Fishing

“As part of regular fisheries management practices, some species, such as channel catfish, are stocked annually in many public waters. Natural reproduction and periodic stocking maintain healthy fishing communities at all of the waters hosting Free Fishing and Park Entry Day events. Anglers can expect to have plenty of fish to catch.”

Some parks also have a daylong schedule of activities. Visitors on May 16 might be surprised at the number of activities parks have to offer. What visitors see might have them coming back the rest of the year.

Following is a list of Free Fishing and Park Entry Day activities:

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA) – Nebraska Outdoor Expo, hands-on activities, displays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fort Robinson State Park (SP) – Youth (age 12 and under) fishing derby, 9 a.m.; free horse-drawn tours and Jeep rides, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; barbeque at noon; free entry into Fort Robinson Historical and Trailside museums

Lake McConaughy SRA – Walleye tournament

Wildcat Hills SRA – Wildcat Hills Wildlands Day, 9 a.m.; 8-kilometer run, bird watching, youth activities, guided wildflower and bird hikes

Victoria Springs SRA – Youth fishing clinic, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Two Rivers SRA – Youth fishing clinic, Lake No. 1, 9 a.m.-noon

Ponca SP – Fishing clinic, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Eugene T. Mahoney SP – Fishing clinic, 9-11 a.m.

Fremont SRA – Youth Fishing Day, Lake No. 3, 9 a.m.-noon

Platte River SP – Fishing clinic, 9 a.m.-noon

Chadron SP – Fishing clinic, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Lake Minatare SRA – Fishing clinic, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Louisville SRA – Fishing clinic, Lake No. 1, 9 a.m.-noon

Buffalo Bill SRA – Fishing clinic, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Alexandria SRA – Youth (age 16 and under) fishing clinic, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., rod and reel awarded for largest fish, largest bluegill and largest crappie

For more information on fishing and parks, go to OutdoorNebraska.org.