March 2026 • Nebraskaland 47
was no need, as that species found
its way into the lake from upstream
ponds, as did a few more adult bass.
Jacob Werner, district fisheries
biologist, said fish are thriving in
the abundant aquatic vegetation
that sprouted in the clear, carp-free
water. While their spring trap-net
surveys for some reason didn't sample
many bluegills, there are plenty in
the lake, including good numbers of
5- to 8-inch fish. He was pleasantly
surprised with how the saugeyes are
doing and said anglers can expect fish
to reach the 15-inch minimum length
limit this year. Crappies are present
up to 8 inches and need some time to
grow, as do the channel catfish, which
are topping out at 16 inches. There are
a "ridiculous" number of bass in the
7- to 10-inch range from the first year-
class that is comprised of stocked and
naturally reproduced fish.
"The fishery is progressing really
nicely," Werner said. "It'll produce
some nice bluegills, and the saugeyes
in there actually look incredible."
With the number of fish present, "It
will be a phenomenal place to take a
kid," Werner said.
Jeff Jackson, aquatic habitat
program manager, said while
numerous reservoirs have been built
in the Omaha Metropolitan Area since
the last of the original four Corps
reservoirs were completed in the
1980s, rehabilitating Standing Bear
Lake and basically creating another
new lake within a short drive of more
than 5641,000 resident anglers and
1 million people, is well worth the
$2.6 million investment. "There's
probably nothing more important,"
he said. "You can't build enough lakes
there."
Nine fishing points
and an accessible
fishing pier and
sidewalk built on the
north side of Standing
Bear Lake in Omaha
improved angler
access. Rock shoals
and other structures,
now concealed by
water, will improve
fish habitat. NICK SAUVAGEAU
