Nebraskaland

NEBRASKAland November 2018

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1040966

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14 NEBRASKAland • NOVEMBER 2018 By Jeff Kurrus Fish pack on weight in the fall to prepare for the winter and the following spring spawn. At the same time, their metabolism begins to slow as the water cools. This makes November a great time to catch fat, beautiful fish. Traditionally, fish begin moving closer to deeper water where they'll spend the winter. Above them in the shallows, the wind adds to the turbidity of the water, which along with the lowering temperatures, affects their activity. Because of these factors, anglers should look for fish by vertical jigging in or near deeper water. "On a reservoir, vertical jigging with a baitfish imitation is great because alewives and other baitfish are becoming stressed because of the lowering temperatures," said Daryl Bauer, the Nebraska Game and Parks fisheries outreach program manager. The raising and lowering of jigs mimics the action of these fish, while allowing anglers to leave it in the face of the fish longer. Fishing slow – unless the fish dictate otherwise – is the key. Another option for November is fishing for coldwater species like trout. "Our streams can be great in November because the fish don't react as much to the cold," said Bauer. Places like Lake Ogallala can be hotspots to catch fish with traditional trout fishing gear, including spinners and flies. This time of the year can be a true transition time for fish, but it doesn't have to be for anglers. Whether you fish for warm or coldwater species, start by looking for stable areas in their environment. When you find those, you'll find fish. ■ Options for November Anglers PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYL BAUER Daryl Bauer holds a channel catfish he caught during the fall at Merritt Reservoir while vertical jigging.

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