Be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2024

Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s changes to 2024 fishing rules are:

Archery Paddlefish – Archery paddlefish permit holders may harvest paddlefish in the spillway below Gavins Point Dam. The north wall and discharge canal remain closed to archery paddlefish fishing.

Archery Fishing – Only the north wall of the spillway and immediately below the Gavins Point Dam powerhouse downstream to a line extending from the east end of the south cement wall of the discharge canal northwest to the east end of the north wall of the discharge canal will be closed to archery fishing during archery paddlefish season.

Channel Catfish – The statewide bag and length restriction on channel catfish is changed to one fish greater than 30 inches in length.

Yellow Perch – The daily bag limit for yellow perch shall include only five fish 10 inches or longer, of which only one fish may be 12 inches or longer, at Home Valley Lake (Cherry County), Rat and Beaver Wildlife Management Area (Cherry County), Blue Lake (Garden County), Island Lake (Garden County), Smith Lake, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Garden County), Frye Lake WMA (Grant County), and Smith Lake WMA (Sheridan County).

Bluegill – The daily bag limit for bluegill shall include only one fish nine inches or longer at Duck Lake (Cherry County), Pelican Lake (Cherry Lake), Blue Lake (Garden County), Island Lake (Garden County), Smith Lake, FWS (Garden County), Frye Lake WMA (Grant County), and Smith Lake WMA (Sheridan County).

More fishing information can be found in the 2024 Fishing Guide, which will be available in January at OutdoorNebraska.gov and where 2024 fishing permits are sold.