Where to Fish
Nebraska’s landscape is dotted with lakes, rivers and streams, providing plentiful and diverse fishing opportunities for experienced anglers, beginners and everyone in between.
Public waters
There are many great fishing spots that are open to the public across the state of Nebraska. Use this interactive map to find locations and plan your next outing. Information on water body size, fish species, regulations and more is also available for each map location.
Lake contour maps
The underwater landscape of lakes are mapped for a lot of reasons — for anglers interested in structure attractive to their favorite species, for hunters looking for areas attractive to waterfowl, for water managers needing to know how much water is being stored, and for biologists looking to improve aquatic conditions for the creatures that lurk beneath the waves as well as those who seek them by boat or land.
Open Fields and Waters Program
The Open Fields and Waters program doesn’t just benefit hunters. It also provides opportunities for anglers in Nebraska. This program provides financial incentives for allowing public access and has opened 549 acres of waters and 45 miles of river to public fishing in Nebraska.
Our recommendations
Want to take the easy route? Read our best-of lists to help you plan your next fishing outing, alone or with family or friends.
Top places to fish
Year after year, some lakes put out the biggest, funnest fish to catch. Discover the water bodies across Nebraska that have consistently proven to be the best fishing spots.
Family-friendly lakes
These locations have a combination of barrier-free fishing access, groomed park areas, concessions, playgrounds, picnic shelters and great fish-catching potential.
Convenient places to fish
Check out our recommendations for convenient, family-friendly, accessible places to fish near some of Nebraska’s largest communities and fishing spots along I-80.
Accessible fishing spots
Whether you want to catch trout, bass, bluegill, northern pike or catfish, a lake near you with fishing accommodations will likely include one or several of these fish species. Americans with Disabilities Act-approved fishing piers, trails, boat launch facilities and parking accommodations are included where appropriate in all recent and new aquatic habitat, angler access and sportfish restoration projects. Other lakes may have older handicap accommodations.
Contact your local Game and Parks office or see the current fishing guide to inquire about these opportunities.
Area Guides
A wide breadth of fishing opportunities exist across Nebraska. From bluegill in Omaha’s urban lakes to brook trout in the Pine Ridge streams of the panhandle, Nebraska has what you’re fishing for. Reference the following guides for fishing opportunities east to west.
Fishing Permits
Purchase stamps, resident and non-resident fishing permits here.