OutdoorNebraska.gov | 9
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.
Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted)
Location Species Length Limit Bag Possession
Inland Waters, and DeSoto National
Wildlife Refuge, Snyder Bend and
Lake Yankton
Black Bass 15-inch minimum;
One 21 inches or
longer
5
in aggregate
10
in aggregate
EXCEPTIONS:
Selected areas listed in Public Fishing
Areas section and on private waters
leased in Open Fields and Waters
and PATH Fishing programs
Black Bass 21-inch minimum 1 10
Missouri River between Nebraska
and Iowa/Missouri
Black Bass 12-inch minimum;
One 21 inches or
longer
5 10
Missouri River between Nebraska
and South Dakota
Black Bass No minimum;
One 21 inches or
longer
5 10
Nebraska Public Power District
Canal from Sutherland Reservoir
outlet to confluence with South
Platte River, including Lake Maloney
Smallmouth Bass No minimum;
One 15 inches or
longer
5
a
10
b
Big Elk Lake, Portal Lake Smallmouth Bass 12-inch maximum 2
a
10
b
a
still included in aggregate black bass bag limit (5 fish)
b
still included in aggregate black bass possession limit (10 fish)
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
