66 Nebraskaland • March 2022
MIXED BAG
"A Record Year" is how you should plan on describing 2022.
As a rod and reel angler, you have multiple opportunities
across the state to catch a state record fish, and the following
species — and types of waterbodies — offer your best chances.
Species
Blue Catfish – Current record: 100 pounds, 8 oz. The
Missouri River is the place to fish for this monstrous fish,
and fisheries biologist Daryl Bauer believes this record could
have already been broken. "A 100-pound fish is absolutely
doable on the Missouri," he said. "I believe we've had guys
catch several of them already. They're just turning them
loose." Anglers use cut bait on the backsides of wing dikes —
in deep water near rocky habitat and fallen trees — to find
these behemoths.
Muskellunge – Current record: 41 pounds, 8 oz. What
mak
es this potential record fish so intriguing is an angler's
ability to catch them from the bank from early spring
through June. "Merritt is the place to be," said Bauer, who
spends time every spring fishing the dam for these toothy
trophies. Find the largest lures in your tackle box and start
casting.
Tiger Trout – Current record: 6 pounds, 13 oz. "We haven't
r
eached our growth potential with this fish yet," said Bauer.
The last two tiger trout state records have come from
Sutherland Reservoir after traveling down the Keystone
Canal from Lake Ogallala. These fish usually don't survive
the summer, as they are a put-and-take species, but when
they do, they have a shot to grow big.
Forgotten Waters
When looking for trophy panfish this year, also make note
of two other waterbody types — turbid waters and lakes
that have experienced fish kills. When a lake is known for
being muddy, for any number of reasons, fishing pressure
often decreases. "You have to find a lake that everyone has
forgotten about to have sunfish that grow huge," said Bauer.
Finally, look for lakes that have experienced a fish kill
during the last couple of years. The information usually
circulates by word of mouth, but if you can find these lakes
you may be surprised at the results. "These fish kills don't
eliminate every fish," said Bauer. "What survives has a lot
less competition for food." With less competition, these
leftover fish grow even faster.
Start your record year with a little research, and then hit
the water.
A RECORD YEAR
By Jeff Kurrus
Nebraska's next state record muskie is predicted to come from Merritt Reservoir, where this fish was caught and released.
DARYL BAUER, NGPC
