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 22, 2021
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.
2021 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 2021 fishing permit if they fish at the event.
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 – June 2 (6 – 8 p.m.)
4407 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, NE.
Plus, Discover Fly Fishing event at the same time!
Papillion – Halleck Lake – June 9 (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 17 (6 – 8 p.m.)
9310 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE.
Bellevue – Kramer Lake, American Heroes Park – June 24 (6 – 8 p.m.)
- Plus, Discover Fly Fishing event at the same time!
Omaha – Benson Lake – July 6 (6 – 8 p.m.)
7028 Military Ave., Omaha, NE.
Papillion – Halleck Park Lake – July 13 (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 – July 20 (6 – 8 p.m.)
4407 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, NE.
La Vista – Prairie Queen Lake – July 21 (6 – 8 p.m.)
132nd St. and Cornhusker Rd., Papillion, NE.
Bellevue – Kramer Lake, American Heroes Park – July 27 (6 – 8 p.m.)
Papillion – Halleck Park Lake – Aug. 3 (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 – Oct. 16 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
4407 Fontenelle Blvd., 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.
