OutdoorNebraska.gov | 23
POLLUTION
Keep the water safe and clean for future fishing. Report dumping or
pollution activities to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy,
and Environment (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 402-471-
2186, the 24-hour Nebraska State Patrol pollution complaint number
at 402-479-4921, or the Environmental Protection Agency 24 hours a
day at 913-281-0991.
LAKE MAP AND WATER LEVEL RESOURCES
Lake contour maps are available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-
maps/contour-maps/. For lake levels and stream flows, visit:
• CNPPID: cnppid.com/lake-river-data/
• NPPD: nppd.com/about-us/power-plants-facilities/hydroelectric/
water-data/
• U.S. Geological Survey: waterwatch.usgs.gov/
• Bureau of Reclamation: usbr.gov/gp/lakes_reservoirs/nebraska_
lakes.html
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: rivergages.mvr.usace.army.mil
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
For information on the fish consumption advisory program and the
status of water bodies across the state, visit dee.ne.gov/ and search
for Fish Consumption Advisories.
TOURNAMENTS, CONTESTS AND DERBIES
Posted Dates and Registration – All fishing tournaments, derbies
or contests that require an entry fee, on publicly owned, controlled
or managed waters, must be registered with Game and Parks'
Fisheries Division at least 45 days before the event. In addition,
it is strongly suggested that all fishing tournaments, including
those that do not charge an entry fee, register in order to avoid
user conflicts. Find tournament dates or download a registration
form at OutdoorNebraska.gov/fish/attend-a-fishing-event/fishing-
tournaments/.
Special Occasion Permit – If the tournament is to be held
at a state park or state recreation area, also contact the park
superintendent to complete a Special Occasion Permit.
Denial – An event may be denied if the date and location conflict
with a previously approved event. Denial also may be based on
safety concerns due to low water or anticipated heavy use that could
result in boat ramp congestion or if tournament organization does not
follow all tournament registration and invasive species rules.
Special Conditions – Game and Parks may impose special
conditions for a fishing tournament, derby or contest if
deemed necessary to protect the resource or to assure public
safety. Special conditions may include aerated livewells,
release of live fish, designated release areas, on-the-water
measurements, and immediate release of fish with no on-
shore weigh-in ceremony. Tournament directors will be
provided instructions on how to operate their tournament
to reduce mortality in no harvest/weigh-in tournaments. All
watercraft are required to adhere to the Clean, Drain and Dry
protocol before launching to ensure that no aquatic invasive species
are being transported from another body of water.
Certificate – A Fishing Tournament Approval Certificate must be
present at the tournament site.
Results – A results form will be sent to the tournament director. It
must be completed and returned to the Fisheries Division within 30
days after the completion of the fishing tournament. Failure to return
the completed form or provide the requested information will result in
denial of future fishing-tournament requests for at least one year.
Tagged Fish – The use of tagged or otherwise marked fish is
prohibited in any fishing tournament, derby or contest held on waters
owned or controlled and stocked by Game and Parks during the
preceding 24 months, excluding private lakes not owned by the state
or other governmental entity.
Stay safe on the ice
Stay safe on the ice during the winter while enjoying a day
of ice-fishing. Follow these tips from the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission for safety on the ice:
• The minimum ice thickness for supporting one person is at
least 4 inches of clear, solid ice.
• Drill holes or use an ice chisel or spud bar to check the ice
conditions while working your way out to your fishing spot.
• Wear a life jacket.
• Avoid falls by wearing ice cleats on your boots to maintain
traction.
• Layer your clothing, beginning with a synthetic layer. Wool
garments provide excellent insulation and maintain warmth
even when damp. Outer layers may include sweatshirts
and jackets covered by heavy parkas, bibs or coveralls.
Carry at least a couple pairs of gloves or mittens.
• Commercial or homemade ice picks should be worn around
your neck in case you fall through and need something to
grip the ice and pull yourself out.
• Have some extra dry clothes in your vehicle.
• Fish with others in case trouble arises.
• Have a long rope with you so someone can rescue you if
you break through the ice.
• Before heading out, tell a family member or friend where
you will be fishing.
