Fishing enthusiasts across Nebraska eagerly await the arrival of fishing season, eagerly anticipating the tranquility of a day spent casting lines into the state’s beautiful lakes and rivers. However, before you embark on your fishing adventure, it’s crucial to understand the regulations and requirements regarding fishing permits in the state.

Who Needs a Fishing Permit?

In Nebraska, anyone aged 16 and above, whether they’re residents or nonresidents, must possess a valid fishing permit to legally engage in fishing activities. This rule applies regardless of whether you’re fishing from the shore, a boat, or through the ice. However, there are exceptions. Nonresidents under the age of 16 are exempt from needing a permit if accompanied by someone possessing a valid Nebraska fishing permit. It’s important to note that possessing a fishing permit is mandatory not just for fishing but also for attempting to take fish, bullfrogs, snapping turtles, barred salamanders, or mussels, using any legal method. Furthermore, anglers must carry their fishing permits with them while actively fishing.

Resident Permits:

To qualify as a Nebraska resident and purchase a fishing permit, several criteria must be met. Firstly, individuals must have resided continuously in Nebraska for at least 30 days before applying for the permit and intend to become Nebraska residents. Exceptions include residents in school in another state or those stationed outside Nebraska as part of a military assignment who have maintained Nebraska as their state of legal residency. Active-duty military personnel and full-time students stationed or attending school in Nebraska for a minimum of 30 days are also eligible. New residents should be prepared to provide documentation of residency, such as a driver’s license or voter registration, when in possession of a permit.

Nonresident Permits:

Nonresidents are required to obtain a fishing permit unless they fall under the exceptions mentioned earlier or are under 16 years of age and accompanied by someone with a Nebraska fishing permit.

Other Permit Types:

Nebraska offers various permit types to cater to specific needs and circumstances. These include fee-exempt permits for disabled individuals, veteran and senior permits, special fishing permits for physically or developmentally disabled residents, educational fishing project permits for instructors, paddlefish permits, and salvage permits for fish salvage from selected irrigation canals.

Permit Revocation:

It’s crucial for anglers to abide by Nebraska’s fishing regulations and laws. Violations may result in the revocation of hunting and fishing privileges, either for specific offenses or repeated violations.

Permit Requirements on Border Waters:

Anglers holding a fishing license from Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, or Missouri can fish the Missouri River within their licensed state and the Missouri River waters of the state immediately across the river.

When Fishing Permit is Not Required:

Certain exemptions exist for owners or guests fishing on private water bodies meeting specific criteria, such as being entirely located on private land, privately stocked, not connected to other waters, and not operated for profit.

Understanding and complying with Nebraska’s fishing permit requirements ensures an enjoyable and legally sound fishing experience for all anglers. So, before you cast your line, make sure you have the necessary permits in hand and familiarize yourself with the state’s fishing regulations. Happy fishing!