Nebraska Fishing Regulations – Changes Incoming for 2023
Eugene L. 12.21.22
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants anglers to be aware of Nebraska fishing regulation changes that will be in place on January 1st, 2023. This varies from different catch limits on various fish species to the types of bait anglers are allowed to used in varying areas of the state. So, if you are in Nebraska fishing next year, you may want to polish up on their new rule changes.
No Live Baitfish Waters Expanded
- The following bodies of water will be added to the list of illegal to use/possess live baitfish; Crystal Lake (Adams County), Wagon Train State Recreation Area/Wildlife Management Area (Lancaster County), East Sutherland WMA (Lincoln County), West Cozad WMA (Dawson County), and Standing Bear Lake (Douglas County)
- The following bodies of water will be removed from the list; Victoria Springs SRA (Custer County), Heartwell Park Lake (Adams County), and Lincoln Park Pond (Nuckolls County).
Black Bass
- All of the following lakes will be added list of water bodies that have a 21-inch minimum length on black bass; Ansley Lake (Custer County), Flanagan Lake (Douglas County), Alda DOT (Hall County), Birdwood WMA (Lincoln County) and East Sutherland WMA.
- Victoria Springs Lake SRA will be removed from the waters that require the 21-inch minimum length on black bass.
Channel Catfish
- The five-fish daily bag limit of channel catfish location on the Republican River above Harlan County Reservoir will be changed to the Highway 89 bridge west of Orleans.
Walleye, Sauger, and Saugeye
- The size limits on walleye, sauger, and saugeye location on the Republican River above Harlan County Reservoir will be changed to the Highway 89 bridge west of Orleans.
Nebraska Fishing – Flanagan Lake
- Omaha Lake will no longer have a catch-and-release designation.
- Northern Pike will be a no-harvest species.
- The maximum size limit on bluegill and redear sunfish will be 8 inches
- Crappie will have a 10-inch maximum length limit.
Nebraska Fishing – Lake McConaughy
- From April 1st to June 30th the possession of the following species is illegal; walleye, white bass or striped bass hybrids. This will apply to the following area of the lake, Lonergan Creek and Otter Creek from their junction at the McConaughy lakeshore upstream to, and including, the culvert under Highway 92.
Special Fishing Permits
- The process for disabled anglers to obtain permits has been simplified
- Application forms are available in Game and Parks offices or at OutdoorNebraska.org.
- Annual renewals may be purchased in Game and Parks offices or online.
