The Nebraska Southeast District Fisheries Meeting held on January 1, 2025, brought important updates for local anglers and fishing enthusiasts. A key highlight was the announcement of upcoming fish stocking plans for Shadow Lake and Midland, which have not seen recent stocking. This year, both locations will receive channel catfish, with a shift towards a 3 to 5-year stocking schedule to maintain fish populations.

Jake, the district's blue catfish biologist, shared insights on the challenges and successes of blue catfish stocking. The district has been sourcing blue catfish from Missouri and Arkansas, with the latter providing larger fish that are more likely to survive after being stocked. The biologists noted that previous stockings from Missouri yielded some success, but the larger fish from Arkansas have shown promising results, with more juvenile fish appearing in samples.

The meeting also touched on the status of rock bass in the district. While there have been limited recent samples, there is hope that small populations still exist, particularly in Conestoga. The biologists emphasized their commitment to monitoring and enhancing local fisheries, encouraging community engagement and feedback from anglers.

In closing, the fisheries team expressed their passion for fishing and their dedication to serving the public. They invited community members to reach out with questions or concerns, reinforcing their goal of fostering a vibrant fishing culture in Nebraska. The meeting underscored the importance of sustainable fish management and the ongoing efforts to enhance local fishing experiences for residents.