Your Best Spring Fishing in Nebraska

Spring fishing in Nebraska can't happen soon enough! Here are the top places to hit and the species you want to target.

March

Last ice produces hot action perch on Sand Hills lakes, like Blue Lake. March can be fickle, so come prepared to fish on the ice or open water. The NEG&FP acquired an easement to Blue Lake a few years ago, but word has quickly spread about the giant perch. Jumbos in the 11- to 14-inch range are common. The big yellow bellies can be caught on minnows, wax worms, and plastics hung from flashy jigging spoons and teardrops. Activity is concentrated near the public access, so if fishing slows head south where there is less traffic and deeper water.

April

Walleyes stack up along the riprap along Kingsley Dam in preparation for spawning in April on Lake McConaughy. Anglers cast stick baits from the rocks while boats troll in a single file parade along the structure. You can see the glowing 'eyes of the walleyes as they frolic in the rocks. Key is to have your lures bumping the rocks. Walleyes strike out of reflex more than hunger at this time of year. A slow retrieve or troll seems to trigger strikes from walleye, which often is nothing more than a subtle "tick."

May

Nebraska's Box Butte Reservoir is loaded with pike. Most are smaller hammer handles, but every once in a while the reservoir spits out a giant. The slot limits there have helped improve the overall size of pike in the reservoir. If targeting the real gators, use oversized suckers under a bobber. If you're just looking for action, spoons and crank baits will produce smaller northerns as waters warm in May. A sunny winter afternoon can be a great time to take the family out, throw out some floats and have a spring picnic.

Don't forget to share your best fishing photos with us on Camera Corner for your chance to win free gear!

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