By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 16. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit for the day.
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park.
Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect.
Several family-friendly activities are scheduled in state park areas across the state to celebrate Free Fishing and Park Entry Day. Some of them include:
Schramm Park State Recreation Area
Come to the Schramm Treehouse Classroom for a kite-making workshop. Learn about the history of kites, draw some inspiration from Nebraska birds, then build your own kite to take home. Space is limited.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Learn all about irises at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. The Sass Memorial Iris Garden on the park’s grounds displays and preserves more than 300 iris cultivars.
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park
Fort Hartsuff continues its 150th Anniversary with a commemoration of the 1876 Battle of the Blowout and honors for a fallen soldier. Come to the park on May 16 and 17 for reenactments, presentations and living history.
Ponca State Park
The annual Bill Morris Fishing Derby will award prizes for the longest bluegill, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Bait can be purchased and loaner fishing poles are available. Later, meet the first responders that serve your local community.
Platte River State Park
Learn about fishing at the Platte River State Park Nature Center. Explore fishing-themed activities to expand your knowledge about Nebraska fish, fishing regulations and skills that will help you reel in a great catch.
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Learn fishing basics – and explore new ways to fish – at the Go Fishing Fest. Participants, with the help of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and volunteer instructors, can learn fishing, as well as fly-fishing, bowfishing and kayak fishing.
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
Come join in at the Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby for fun, food and fishing. Local radio stations, volunteers and civic groups will be on hand to provide food, prizes, as well as loaner fishing tackle, bait and instruction.
Visit Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information on events.