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/440846
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 • NEBRASKAland 51 follow. Vertical jig with slab spoons and blade baits on the downsides of humps and other contour changes. Look for bait balls on the depth finder, and experiment with different lure colors. A subtle change of depth or lure choice can be the difference between a mess of fish and no fish at all. Gavins Tailwaters Sauger Jigs and minnows rule this time of year in the tailwaters. Bladebaits are also good, but expect to find underwater snags. Sleeper Try the cooling pond at Sutherland Reservoir for channel catfish by tightlining on the bottom with your favorite stink bait. Make sure you bring your lawnchair. December For ice anglers, there's nothing better than first ice. When it comes, especially in recent years in Nebraska, is anyone's guess. When it does appear, here are a few places to start. Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Mixed Bag Use the same last ice techniques you did in February as soon as you have four inches of good ice. Crescent, Blue and Island lakes Panfish Located on or adjacent to the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, these Sandhill lakes are prime spots for bluegill and perch. Be sure to check the Fishing Guide for special access rules and fish each using the same techniques, targeting the edges of shallow weed beds with panfish tackle. Farm Ponds Mixed Bag Because bass and bluegills are warmwater fish, they are most active at first and last ice and will be active in the same locations. If you want to target bass, upsize to jigging spoons or chubby darters. Sleeper Travel northwest to Smith Lake for panfish and pike through the ice. Try jigs for bluegills and crappies and Rippin' Rap lures and jigging spoons for northern pike. Anglers will also use dead smelt, because northerns eat a lot of dead fish during the winter and early spring. Now you're set, a year's worth of vacation and after-work plans taken care of. Let the fishing, and debating, begin. ■ As chunks of ice float on the water, anglers fish for sauger with jigs and minnows at the Gavins Tailwaters during late fall and winter. PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER