OutdoorNebraska

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 33 Fisheries research highlights From sport fi sh to endangered fi sh, Nebraska Game and Parks conducted 26 research projects in 2024 with a focus on improving quality of fi sh, quality of fi sheries, habitat and angler experiences. North Platte tributary stream trout assessment Game and Parks' Rivers and Streams Program, in conjunction with the Western Nebraska Trout Association, completed assessments of stream trout fi sheries in North Platte River tributaries. From 2021- 2023, fi sh surveys were completed annually in early March across at least seven streams within the North Platte River Basin in western Nebraska. The 2023 survey from seven streams resulted in 1,956 total fi sh of 13 diff erent species. Total capture included 899 rainbow trout, 205 brown trout and two brook trout. Rainbow trout density estimates were highest at Nine Mile Creek and the lowest was at East Wildhorse Creek. Brown trout densities were highest at Tub Springs and lowest at Dry Spotted Tail Creek. Genetic analysis results showed the presence of McConaughy strain fi sh in three streams within the study area, noting the same locations where stocking had taken place since 2015. There were two unknown genetic strains commonly present in the study sites and could be a mixture of other remnant historically stocked fi sh. A follow-up survey at fi ve streams took place in 2024 to assess annual changes and response to stocking strategies. Fish population and movement dynamics in Lake Ogallala A project with the University of Nebraska-Kearney looked at the fi sh population and movement dynamics in Lake Ogallala and their relationship to water quality. The temporal and spatial patterns of distribution for nuisance fi sh were determined, and the movement of fi sh in relation to temperature and dissolved oxygen conditions was monitored. The lake was sampled for common carp, white sucker, alewife and gizzard shad. Seven dissolved oxygen and temperature monitors were placed throughout the lake. Fish were sampled monthly at nine stations with trap nets, gill nets and boat electrofi shing. Researchers tagged 80 carp and suckers with acoustic tags to track their locations. More than 1.15 million pounds of fi sh were estimated to be in Lake Ogallala when it was renovated in October 2023, of which nuisance species comprised more than 83% of the population. Assessing addition of artifi cial habitat structures Fisheries' Reservoir Program learned how sportfi sh use artifi cial habitat in relation to available habitat. Research involved the deployment of "Georgia Cubes" — structures built of PVC and corrugated drain pipe that are meant to act as artifi cial habitat and attract fi sh. Three diff erent sets of cubes were added to three Interstate 80 lakes, as well as three diff erent reservoirs. Seasonal sportfi sh use at the various bodies of water was documented by electrofi shing over diff erent habitats, including the cubes. During the fi rst year after Georgia Cubes were added to the reservoirs, there were similar use of available habitat and the added artifi cial habitat, but generally more use than areas with no habitat. Other fi ndings include: • Bluegill were more abundant on artifi cial and existing habitat during the fall. Research involved the deployment of "Georgia Cubes" – structures built of PVC and corrugated drain pipe.

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