Nebraska
Fishing
A resident fishing license in Nebraska costs $33 a year and a non-resident license $78, as of May 2026. This guide lists 5 top species (Walleye, Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, Paddlefish, Striped bass) and 4 notable waters, led by Lake McConaughy and Missouri River. Nebraska has no saltwater coast and no notable wild trout fishery; it earns a C+ grade here, shared with 3 other states.
Top Species
Resident License
Non-Resident License
Saltwater Access
Trout Streams
Wildlife Agency
Nebraska's fishing reputation lives at Lake McConaughy. "Big Mac," as locals call it, is a 35,700-acre reservoir on the North Platte River that holds walleye, white bass, striped bass, and tiger muskie. The walleye fishing is among the best in the Great Plains. The tailwater below the dam — the North Platte River — is stocked with trout and produces surprisingly good fishing in the Keystone area.
The Missouri River on the eastern border holds catfish, sauger, and pallid sturgeon in the channelized system. The paddlefish snagging on the Missouri near Gavins Point Dam in April is a unique Nebraska experience.
Resident licenses cost $33. Nebraska is a plains fishing state. But Lake McConaughy is a legitimate destination fishery for walleye and white bass that anglers from Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming visit specifically. If you move to Nebraska, accept that McConaughy is your home water and build from there.
Lake McConaughy is Nebraska's largest reservoir and a world-class walleye and white bass fishery. The Missouri River provides paddlefish snagging opportunities — one of the more unusual fishing experiences in the country.
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Also on Nebraska: the full Nebraska profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Nebraska country music guide and the Nebraska gambling laws guide.
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Sources: State wildlife agencies, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bassmaster, Field & Stream, In-Fisherman, Fly Fisherman magazine. License costs reflect annual resident/non-resident fishing license only; additional stamps (trout, salmon) may apply. Updated May 2026.