Public Fish Salvage for Standing Bear Lake Nebraska
Eugene L. 11.01.22
The Nebraska Game and Parks have announced that Standing Bear Lake will be drawn down this winter to make way for boat ramp repairs, access and habitat improvements, and fisheries renovation at the Omaha water body. Because of the lake draw down public fish salvage will be allowed. Starting from Oct. 29, 2022, to March 31, 2023, anglers may salvage fish from the lake for human consumption by legal methods. Length limits will be not in place for this lake during this period, but daily bag limits will remain in effect.
Anglers can find information on bag limits in the Fishing Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides.
In previous cases, fish salvage efforts were conducted by Nebraska Game and Parks, but due to concerns about the spread of aquatic invasive species, this is not the case. So to extend upon the concern of aquatic invasive species spread, these salvage fish are to only be eaten. The salvaged fish cannot be sold or used for stock in any other public or private water bodies by members of the public. The salvage effort is to allow anglers to access this resource before it is gone once the lake is completely drawn down.
In the spring after the March 31st deadline for salvaging fish has passed, the Standing Bear Lake Fishery will be treated with rotenone to address the presence of undesirable fish in the lake, such as common carp and yellow bass. This will help reduce the chance of reintroduction of those aquatic invasive species reappearing once Standing Bear Lake comes back to full pool.
To participate in fish salvaging at Standing Bear Lake, anglers must have appropriate fishing licenses. You can purchase one at OutdoorNebraska.gov. Funding for this project is being provided by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Aquatic Habitat and Angler Access Fund.
