Outdoors notes: 2026 fishing forecast, guide now available

Explore Nebraska Game and Parks’ 2026 Fishing Forecast and 2026 Fishing Guide to help plan your next fishing trip — no matter the season.

These two resources are available to download at OutdoorNebraska.gov or print copies can be found at retailers where fishing permits are sold.

Increase your odds of fishing success by reviewing Nebraska fishing regulations and researching locations in our 2026 Fishing Guide or seeking the best water bodies for top-size sportfish numbers and sizes in our 2026 Fishing Forecast.

The now-larger Fishing Guide is a summary of regulations and orders and includes a section detailing the state’s public fishing areas. This year the guide is nearly 8½ inches by 11 inches in size and features increased readability with larger type. The Fishing Forecast provides a look at where some of the best fishing, and maybe some of the biggest fish, may be found in Nebraska based on 2025 lake sampling.

Find additional planning tools, such as the fish stocking database, lake contour maps, and other fishing publications — or buy your annual fishing permit — at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “Fishing guides and reports.”

Light Goose Conservation Order starts Feb. 10

The Light Goose Conservation Order begins Feb. 10, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The dates are: East Zone, Feb. 10-April 15; Rainwater Basin Zone, Feb. 10-April 5 and West Zone, Feb. 10-April 5.

White and blue-phase snow geese and Ross' geese may be taken statewide during the conservation order, but different regulations apply in each zone. Read the 2025-2026 Nebraska Small Game and Waterfowl Guide, which includes regulations for the conservation order and a map of the zones, at OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps.

There are no bag or possession limits during the conservation order, and hunters may shoot 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters may use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls during the conservation action.

Permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Become a certified Youth Fishing Instructor

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify Youth Fishing Instructors at five locations across the state this spring.

These instructors, who will become part of Game and Parks’ Youth Fishing Program, will receive training and tools to conduct youth fishing clinics. They will have access to Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events and receive program incentives. Instructors also are encouraged to volunteer for such Game and Parks programs as Family Fishing Nights and the outdoor expos.

The Youth Fishing Instructor certification schedule is:

March 15 – Schramm Education Center Classroom, Gretna, 2-5 p.m.

April 11 – Ponca State Park Visitors Center, Ponca, 5-8 p.m.

April 30 – Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering, 6-9 p.m.

May 5 – Fort Kearny State Historical Park Visitors Center, Kearney, 6-9 p.m.

May 10 – Turpin Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 2-5 p.m.

A park entry permit is required at Ponca, Wildcat Hills and Fort Kearny.

To reserve a spot in these free workshops, go to signupgenius.com/go/4090C4DAEAE2EA3FB6-61559512-2026.