AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2018 • NEBRASKAland 23
While fly-fishing with my dad, Larry Kurrus (pictured), at Soldier Creek last year in Dawes County, we had the entire creek to
ourselves, and the fish cooperated nicely.
whitetails and shotgun hunt for doves. By day's end, we
had pictures of multiple species. I've also had great trips for
rabbits and bluegills on the I-80 lake system, most notably
near Cozad.
Tip: Check out the interactive fishing map at
maps.outdoornebraska.gov/fishing, then search for those
areas listed as wildlife management areas (WMAs) for your
best combo trip opportunities.
Jump-Shooting
From breaking limbs on deadfalls, also known as "rabbit
hotels," to walking field and creek edges for doves and teal,
respectively, nothing gets the blood going like jump-shooting.
These hunts can be accomplished without dogs. If jumping
waterfowl is a possibility, be sure you're shooting steel shot.
No. 6 steel shot is a good all-around load option as long as
you keep your shots in the 20-yard range.
Tip: Wheat stubble is a great option for dove, as long as
you walk across the rows to keep from spooking birds.
On the Fly
With fewer anglers on the water to watch you hook yourself
while attempting to cast with your new fly rod, late summer
into fall is the perfect time to learn how to cast. Warmwater
fish such as bluegills, largemouth bass and crappies are still
biting throughout the state, and there's always the opportunity to
stream fish for trout. Anyone who picks up a fly rod and spends
more than 15 minutes with it will be unable to put it down. Start
this new passion now.
Tip: To start, don't spend a lot of money: a good rod and reel
combo for beginners can be found for around $50.
Future Favorites
Fly and Bike
Every time I pass by the West Papio Trail in Omaha, I
can't take my eyes off the creek that flows beside it. I'd
love to get a buddy to drop off his truck across town and
bike and fish our way from west to east with our fly rods.
On a cool day, you might not even have to catch a fish to
have an awesome time. Visit papionrd.org for an updated
trail map.
Spot-and-Stalk Archery Hunt
To glass for mulies, and then see if I can get within
shooting range with a bow, would be a trip of a lifetime.
And I could do it in my home state.
A Sandhills Dove Hunt
Years ago, I spent a fall afternoon fishing in the Sandhills,
only to have a last-minute idea near dark to visit a nearby
windmill, where doves were piling in. I've regretted the
decision to fishing that day ever since. ■
