The Nebraska Game and Parks commission offers a variety of aquatic education opportunities from programs in elementary school classrooms to public events and workshops for the entire family. Browse some of our programs below and learn more about Nebraska’s aquatic habitat and fish species.

NEBRASKA STATE FISH-ART CONTEST

Young artists in grades K-12 are eligible to compete in this free art competition. Winners will be selected by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, state winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top honors such as the Best of Show. The Art of Conservation® sparks creativity and inspires wonder about the outdoors, developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists. State-Fish Art also serves as a one-of-a-kind Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) program to grow youth participation in fishing. The deadline to enter is March, 31st, so start creating today!
Rules and Guidelines
Official State Fish List
Nebraska Entry Form

Trout in the Classroom

Trout in the Classroom is a curriculum program that provides students the opportunity to learn about aquatic resources within a framework of hatching and raising rainbow trout. Participating classrooms are provided a cold-water aquarium system and rainbow trout eggs. Students monitor growth as their trout hatch and develop, and they take ownership of caring for the trout by feeding, testing water quality and cleaning the aquarium.
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Fishing in Nebraska Schools (FINS)

Fishing in Schools, or FiNS, is a curriculum program that teaches basic fishing skills and an appreciation for the sport of angling. Designed for grades 4-12, FiNS provides schools with teacher training, equipment, materials and activities. The primary FiNS activities are well suited for physical education programs. Additional activities integrate with all disciplines, making it simple to expand the program beyond the gym and into the classroom.
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Certified fishing instructor network

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has trained volunteer Fishing Instructors for more than 30 years. Certification workshops guide instructors to work with youth, families and communities to provide quality fishing opportunities. Certified Fishing Instructors have access to fishing equipment and educational materials, funded through Sportfish Restoration dollars, and are prepared to teach basic fishing skills.
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Going Fishing Guide

A basic fishing guide compiled by staff biologists that covers everything you need to know to get started in the rewarding sport of angling. Topics covered include fishing equipment and tackle, casting and knot tying techniques, tips for targeting species you can catch from shore, fish identification and fishing regulations. Whether you’re curious about how to tell the difference between a bluegill and a green sunfish, or you’re looking for a refresher on how to fish a Texas rig – this guide has the answers.
View Going Fishing Guide

Fishing events

Nebraska Game and Parks hosts a variety of programs aimed at recruiting new participants to the sport of fishing. Among other events, these include youth fishing tournaments and Family Fishing events, in which rods, reels and expert instruction are all available to young and new anglers at no cost.
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Schramm Education Center

The expanded and fully renovated Schramm Education Center is open! The state-of-the-art Schramm Education Center, formerly known as the Aksarben Aquarium, allows visitors to learn about Nebraska’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through unique, interactive exhibits. Additionally, visitors can access the ponds, nature trails and historic fish hatchery at Schramm Park, located directly east of the facility.
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