Community Fishing Nights occur across the state, where you will find loaner fishing equipment, bait and staff to assist you. At these events, Nebraska Game and Parks staff and Certified Fishing Instructors teach families the basics of this fun and relaxing activity.
It is always a good idea to verify the events before visiting, as information can change (especially in inclement weather).
FREE Fishing and Park Entry Day: May 18, 2024
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day allows anyone to explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area, or state historical park without the need to purchase a park entry permit for the day. It also allows anyone to fish for the day without a fishing permit.
Several family-friendly activities are usually scheduled in state park areas across the state to celebrate.
2024 Community Fishing Events Near Omaha
Enjoy many Community Fishing Nights near the Omaha area!
Look for the Game and Parks’ Family Fishing Trailer where staff will be waiting to assist and provide instruction. Free loaner equipment such as rods, reels and bait will also be available to participants.
These events are free. All participants age 16 or older need a 2022 fishing permit if they fish at the event. (Visit Outdoor Nebraska to purchase fishing or park permits.)
It is always a good idea to verify the events before visiting, as information can change (especially in inclement weather).
See updated Nebraska State Parks calendar here.
May 18th – Fish Fest at The C – 10:00am-2:00pm – FREE
- Free beginner and family-friendly fishing event at beautiful Lake Cunningham in Omaha, NE! This special event will celebrate family, fishing and friends at Lake Cunningham on Free Park and Free Fishing Day, which means adults and kids can fish without a permit this day. Event attendees can enter to win prizes, including a free youth lifetime fishing permit (Nebraska residents only); $100 SCHEELS gift cards (must be 18 or older); and be eligible for other great prizes such as a Zebco fishing rod and reel; or an “Fish Fest at the C” hat. Food and refreshments will be provided 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last.
- Location: Lake Cunningham – 8965 State St, Omaha, NE 68122
May 28th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln & Discover Fly Fishing: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Holmes Lake – S. 70th Street & Normal Blvd., Lincoln 68506
May 30th – Community Fishing Event: Omaha & Discover Fly Fishing: Omaha – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Fontenelle Park Pond – 4407 Fontenelle Blvd, Omaha, NE 68104
June 5th – Community Fishing Event: Papillion – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Halleck Lake – Halleck Park Rd, Papillion, NE 68046
June 11th – Community Fishing Event: Omaha – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Towl Park Pond – 9310 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE 68124
June 12th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Holmes Lake – S. 70th Street & Normal Blvd., Lincoln 68506
June 18th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Bowling Lake – NW 48th & W Cuming Street, Lincoln 68524
June 20th – Community Fishing Event: Bellevue & Discover Fly Fishing: Bellevue – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Kramer Lake – Bellevue, NE
June 25th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Holmes Lake – S. 70th Street & Normal Blvd., Lincoln 68506
June 27th – Community Fishing Event: Omaha – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Fontenelle Park Pond – 4407 Fontenelle Blvd, Omaha, NE 68104
June 29th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 8:00am-1:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license. This community fishing event will be held in conjunction with the White Perch Tournament. It is at Branched Oak State Recreation Area lake, northwest of Lincoln.
- Location: Branched Oak State Recreation Area lake – 12000 West Branched Oak Rd, Raymond,NE
July 9th – Community Fishing Event: Papillion – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Halleck Lake – Halleck Park Rd, Papillion, NE 68046
July 10th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln & Discover Fly Fishing: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Bowling Lake – NW 48th & W Cuming Street, Lincoln 68524
July 17th – Community Fishing Event: Papillion – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Prairie Queen Lake – Near 132nd Street and Highway 370, Papillion, NE 68046
July 23rd – Discover Bow Fishing: Bellevue – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Kramer Lake – Bellevue, NE
July 30th – Community Fishing Event: Papillion – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Halleck Lake – Halleck Park Rd, Papillion, NE 68046
July 31st – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Holmes Lake – S. 70th Street & Normal Blvd., Lincoln 68506
Aug 6th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Bowling Lake – NW 48th & W Cuming Street, Lincoln 68524
Aug 13th – Community Fishing Event: Lincoln – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Holmes Lake – S. 70th Street & Normal Blvd., Lincoln 68506
Aug 14th – Community Fishing Event: Omaha – 6:00-8:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Fontenelle Park Pond – 4407 Fontenelle Blvd, Omaha, NE 68104
Oct 19th – Community Fishing Event: Omaha – 10:00am-12:00pm – FREE
- All participants ages 16 and older need a fishing license
- Location: Fontenelle Park Pond – 4407 Fontenelle Blvd, Omaha, NE 68104
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Online Fishing Resources
- While Community Fishing Nights will not be offered to the public this summer, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several online resources to help anglers of all experience levels.
- Game and Parks’ instructional and informational fishing materials online at OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing include:
- Fishing Guide – Now also is available in Spanish, this guide includes a “Public Fishing Areas” detailing fishing waters by region, including special regulations and species available.
- Fishing Forecast – The forecast uses survey data to determine likely populations and sizes of various fish species in different waters across the state.
- Going Fishing Guide – This must-read for anyone new to angling includes equipment, tackle, knots, casting, techniques, fish identification, fish cleaning, and much more.
- YouTube – Game and Parks’ channel has several videos covering topics that would interest novice anglers.
- Maps – Find fishing spots across the state and get a closer look at them by using the site’s maps, including interactive, lake contour, and Public Access Atlas maps.
- The site can also be used to purchase fishing and park entry permits.
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