Cornhusker Fly Fishers

🎣 Planning a trip to East Verdigre Creek?

If you're heading to the East Verdigre Creek below the Grove Trout Rearing Station over the next couple of weeks, you may notice some changes in the water.

Nebraska Game and Parks is conducting its annual maintenance on the water diversion at the trout rearing station. During this time, anglers may see periods of stained water and increased aquatic vegetation moving through the creek.

These conditions are temporary and are part of the routine maintenance that helps keep the trout rearing station operating efficiently and supports future trout fishing opportunities across Nebraska.

If Grove is on your fishing list, don't be surprised if conditions look a little different than usual over the next couple of weeks.

🌅 Take a minute to look around.

One of the best parts of fly fishing isn't always the fish.

It's watching a heron stalk the shoreline.
Seeing dragonflies dart across the water.
Hearing the wind in the cattails.
Catching the sunrise before anyone else is awake.

Sometimes the memories we bring home have nothing to do with what we caught.

What's something you've noticed on the water lately that made you stop and appreciate being outside?

This picture of the rainbow was taken at Pawnee Lake last week after a thunderstorm rolled through.

🛶 Help Protect Nebraska's Waters

One of the easiest ways we can help protect our lakes and rivers happens before we ever launch our boat, kayak, or float tube.

Aquatic invasive species—like zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and other unwanted hitchhikers—can spread from one body of water to another by catching a ride on our gear.

Before heading to your next fishing destination, remember to:

✅ Clean mud, plants, and debris from your boat, kayak, float tube, waders, boots, and gear.
💧 Drain all water from boats, livewells, and equipment.
☀️ Dry everything completely before visiting another lake or stream.

It only takes a few extra minutes, but those few minutes can help protect Nebraska's fisheries for years to come.

Conservation isn't just about what we do on the water—it's also about the steps we take before and after every trip.

What do you do to make sure you're not bringing unwanted hitchhikers to the next lake?

🎣 The fish are feeling this heat too.

These hot summer days aren't just hard on us—they're hard on the fish.

As water temperatures rise, oxygen levels drop, making it more difficult for trout to recover after they're caught and released.

If you're heading out, a few simple choices can make a big difference:

💧 Keep fish in the water as much as possible.
🎣 Land them quickly.
🖐️ Wet your hands before handling them.
📸 Keep photos short.

🌡️ If the water is getting too warm, consider giving trout a break and chasing bass, bluegill, or carp instead.

Conservation isn't always about big projects. Sometimes it's the small decisions we make every time we step into the water.

Do you carry a stream thermometer, or do you know when it's time to call it a day?

🎣 Ever wanted to learn how to fly fish?

Whether you've never picked up a fly rod or you're looking to improve your skills, our **Chadron Fly Fishing School** is the perfect place to start.

You'll learn:
✅ Fly casting fundamentals
✅ Essential knots and rigging
✅ Fly selection
✅ Reading the water
✅ Equipment basics
✅ And, of course... time on the water!

To help you get started before the class, we've also launched our brand-new **Learn to Fly Fish** page on the Cornhusker Fly Fishers website. It's packed with beginner-friendly information, helpful tips, answers to common questions, and resources to make your first day on the water even more enjoyable.

🌐 Start learning today:
https://cornhuskerflyfishers.com/learn-to-fly-fish

Whether you're joining us in Chadron or simply curious about fly fishing, we'd love to welcome you into the sport.

👇 Tag someone who's always wanted to learn to fly fish!

🎣🌾 A Century of Nebraska's Outdoor Heritage

For 100 years, Nebraskaland Magazine has helped tell the stories of Nebraska's wildlife, fisheries, public lands, conservation efforts, and outdoor traditions.

Many of us grew up flipping through its pages, dreaming about our next fishing trip, hunting adventure, or visit to a Nebraska state park.

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, The Durham Museum is hosting "Nebraskaland: Celebrating 100 Years Outdoors" now through October 18, 2026. The exhibit features historic magazine covers, stunning photography, and stories that helped shape Nebraska's outdoor legacy.

While not specifically fly fishing related, it celebrates the conservation, wildlife, public lands, and outdoor experiences that many of us cherish as anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're passionate about Nebraska's outdoors, this might be worth adding to your summer or fall plans.

Do you have a favorite Nebraskaland article, cover, or memory? Share it in the comments!

🏆🎣 BASS CHALLENGE 2026

The countdown is on!

This Saturday, Cornhusker Fly Fishers members will spread out across Nebraska in search of one thing—the longest bass of the day.

From farm ponds and reservoirs to rivers and neighborhood lakes, every angler will have a strategy, a favorite fly, and a spot they're convinced holds the winning fish.

The beauty of this contest is that the next cast could change everything.

☀️ Fish from sunrise to sunset.
📍 Any Nebraska water.
🏆 Longest bass wins.

Good luck to everyone competing. We can't wait to see the photos, hear the stories, and find out who claims this year's title.

👇 What's your prediction for the winning bass length?

🎣🏕️ Seven Days. Seven Lakes. One Adventure.

This Sunday, June 21st, Cornhusker Fly Fishers members will set out on our I-80 Lake Exploration—a week-long journey across Nebraska in search of new waters, new fish, and new memories.

From hidden gems to well-known fisheries, we'll be exploring a different destination each day while enjoying everything that makes fly fishing special: great scenery, good company, and the excitement of discovering what lies beyond the next cast.

Whether you're joining us for the entire trip or just a day along the route, we invite you to follow along as we explore some of Nebraska's incredible fishing opportunities.

Take a look through the slides to see this year's route and daily destinations.

🗺️ Which of these lakes have you fished before?

🌲🎣 Great News from Fort Robinson!

After weeks of uncertainty and concern, it's wonderful to see Fort Robinson State Park beginning to reopen.

Many of the park's popular attractions, including the lodge, cabins, restaurant, museums, and historic tours, are once again welcoming visitors. While some areas remain closed and recovery efforts continue, this is a big step forward for one of Nebraska's most treasured outdoor destinations.

A huge thank you to the firefighters, emergency personnel, park staff, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect the park and surrounding communities.

The buttes still stand. The wildlife remains. Recovery continues.

Fort Robinson has created countless memories for anglers, campers, hikers, and families over the years, and we're excited to see visitors returning once again.

❤️ Here's to resilience, recovery, and the future of Fort Robinson.