34 Nebraskaland • January-February 2026
Outdoor Nebraska
By Jeff Kurrus
Whether in the field, your comfy chair or the Turpin Outdoor
Education Center, there is plenty to keep you experiencing
nature during two of the most exciting months of the year.
N
Ice-fish for Rainbows
All Month Long | Statewide
Catching put-and-take rainbow trout through the ice is just one more reason to
visit destinations throughout the state. A list of these stocked waters can be
found at OutdoorNebraska.gov after searching Fish Stocking Database. These
fish can be caught using the traditional ice-fishing techniques. They tend to
strike quickly, so anglers will need to pay attention whether dead-sticking or
jigging. On the lure and gone in a flash, these fish add a species to locations
like Grove Lake in Antelope County, where largemouth bass, bluegill and
northern pike can also be found along with these aggressive fighters.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Late-season Small Game
Watch the Weather | Statewide
You can mark the weather forecast. Every winter, it
seems, a random two- or three-day warm-up blows
through Nebraska and provides highs in the 40s and
50s. Hot today, cold tomorrow, these days are perfect
for returning to the field with a shotgun in hand to hunt
for rabbits, squirrels or even pheasants. Not only are
these afternoons comfortable, a lot of life will be in the
field; game animals seem to notice the weather as well
and take advantage of the milder temperatures, making
them easier targets for hunters.
JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
