Nebraskaland

July 2023 • Nebraskaland 55 but in serious decline, it is common in Long Pine Creek between the mouth of Bone Creek and the Niobrara, a reach not considered a coldwater stream. The species is likely moving upstream during summer. As was the case prior to the project, the trout that are sampled are primarily browns, but both browns and rainbows are larger than in upstream reaches, up to 15 and 14 inches, respectively. "One of the things we've noticed on some of the other tributaries is the brown trout are the ones that seem to be the most dominant in the lower sections of those watersheds," Roberg said. "Brown trout are a little more adaptable to higher turbidity and slightly warmer temperatures. But often do best in cool, clean water." Eventually, more trout will fi nd the habitat created by these new structures, be it wild browns or rainbows stocked at the SRA. "I think once we get a population in there that kind of stays, there's enough habitat to fulfi ll their life cycles in those areas," Huenemann said. "So, theoretically, we can start seeing opportunities for spawning and reproduction and a sustainable population down there." A Bright Future Klammer, a former fi sheries biologist for the Commission, had spent time working and fi shing on the creek prior to the Aquatic Habitat Project. Looking at the work from both aspects, he liked what he saw. "It created some deeper water, nice holes, holding areas, slack water … that's what fi sh are looking for," he said. "I thought those structures added some nice habitat and some good places for fi sh to hold, and obviously there were some holding there that day. "That was a really good day for December fl y fi shing." N A Hike Worth the Eff ort To fish Pine Glen Wildlife Management Area, pack your hiking waders. While the Aquatic Habitat Program project there included building a two-track road, that road is not open to the public. It does, however, serve as a trail that anglers can follow to the creek, and the hike is worth it for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a landscape few realize exists in Nebraska. "Pine Glen provides more of what I call a rare opportunity to hike into a remote trout stream surrounded by oak woodlands in a deep pine canyon," said Kelly Corman, the wildlife biologist who manages the area. "It's an experience that you don't necessarily get in Nebraska, and too many places. It's kind of a unique quality. That would be lost if you could drive to the bottom, and it would change the character of the area." The hike in following the maintenance road, located on the north end of the wildlife management area, covers a little more than 700 yards and drops 230 feet. Some anglers follow a second, unimproved, unmarked trail that winds through the woods on the southern portion of the area and is 100 yards shorter with a similar elevation change. Corman said two other areas on the creek, one of the best trout waters in the state, don't require as much effort. At Long Pine State Recreation Area, one can almost drive to the stream bank. Across Highway 20, anglers can take an access road to the creek bottom and hike a primitive trail less than 300 yards to the creek on Long Pine Wildlife Management Area. "I like the idea of having an area where if someone is willing to hike a little bit, they can maybe avoid some of the fishing pressure," said Joel Klammer of Ainsworth, who mostly visits the stream in the fall when flows are lower. "There are other areas where you can drive within feet of the bank. "I've always thought Pine Glen was a neat spot. It's a long hike down there, but if you go, you're probably going to have it to yourself."

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