The Nebraska Southeast District Fisheries Meeting held on January 1, 2025, introduced a new experimental regulation aimed at improving bass populations in local reservoirs. The regulation establishes a protected slot for bass measuring between 15 to 18 inches, allowing anglers to keep a daily bag limit of five fish. Under this rule, anglers can keep any bass under 15 inches and only one fish over 18 inches.

This initiative is being implemented at several locations, including Prairie Queen, Prairie View, Duck Creek, and Wagon Train, the latter of which is newly renovated. The goal is to manage the bass population effectively, as many lakes currently have a high density of bass in the 10 to 15-inch range, leading to competition that can hinder growth. By encouraging the harvest of smaller bass, the regulation aims to promote healthier growth rates and increase the number of larger fish available for anglers.

To evaluate the effectiveness of this regulation, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is partnering with the University of Nebraska's School of Natural Resources. Two master's students will conduct research on bass population dynamics and perform creel surveys to gather data on anglers' catches. This information will help assess the impact of the new regulation and guide future management decisions.

In addition to the new regulation, the meeting addressed ongoing drought conditions affecting water levels in several lakes, particularly in the southern and western areas of Lincoln. Some lakes, such as Clear Creek and Yankee Hill, are experiencing significantly low water levels, making boat launches difficult. The NGPC encouraged attendees to monitor water levels and stay informed about conditions at local lakes.

Overall, the meeting highlighted proactive steps being taken to enhance fish populations and manage resources effectively in Nebraska's Southeast District.