OutdoorNebraska.org | 13
LENGTH LIMITS AND CLEANING OF FISH
Where length and bag limits apply, fish may not be filleted until fishing is completed for the day and anglers
are off the water. Fish subject to bag and possession limits but not length limits, may be processed before
transport if the fillets are kept in one piece until cooked, so the bag and possession limits can be determined.
Fish species subject to a length limit may not be possessed with more than the gills, viscera and scales
removed while on the water, wading or engaged in fishing. Any fish in possession while on the water will be
subject to length and bag limits that apply to that water body. Once off the water, the fish may be filleted for
transportation and storage.
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO ...
• borrow or use the permit of another or lend your permit to another
• leave dead fish or any part of one on the banks or in the water of any stream, lake or other body of water
• fish on any private land without landowner permission
• release into public waters of the state any fish that did not originate from that body of water, including
the dumping of bait buckets.
• seine sport fish of any size
• leave fish in a trap for more than 24 hours
• attempt to snag fish, except in designated areas (see page 26)
• use limb lines or set lines in any pond, lake or reservoir
• catch fish by hand
• buy or attempt to buy a permit while under license suspension or revocation in any state
• keep an externally foul-hooked fish, except those legally snagged
• leave a water body with lake or river water present in a boat or container
NONFISH SPECIES WITH SEASONS
Species Season Dates Bag/Possession
Limits
Method of Take Notes
Bullfrog Aug. 15 – Oct. 31 8/16 May be taken only
by hand, hand net
or hook-and-line.
Artificial light may be
used.
Must measure 4½
inches from snout to
vent or be released.
Only the entrails may
be removed before
transport.
Snapping turtle Year-round 5/10 May be taken only
by hand, hand net,
hook-and-line, bow-
and-arrow, gaff hook
or legal trap. (Traps
allowed only on
private waters.)
Mussel Year-round 10/20 May be taken only
by hand, hand net or
hook-and-line.
All rivers and streams
east of U.S. Hwy. 81
closed to harvest.
