By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
It’s fishing season and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has a lineup of Community Fishing Events scheduled across the state for family fun beginning in May.
Community Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity. Rods and reels, as well as bait and fishing instruction, will be available for free.
Look for the Community Fishing Events Trailer at each site. Appropriate fishing and park permits are required. All fishing regulations apply.
The Discover Fly-Fishing program is back in 2026. These events, held in conjunction with Community Fishing Events, are free and open to anyone interested in a basic introduction to fly-fishing. Learn about the equipment and how to use it, then watch a fly-tying demonstration. Loaner fly rods will be available.
In addition to fishing fun, participants at select locations will have the opportunity to learn about fisheries management, ask questions about regulations or discuss other related topics. Game and Parks is introducing a Chat with a Biologist feature in which a fisheries biologist will be on hand near the trailer to visit with anglers. Chat with a Biologist locations are noted in the schedule.
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 park entry permit for the day. That special day is held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend.
The schedule of Community Fishing Events, which are from 6-8 p.m. unless otherwise noted, follows. Additional and special events are noted. All events are listed at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Cancellations due to weather will be posted there.
May 16 – Kearney, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Lake No. 6, Going Fishing Fest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Chat with a Biologist
May 23 – North Platte, I-80 Lake, Community Fishing Event
May 26 – Lincoln, Holmes Lake, Community Fishing Event, Discover Fly-Fishing
May 28 – Omaha, Fontenelle Park Pond, Community Fishing Event, Discover Fly-Fishing
June 3 – Papillion, Lake Halleck, Community Fishing Event
June 4 – Grand Island, Mormon Island SRA No. 1, Community Fishing Event, Chat with a Biologist
June 6 – Loup City, Bowman Park, Polish Days Family Fishing, 1-3 p.m.
June 6 – Kearney, Yanney Lake, Heritage Day Family Fishing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 7 – Scottsbluff, Terry’s Pit, Community Fishing Event, 4-7 p.m.
June 9 – Omaha, Towl Park Pond, Community Fishing Event
June 10 – Lincoln, Holmes Lake, Community Fishing Event
June 16 – Lincoln, Bowling Lake, Community Fishing Event
June 17 – Norfolk, Skyview Lake, Community Fishing Event, Chat with a Biologist
June 18 – Bellevue, Kramer Park Lake, Community Fishing Event, Discover Fly-Fishing
June 20 – Lincoln, Branched Oak SRA, White Perch Tournament, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 21 – Ravenna, Ravenna Lake, Annevar Days Family Fishing, 2-4 p.m.
June 23 – Lincoln, Holmes Lake, Community Fishing Event, Chat with a Biologist
June 24 – Omaha, Fontenelle Park Pond, Community Fishing Event
July 7 – Papillion, Lake Halleck, Community Fishing Event
July 8 – Lincoln, Bowling Lake, Community Fishing Event, Discover Fly-Fishing
July 9 – Norfolk, Skyview Lake, Community Fishing Event, Chat with a Biologist
July 10 – Broken Bow, Melham Lake, Community Fishing Event
July 15 – Papillion, Prairie Queen Lake, Community Fishing Event, Chat with a Biologist
July 17 – Holdrege, North Park Lake, Community Fishing Event
July 21 – Bellevue, Kramer Park Lake, Community Fishing Event, Discover Bow Fishing
July 23 – Gibbon, Windmill SRA No. 2, Community Fishing Event
July 23 – Schuyler, City Lake, Community Fishing Event
July 25 – North Platte, Lake Maloney east boat ramp, Carp-O-Rama, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Chat with a Biologist
July 28 – Papillion, Lake Halleck, Community Fishing Event
July 29 – Lincoln, Holmes Lake, Community Fishing Event
July 30 – Grand Island, Mormon Island SRA No. 1, Community Fishing Event, Discover Fly-Fishing
Aug. 4 – Lincoln, Bowling Lake, Community Fishing Event
Aug. 5 – Omaha, Benson Park Pond, Community Fishing Event
Aug. 7 – Kearney, Fort Kearny SRA Lake No. 6, Community Fishing Event
Aug. 8 – North Platte, I-80 Lake, Community Fishing Event, Chat with a Biologist
Aug. 9 – Alliance, Laing Lake, Community Fishing Event, 5-8 p.m., Chat with a Biologist
Aug. 11 – Lincoln, Holmes Lake, Community Fishing Event
Oct. 17 – Omaha, Fontenelle Park Pond, Fontenelle Family Fishing Frenzy, 10 a.m.-noon