Located in the Great Plains, Nebraska features a diverse landscape from the sandhills, Pine Ridge and river bottoms. This diversity helps to form the lakes, ponds, streams and rivers that provide fishing opportunities. In certain areas of the state, outdoor enthusiasts can participate in bow fishing for game fish. As the bow fishers head to the waters, they are subject to the fishing regulations set by the Nebraska Game and Parks.
Locations
Most of the lakes and rivers found across Nebraska are open to bow fishing. The most popular locations include the Missouri, Niobrara and Republican rivers, Johnson Lake, Merritt Reservoir, Calamus Reservoir and Lewis and Clark Lake. Other popular locations include the lakes and state recreation areas around the cities of Omaha and Lincoln. Some waters, however, are closed year-round to bow fishing such as the Fremont Lakes, Windmill State Recreation Area, Platte River and trout streams.
Species
Bow fishing in Nebraska typically involves pursuing gar, carp or paddlefish. Bighead carp and grass carp are found in most Nebraska rivers along with channel catfish, flathead catfish and blue catfish. Any legal game fish is subject to the regular daily bag limits and possession limits enforced for anglers. The limits are subject to change annually or among individual lakes. Channel catfish, for example, have statewide limits of 10 fish per day and 20 in possession. Consult the current Nebraska fishing guide for detailed regulations for the different species.
Permits and Seasons
A valid fishing permit is required to bow fish in Nebraska. Permits can be purchased on the Nebraska Game and Parks website, at a license vendor or commission office. After purchasing a permit, game fish may be pursued with a bow and arrow statewide from July 1 to December 31 from sunrise to sunset as of 2010. Non-game fish can be pursued statewide from sunrise to sunset from September 1 to March 31 and 24 hours a day from April 1 through August 31.
Equipment
The Nebraska Game and Parks enforces regulations on equipment for bow fishing. Artificial lights and spotlights are allowed as bow fishing commonly takes place in the middle of the night. Arrows may only have one point, must be barbed and must be attached to the line which is attached to the bow. Nets that extend longer than 60 inches are not allowed in the boat while bow fishing.
Tournaments
Bow fishing tournaments are held throughout Nebraska. Organizations such as the Bowfishers Of Nebraska organize bow fishing tournaments in an effort to promote the sport of bow fishing and to educate outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of bow fishing. Most tournaments are designed to eliminate non-game fish or invasive species.
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