90 Nebraskaland • April 2021
His search for various species led him to all corners of the
state, from the Missouri River to Sandhills streams and a
long list of state park system ponds. He visited 13 state parks
and state recreation areas, re-visiting many of them multiple
times, picking up unique fi sh like a striped bass hybrid and
saugeye at Willow Creek State Recreation Area, pumpkinseed
and yellow perch at Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area
and shortnose gar at Dead Timber State Recreation Area.
But the state park system off ered him more than places to
fi sh. "Wherever I found myself, there was always a state area
nearby to set up camp. As a bonus, these areas have some of
the most spectacular views Nebraska has to off er. It doesn't
matter if you prefer eastern river bottom forests, the Sandhills
or the rocky buttes out west, there's a place to stay in all of it."
Buss spent the majority of his time fi shing public waters
to show people how productive these waters can be. And
he didn't do it with a large amount of tackle either. Most of
Cutthroat trout, Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area.
SCOTT BUSS
Wiper, Willow Creek State Recreation Area. SCOTT BUSS
Pumpkinseed, Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area.
SCOTT BUSS
Sauger, Missouri River below Gavins Dam near Lewis and
Clark State Recreation Area.
SCOTT BUSS
