38 2019 Annual Report • Fisheries
T R O U T S L A M C O N T I N U E S T O
C H A L L E N G E A N G L E R S
Nebraska's Trout Slam creates an adventure for anglers by challenging them to
catch a rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout in Nebraska. A photo of a caught
trout counts as an entry into a contest for prizes. In 2019, the second year of the
challenge, there were 346 entries among 140 anglers. Since 2018, 42 anglers –
including some from Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming – have completed the Slam.
E N H A N C I N G C O O L W A T E R S T R E A M S
Coolwater streams account for less than 28 percent of all stream miles in
Nebraska, but they are still a tremendous resource. Good land stewardship has
preserved the relatively pristine condition of some stream reaches, which provide
habitat for a variety of aquatic organisms, including native and at-risk species,
and angling opportunities for trout. In 2019, staff and partners completed projects
to create or enhance an estimated 1.6 miles of coolwater streams. Staff conducted
pre- and post-construction surveys to assess the fish community's response to
stream enhancements and sampled several at-risk species. Outside of the streams,
improvements such as red cedar removal, reseeding native species on wetlands and
uplands were made on 37 acres within project watersheds. In addition, instream
flow appropriations were renewed at Long Pine Creek for another 15 years. These
flows sustain naturally reproducing rainbow and brown trout populations. A big
challenge in 2019 was how Nebraska streams absorbed wet conditions from March
to November, and pushed water levels over the brink many times, impacting habitats.
Rodney Schwartz with the brown trout he caught for the Trout Slam.
