OutdoorNebraska

Management 20 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report Hatchery upgrades strengthen fisheries statewide Substantial improvements were made to Nebraska's fish hatcheries in 2025, enhancing water conservation, fish rearing, and the state's ability to meet fish stocking goals. At Valentine State Fish Hatchery, construction began on a new hatchery building to modernize the state's oldest production facility, in operation since 1912. The hatchery produces a range of warmwater fish — including largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and yellow perch, as well as species such as tiger muskie and northern pike. Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery improved a pond with deepening and an upgraded wall construction to manage spring water, keeping the pond water cooler and oxygen levels high to help fish thrive. At the North Platte State Fish Hatchery, new pond liners reduced water use and improved pond management, supporting production of coolwater and warmwater species, such as walleye, saugeye, blue catfish and channel catfish. Together, these upgrades strengthen Nebraska's fisheries and support recreational opportunities. Improving boat access across Nebraska Nebraska Game and Parks staff continued improving boating access at public lakes in 2025, completing 10 projects that updated boat ramps, replaced docks, added accessible kayak launches and more. Projects were completed at Bluestem, Lewis and Clark (South Shore), East Midway, Gallagher Canyon and Merritt Reservoir state recreations areas; Avocet, Frye and Plum Creek wildlife management areas; and Sergeant Mad Bear and Forest City recreation areas. Construction is underway on three additional projects at Marlin Petermann Recreation Area, Verdel WMA, and Phillips Canyon SRA, and design is progressing on four more at Indian Cave State Park, Frenchman WMA, Swanson SRA-Trail 3, and Dam Site 12 near Omaha. These efforts demonstrate Game and Parks' commitment to keeping Nebraska's waters accessible and enjoyable for anglers, paddlers and boaters while supporting healthy, well-managed aquatic ecosystems. Game and Parks prioritizes working with landowners on depredation issues related to wildlife. JUSTIN HAAG Game and Parks responsive to landowners' depredation needs In 2025, Nebraska Game and Parks staff spent 10,100 hours providing solutions to 229 landowners who were dealing with wildlife damage or nuisance issues. These included 60 deer, 33 elk, four pronghorn, 23 turkey, 44 beaver, 16 geese, 33 other species (including predators), and 16 related to public safety. The agency also completed its five-year landowner depredation surveys for deer, elk, pronghorn and, for the first time, mountain lions. About 8,500 surveys were sent to assess landowners' views on population size, damage severity, acceptance of damage, and incentives for allowing hunter access. Landowners reported declines in population concerns and damage severity for deer, elk and pronghorn. Whitetail and mule deer responses dropped 14% for those who felt there were "too many" deer and rose 15% for "too few," while responses on elk damage shifted toward lighter impacts, with severe and moderate cases down 7%. Familiarity with depredation response options rose 14%, and the mountain lion survey established a baseline for future management.

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