Fishing Regulations in Nebraska
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Nebraska fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Nebraska requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual permits are available, as well as 1-day and 3-day options. A habitat stamp is also required and is included with most license purchases.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | Regulations vary by water body. Always check current Nebraska Game and Parks regulations. |
| walleye | 4 per day | 15 inches minimum (varies by water body) | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | 5 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| flathead-catfish | 2 per day | 18 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 15 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| northern-pike | 3 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Notes: Regulations vary by water body. Always check current Nebraska Game and Parks regulations.
Bag Limit: 4 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum (varies by water body)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 18 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 15 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake McConaughy
reservoirSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, crappie, channel-catfish, white-bass, rainbow-trout
Merritt Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: walleye, musky, largemouth-bass, crappie, channel-catfish
Lewis and Clark Lake
reservoirSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, crappie, channel-catfish, northern-pike
Calamus Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, northern-pike
Branched Oak Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, walleye
Platte River
riverSpecies: channel-catfish, flathead-catfish, carp, largemouth-bass
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 10 lbs 11 oz | 1965 | Sandpit Lake |
| walleye | 16 lbs 2 oz | 1971 | Lake McConaughy |
| channel-catfish | 41 lbs 8 oz | 2002 | Lake Maloney |
| flathead-catfish | 83 lbs | 2003 | Missouri River |
| northern-pike | 36 lbs 6 oz | 1996 | Merritt Reservoir |
| crappie | 4 lbs 8 oz | 2004 | Private Pond |
| white-bass | 5 lbs | 1998 | Lake McConaughy |
| rainbow-trout | 12 lbs 14 oz | 1998 | Lake McConaughy |