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.
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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 21, 2022
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.
2022 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.
Omaha – Fontenelle Park Lake – June 1 (6 – 8 p.m.)
4575 Ames Ave., Omaha, NE.
- Plus, Discover Fly-Fishing event at the same time!
Papillion – Halleck Park Lake – June 8 (6 – 8 p.m.)
Halleck Park is located just a quarter-mile to the east of the intersection of Washington and Lincoln Streets in downtown Papillion, NE.
Omaha – Towl Park Lake – June 16 (6 – 8 p.m.)
9310 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE.
Omaha – Benson Park Lake – July 5 (6 – 8 p.m.)
7028 Military Ave., Omaha, NE.
Papillion – Halleck Park Lake – July 12 (6 – 8 p.m.)
Halleck Park is located just a quarter-mile to the east of the intersection of Washington and Lincoln Streets in downtown Papillion, NE.
Omaha – Fontenelle Park Lake – July 19 (6 – 8 p.m.)
4575 Ames Ave., Omaha, NE.
Papillion – Prairie Queen Lake – July 20 (6 – 8 p.m.)
132nd St. and Cornhusker Rd., Papillion, NE.
Bellevue – Kramer Lake – July 26 (6 – 8 p.m.)
- Plus, Discover Bow Fishing event at the same time!
Papillion – Halleck Park Lake – Aug. 2 (6 – 8 p.m.)
Halleck Park is located just a quarter-mile to the east of the intersection of Washington and Lincoln Streets in downtown Papillion, NE.
Omaha – Fontenelle Park Lake: Fontenelle Family Fishing Frenzy – Oct. 15 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
4575 Ames Ave., Omaha, NE.
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.
