Nebraska Game and Parks updates fishing, hunting regulations

By Julie Thayer
High Plains News North
Nebraska anglers and hunters will see several changes this fall following action by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which approved new sportfishing and wildlife regulations during its Oct. 10 meeting at Niobrara State Park.
The updates adjust bag limits, clarify rules and affect several areas popular among Chase County residents — including Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, one of southwest Nebraska’s most visited fishing and camping destinations.
Fishing order changes
The commission clarified that anglers at the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area may keep only one trout 16 inches or longer within the two-fish daily limit.
Marlin Petermann Recreation Area in Douglas County was added to the list of waters with a two-fish daily bag limit and a 12-inch maximum on smallmouth bass, as well as a five-fish daily limit on yellow perch.
New lakes — including Wolbach City Lake and Forest City and Mad Bear recreation areas — were added to the list of waters with a one-fish daily limit and a 21-inch minimum on black bass.
Other changes include rescinding previous exceptions for muskellunge at Pelican Lake and confirming paddlefish archery hours as sunrise to sunset.
Broader sportfishing updates simplify regulations, redefine key terms and add renovated waters to the list where live baitfish possession is not allowed.
Wildlife and area regulations
Wildlife amendments include:
• Changing the cutoff date for youth deer permit eligibility to age 15.
• Allowing breech-loading muzzleloaders during muzzleloader season.
• Clarifying rules for nuisance bird permits.
• Combining check-in requirements for bobcat, gray fox and river otter.
• Adding “carriages” to the list of vehicles restricted on wildlife management areas.
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area is among those with area-specific regulation updates, reinforcing the state’s focus on balancing recreation and wildlife conservation.
Additional commission actions
Commissioners also approved:
• Fee increases for park lodging and facility rentals.
• A lease for 90 acres in Sioux County to support Nebraska’s bighorn sheep restoration efforts.
• The 2026-2028 Education Strategy: Connecting Through Experience plan.
• The 2026-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, maintaining federal funding eligibility through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The commission’s 2026 meeting schedule includes a June 11-12 session in North Platte — the closest for southwest Nebraska residents.
Hunter Education awards
Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Kyle Gaston recognized instructors for their dedication:
• Master Instructor of the Year: Justin Grusing of Firth.
• Estella Wolfe Instructor of the Year: Theresa Pronske of Uehling.
• Dick Turpin Instructor of the Year: Kenneth Gill of Bloomfield.
• Master Hunter Education Instructors: Brenda Fulk of Mitchell, Ephraim “Josh” Gillming of Bushnell and Gary Bales of Staplehurst.
For complete regulation details, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov