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Fisheries management

Several fisheries management programs help Nebraska Game and Parks in the stewardship of the state's wild fish population.

Aerial photo of a lake.

Aquatic Habitat Program

The Aquatic Habitat Program works to improve conditions for aquatic life through better management or rehabilitation of existing resources. Since its inception in 1997, the program has generated more than $90 million for improvements to 137 water bodies in Nebraska.

A rainbow trout being released into the water.

Fish Stocking Program

Each year millions of fish are stocked in Nebraska waters from one end of the state to the other. Dozens of species are stocked in hundreds of waters. Fish are stocked to supplement populations that have high angler harvest, limited natural survival or low natural reproduction capacities. 

A fisheries biologist moves rainbow fish from a rearing tank to a stocking truck at a Nebraska fish hatchery.

Our hatcheries


Each of Nebraska’s five fish hatcheries has unique resources. Cooperatively, they produce many species including cold-water trout; cool-water northern pike, muskellunge and walleye; and warm-water largemouth bass, bluegill, white bass and catfish. Nebraska’s fish production efforts are supported through trade agreements with other state and federal agencies.

Cool water stream management

The Cool Water Stream Management Plan identifies goals and objectives designed to protect and maintain Nebraska’s cool water streams and provide angling opportunities,

Annual Public Fisheries Meetings

Each spring, Nebraska Game and Parks fisheries biologists host virtual public informational meetings – one for each Game and Parks Fisheries district – which provide local updates on the fishing outlook and special projects in respective areas. The informal, interactive gatherings provide a chance for questions, dialogue and feedback. All sessions are recorded and made available on Game and Parks’ YouTube channel for later viewing.

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Fisheries Programs

Fisheries Programs

Many programs have been implemented to enhance angling opportunities and experiences in Nebraska.

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Fish Sampling Reports

Fish Sampling Reports

Fish sampling reports help anglers decide where they should fish.

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Wildlife management

Wildlife management

Several programs, research tools and data help inform our wildlife management decisions.

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Land Management

Land Management

Find resources for landowners, towns or cities aimed at supporting wildlife and recreation.

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Conservation Efforts

Conservation Efforts

Maintaining the diversity and abundance of Nebraska’s plants, fish, wildlife and their habitats.

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Rivers & Streams

Rivers & Streams

Rivers and streams are crucial to Nebraska, its residents and its wildlife.

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Law enforcement efforts

Our conservation officers also play a role in helping support fisheries management in Nebraska through enforcement of our state’s fish and wildlife regulations.

A conservation officer makes a phone call

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact is an agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in the 46 states that are members of the compact. This means that anyone whose license privileges or rights are suspended in any member state may also be suspended in all other member states.

Close-up of a Conservation Officer writing a ticket for a fishing violation.

Wildlife Crime Stoppers

Similar to the well-known Crime Stoppers program, the Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers program offers rewards for information resulting in arrests for fish and wildlife game law violations. The Game and Parks Commission provides an anonymous online form, a toll-free hotline, investigative operations and public information.

Fishing permits

Purchase stamps, resident and non-resident fishing permits here.

Fishing Guides and Reports

Explore our guides and reports from our fishing regulations and fish sampling reports.