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Fishing in Nebraska

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Want trophy-size catches? These Nebraska spots deliver

About Nebraska fishing

Nebraska freshwater fishing features bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie in lakes and rivers. Stocked trout streams and reservoirs provide additional variety for anglers seeking diverse freshwater opportunities.

Nebraska fishing license

Nebraska requires a fishing license for anglers 16+. Resident and non-resident annual and short-term licenses are available online or at authorized vendors.

Get license

Top fish species caught in Nebraska

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Biggest catches in Nebraska

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Nebraska

SpeciesWeightChannel catfish41.5 lbsCommon carp34.8 lbsWalleye18 lbsLargemouth bass10.7 lbsBlack crappie4.5 lbsBluegill1.5 lbs

Latest Nebraska fishing reports

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Spotted bass

Harlan Reservoir

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Walnut Creek Lake

25 in · 8 lb

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Common carp

Wehrspann Lake

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Summit Lake

18 in · 8 lb 6 oz

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Largemouth bass

Standing Bear Lake

3 in · 3 oz

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Walleye

Standing Bear Lake

10 in · 1 lb

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Rainbow trout

Trout Lake

length · weight

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Black crappie

Standing Bear Lake

10 in · 1 lb

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Black crappie

Standing Bear Lake

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Cedar River

16 in · 2 lb

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Fishing regulations in Nebraska

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Nebraska can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Channel catfish as of April 2nd, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Channel catfish

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

5

Special gear

No length limit. Possession limit = 20 channel catfish.

Exceptions:

  • Flowing Water (rivers, streams and canals): bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Box Butte Reservoir: one 30-inches or longer
  • Calamus Reservoir: one 30-inches or longer
  • Fort Kearny SRA No. 2: catch and release only
  • Gallagher Canyon Reservoir: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Jeffrey Reservoir: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Johnson Lake: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Lake Babcock: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Lake Maloney: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Lake North: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Lewis and Clark Lake: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Merritt Reservoir: one 30-inches or longer
  • Midway Canyon Reservoir: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • North Platte River west of Hwy. 26 bridge: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Phillips Canyon Reservoir: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Plum Creek Canyon Reservoir: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Republican River upstream of Hwy. 89 bridge west of Orleans: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Sutherland Reservoir: bag limit = 10 channel catfish
  • Two Rivers SRA Nos. 3 and 4: catch and release only
  • Wildwood Lake: catch and release only
  • Windmill SRA No. 3: catch and release only

Ictalurus punctatus

Regulations for

40°48′35.5″N 96°40′31.2″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ about Nebraska fishing

Fishing regulations in Nebraska, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
Some of the most popular species anglers target in Nebraska, United States include Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, and Bluegill. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
Some of the most popular fishing spots in Nebraska, United States include Holmes Lake, Wehrspann Lake, and Prairie Queen Lake. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.