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host three on-ice events and one classroom event.

From 9 a.m.-noon Mountain Time Jan. 11, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at the Alliance Eagles Club, 1520 W. 3rd St. This will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top ice fishermen. Registration is suggested by emailing [email protected].

From 2-4 p.m. Jan. 11, anglers can head to Laing Lake in Alliance to Discover Ice-Fishing with volunteer instructors helping you learn while on the ice.

The other on-ice events will be from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 19 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake (located about mid-lake along the north shoreline drive), and 2-4 p.m. Jan. 25 at Norfolk’s Skyview Lake.

To get a reminder for the on-ice events or notification in case of cancellation, visit the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Limited loaner equipment will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bait and instruction will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment.

All fishing regulations and permit requirements apply.

A lack of safe ice will force the cancellation of the on-ice events.

 

Be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2025

Nebraska anglers should be aware of fishing regulation changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2025. 

The changes to fishing rules, approved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission during meetings in 2024, are:

Black Bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) – At Frye Lake Wildlife Management Area, there will be no minimum length limit with no more than one fish 18 inches or longer allowed in the five-fish daily bag limit.

At Prairie View Lake, Wagon Train State Recreation Area/WMA, Duck Creek Recreation Area and Prairie Queen Recreation Area, the five-fish bag limit has a protected slot of 15-18 inches, with no more than one fish 18 inches or longer in the daily bag.

Patriot Park Lake was added to the list of water bodies that have a 21-inch minimum length limit.

Pawnee SRA/WMA was removed from the list of water bodies that have a 21-inch minimum length limit.

Two Rivers State Recreation Area Trout Lake (Lake No. 5) – Anglers will be allowed to practice catch and release on trout if they choose, and the start date when anglers will be allowed to fish the lake without a trout tag is June 1.

Channel Catfish – The “one-over” size restriction on channel catfish from the Missouri River is removed.

Walleye, Sauger and Saugeye – Branched Oak Lake reverts to statewide restrictions of daily bag limit of four, possession limit of eight and 15-inch minimum length limit, with one over 22 inches or longer allowed in the daily bag.

Northern Pike – At Clear Lake, Dewey Lake, Hackberry Lake and Pelican Lake, the three-fish daily bag limit has a protected slot of 24-34 inches, with no more than one fish 34 inches or longer in the bag.

Smith Lake WMA is added to the lakes that have a daily bag limit of 10 pike of which only three can be over 22 inches and only one of these can be over 34 inches. 

Lake Wanahoo reverts to statewide restrictions of daily bag limit of three, possession limit of 10, no minimum length limit and one fish 34 inches or longer allowed in the daily bag.

Striped Bass, White Bass and Wiper – The statewide “one-over” size restriction is changed, increasing the length limit to 18 inches or longer in which the daily bag limit may include one fish, in inland waters.

Bait – The no-live-baitfish restriction was removed at Lake Wanahoo.

More fishing information can be found in the 2025 Fishing Guide, which will be available in January at OutdoorNebraska.gov and where 2025 fishing permits are sold.

 

Celebrate 2025 with First Day Hikes

Start the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.

These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure.

Activities include a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park, a guided tour at Fort Hartsuff SHP, winter art activities at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, and tours of the new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Bring your dog but be sure to keep him or her on a leash.

Branched Oak SRA will host a 4- to 5-mile First Day Trail Ride for equestrian riders, rather than a hike.

New this year is a hike on the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail just west of Norfolk.

Hikes are planned at:

  • Ash Hollow SHP
  • Chadron SP
  • Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail
  • Eugene T. Mahoney SP
  • Fort Hartsuff SHP
  • Fort Kearny SRA
  • Indian Cave SP
  • Johnson Lake SRA
  • Lake Ogallala SRA
  • Louisville SRA
  • Mormon Island SRA
  • Platte River SP
  • Ponca SP
  • Red Willow SRA
  • Schramm Park SRA
  • Wagon Train SRA
  • Wildcat Hills SRA
  • Windmill SRA

Parks will have different activities. Check the details at each park, including start times for all First Day Hikes, at OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “First Day Hike.”

Prepare for your winter hike by dressing in layers, wearing a hat, bringing a water bottle and checking the forecast. Start a new tradition by inviting some friends along to the parks.

A Nebraska state park permit is required for all vehicles entering park areas; 2025 permits are available at park offices or at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Those participating in the hikes are encouraged to tag @NEGameandParks in their Facebook, X or Instagram posts for a chance to be featured in the agency’s social streams.