Be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2026

Nebraska anglers should be aware of the following fishing regulation changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2026. They are:

Black Bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted) – Wolbach City Pond, Greeley County; Forest City Recreation Area, Sarpy County, and Mad Bear Recreation Area, Sarpy County, are added to the list of lakes that have a 21-inch minimum length. 

A smallmouth bass daily bag limit of two fish and 12-inch maximum length limit is established at Marlin Petermann Recreation Area, Douglas County.

Yellow Perch – A daily bag limit of five fish is established at Marlin Petermann Recreation Area.

Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge – The exceptions (one over 34 inches or longer, no minimum length, three fish bag limit, three fish possession limit) to the statewide length, bag and possession limits at Pelican Lake in Cherry County are rescinded.

More fishing information can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide, which will be available in January at OutdoorNebraska.gov and where 2026 fishing permits are sold.