OutdoorNebraska

Fishing Regulations HOOK-AND-LINE REGULATIONS Hook-and-line fishing is allowed year-round throughout the state, except as noted or as posted at an area. Definition of a Hook – One hook means a single-, double- or treble-pointed hook. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or lure shall be counted as one hook. Ponds, Lakes or Reservoirs – Anglers are limited to no more than two lines, with a maximum of two hooks on each line, with these being any type of attached line (such as rod and reel or fishing pole) on all lakes, ponds or reservoirs or in their inlets, outlets and canals within one-half mile of these bodies of water, with the exception of ice-fishing line limits. This includes Lewis and Clark Lake from Gavins Point Dam upstream to the Santee boat ramp in Knox County. Ice-Fishing – A total of five lines with two hooks on each line are permitted. Each line must be under direct supervision and within unaided observation of the angler. Holes made for ice-fishing may not exceed 10 inches in diameter on any area controlled or managed by Game and Parks, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. A special $5 permit is required for a permanent shelter on state recreation areas and wildlife management area lakes. Applications and regulations are available from conservation officers or Game and Parks offices. This does not apply to temporary shelters used and removed each day. Rivers or Streams – A total of 15 hooks are allowed, ranging from 15 lines each with a single hook attached, to three lines with a maximum of five hooks attached. These hook-and-line limits apply to anglers who must be one- half mile from any lake, pond or reservoir that is associated with that river or stream. These can be rods and reels, poles, bank lines, limb lines or setlines that are attached to a fixed object in a river, stream or canal and not free- floating. Jug lines are illegal and are defined as a free-floating line that contains fishing hooks entirely supported by flotation. All bank lines, limb lines and setlines must contain the angler's name, address and fishing-permit number or driver's license number. Bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be checked every 24 hours. Removal of Bank Lines, Limb Lines and Setlines – Upon completion of fishing, all bank lines, limb lines and setlines must be removed. Within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, limb lines and setlines are prohibited within 200 feet of public boat landings or swimming areas. SNAGGING Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted only in the Missouri River under season dates and limits specified in the Paddlefish snagging section. All other state waters are closed to snagging for all species at all times. All fish snagged accidentally or otherwise foul-hooked, must be returned to the water immediately. BAG, POSSESSION AND LENGTH LIMITS Bag and possession limits may vary between "inland waters" and "waters of the Missouri River." For this purpose only: • "inland waters" include all waters of the state except the waters of the Missouri River • "waters of the Missouri River" include all of the river along Nebraska's border and all reservoirs, oxbows, sloughs, chutes, backwaters and marshes that have annual surface water connection to the river and the first 300 yards upstream from the mouth of all tributary streams • "statewide" includes all inland waters of the state and waters of the Missouri River Culling – Culling and high-grading are not allowed. Any fish that is not to be counted in the daily bag limit must be returned immediately to the water with as little injury as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer or in a container, or not returned to the water must be counted in the bag. Daily Bag Limit – The number of fish harvested from midnight to the following midnight taken by all legal methods combined. No person may possess more than one day's bag limit of fish while on the water. Restricted Species – It is unlawful to possess or transport any live white perch, black carp, silver carp, bighead carp or yellow bass. 12 | Fishing Info: 402-471-0641

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