OutdoorNebraska

FISHING the METRO • NEBRASKAland Magazine well as redear sunfish on a variety of small tackle options. Meanwhile, late risers can target the deep woody structure throughout the lake for multiple species. In addition, deep water structure is available near the wheelchair-accessible locales. This lake was designed for fish habitat and for anglers, and it's a treasure because of this design. Wehrspann Lake 245 acres- 156 th Street and Giles Road in southwest Omaha. Blue catfish, bluegill, bullhead, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass and walleye. Features concrete boat ramp and wheelchair-accessible pier. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). Notes: It is no surprise that Wehrspann is one of the Metro's most popular fisheries. With seemingly unlimited shoreline access and fish-structure features, the opportunity to catch multiple fish species at Wehrspann is available during each visit. Plus, a sediment dam on the upper end of the lake provides strong water quality all year long. There is also an adjacent wetland to Wehrspann on the north side of Highway 370 at the Gretna exit where bank, john boat or float tube access is available for multiple species, including the possibility of bluegill, bullheads, green sunfish and largemouth bass. Whitehawk Lake 30 acres- 192 nd and F streets in west Omaha. Bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Special Restrictions- Walk-in access only from a small parking lot southeast of the lake. Notes: Whitehawk is a fishbowl of sorts, with very little structure above or beneath the water. Fish the visible contour breaks around the entirety of the lake for active fish. Lots of smaller largemouth are present, but Whitehawk also has a big fish or two in its waters. A perfect bank lake for the kids, a float tube angler, or two buddies wanting to carry a john boat 200 yards to the water's edge. Zorinsky Lake 255 acres- 156 th and F streets in west Omaha. Bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish and walleye. Features concrete boat ramp and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Special Restrictions- Boats restricted to 5 mph (no wake). Notes: Zorinsky is on its way back after a zebra mussel outbreak closed its gates from fall of 2010 to its official re-opening on April 28, 2012. For the next several years, Zorinsky should have a life similar to other rehabilitated lakes – large numbers of small fish early transitioning to an overall excellent fishery, with the chance to catch all species and sizes within a few years. River Access This guide would be incomplete if it didn't mention river access for those looking to wet a line in moving water. Below are the put-in locales for Omaha's rivers, including those fish species most commonly caught and any special regulations at each. Graske Crossing Southeast corner of Elkhorn River and West Dodge Road (Skyline Drive exit), accessing Elkhorn River. Common species caught: buffalo, bullhead, channel catfish, common carp, flathead catfish and shovelnose sturgeon. Features canoe launch area. Open April 1 to November 1, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. NP Dodge Park 11000 North River Road, accessing Missouri River. Common species caught: buffalo, channel catfish, common carp, crappie and flathead catfish. Features concrete boat ramp available for Missouri River access. Open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Waterloo River Access Southeast corner of Elkhorn River and West Maple Road, accessing Elkhorn River. Common species caught: buffalo, bullhead, channel catfish, flathead catfish and shovelnose sturgeon. Features canoe launch area. Allysa Beyersdorf shows off a largemouth bass caught from Wehrspann Lake as dad Gary looks on. W ● 19 W ● 20 Z 255 ● 21 G ● 22 N ● 23 W S h ● 24

• Cover