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Nebraska offers outstanding fishing opportunities, particularly around Omaha where several lakes provide exceptional angling experiences without requiring additional stamps beyond your basic fishing license. For 2025, knowing which lakes allow you to fish with just your standard license can save you money while simplifying your outdoor adventures in the Cornhusker State.
Understanding Nebraska Fishing Licenses in 2025
Before heading to Omaha-area lakes, you’ll need a valid Nebraska fishing permit if you’re 16 or older. This basic permit allows you to take or attempt to take sportfish, bullfrogs, snapping turtles, barred salamanders, or mussels in Nebraska waters.
According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the 2025 fishing permit is required for most fishing activities, but certain lakes around Omaha can be fished without purchasing additional stamps or permits.
2025 License Types and Costs
Nebraska offers various fishing license options for residents and non-residents:
| License Type | Resident Price | Non-resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing Permit | $38 | $84 |
| 1-Day Permit | $10 | $14.50 |
| 3-Day Permit | $31 | $37 |
| 5-Year Permit | $132 | $326 |
| Lifetime Permit (Ages 0-15) | $616 | $929 |
| Lifetime Permit (Ages 16-45) | $710 | $1,306 |
| Lifetime Permit (Ages 46+) | $616 | N/A |
While some fishing locations require additional stamps like the Aquatic Habitat Stamp or special trout stamps, many excellent Omaha-area lakes can be fished with just your basic license.
For more detailed information about license types and costs, visit our comprehensive guide on Nebraska Fishing License Costs.
Top Omaha-Area Lakes Without Additional Stamp Requirements for 2025
Baright Lake and CenturyLink Lake (Mahoney State Recreation Area)
These connected lakes in Mahoney State Recreation Area offer some of the highest catch rates for Largemouth Bass in the Omaha region. According to local surveys, most bass caught here measure between 8-12 inches, providing consistent action for anglers of all skill levels.
Key features:
- Excellent shore access points around both lakes
- Concrete boat ramps with parking
- Picnic areas and restroom facilities
- No additional stamps required beyond basic Nebraska fishing license
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regularly stocks these lakes, ensuring healthy fish populations throughout the 2025 season.
Glenn Cunningham Lake
Glenn Cunningham Lake has recovered well from past management challenges and now provides excellent Largemouth Bass fishing without requiring additional stamps. Recent habitat improvement projects have created ideal structure for bass, crappie, and channel catfish.
Fishing highlights:
- 390-acre reservoir with multiple access points
- New fishing jetties and submerged habitat structures
- Productive bass fishing along weed edges and points
- Good numbers of 2-3 pound bass with some trophy potential
For the latest fishing forecasts at Glenn Cunningham Lake, visit TeenFish’s Nebraska Fishing Guide.
Walnut Creek Lake
Located in Papillion, Walnut Creek Lake continues to be a productive fishery for Largemouth Bass and Bluegill with no additional stamps or permits required. The lake features excellent water quality and diverse habitat that supports healthy fish populations.
2025 updates:
- New fishing pier on the lake’s north end
- Improved shoreline access for bank anglers
- Recent surveys show strong year-classes of bass and bluegill
- Protected slot limit for bass between 15-21 inches
According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s 2025 fishery assessments, Walnut Creek ranks among the top Omaha-area lakes for catch rates.
Prairie Queen Lake
Prairie Queen Lake has implemented new regulations in 2025, including a protected slot limit for Largemouth Bass. Anglers must release all bass between 15-18 inches, with a daily bag limit of five fish and only one fish over 18 inches allowed.
Fishing opportunities:
- 135-acre reservoir with excellent water clarity
- Strong populations of Largemouth Bass and Bluegill
- Developing Redear Sunfish population
- Multiple fishing jetties and a wheelchair-accessible pier
Despite these regulation changes, Prairie Queen remains accessible with just your standard fishing license, with no additional stamps required.
For more information about fishing regulations at Prairie Queen, visit our guide on Nebraska Fishing Regulations.
Flanagan Lake
As one of Omaha’s newer reservoirs, Flanagan Lake offers good Bluegill and Largemouth Bass fishing opportunities without additional stamp requirements. This 220-acre lake opened to fishing in 2018 and continues to develop as a quality fishery.
Angler amenities:
- Paved walking trail encircling the entire lake
- Multiple fishing jetties and access points
- Ample parking and restroom facilities
- No additional stamps required beyond basic Nebraska fishing license
According to recent Nebraska Game and Parks Commission surveys, Flanagan Lake has produced increasingly larger bass, with some fish now reaching the 15-18 inch range.
Two Rivers State Recreation Area Lakes
Most lakes at Two Rivers State Recreation Area can be fished with just your basic license. However, it’s important to note that Lake 5 requires a trout tag until June 1, after which catch-and-release fishing is permitted without the additional stamp.
Two Rivers fishing highlights:
- Smallmouth Bass were stocked in Lake 5 after renovation in 2021
- Anglers can keep five Smallmouth Bass greater than 15 inches, with only one fish over 21 inches
- Lakes 1-4 offer excellent Bluegill and Channel Catfish fishing
- Good shoreline access and amenities at all lakes
For detailed information about the different lakes at Two Rivers, including maps and specific regulations, see the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s lakes guide.
2025 Fishing Regulation Changes Affecting Omaha Lakes
Several important regulation changes took effect on January 1, 2025, affecting Omaha-area lakes:
New Slot Limits
- Prairie Queen and Prairie View: New protected slot limit requiring the release of all Largemouth Bass between 15-18 inches. Daily bag limit of five bass with only one fish over 18 inches permitted.
Bass Regulations
- Smallmouth Bass: At Big Elk and Portal lakes, anglers can keep two Smallmouth Bass less than 12 inches. At Two Rivers #5, the limit is five Smallmouth Bass greater than 15 inches, with only one over 21 inches.
Trout Fishing Changes
- Two Rivers Lake No. 5: Trout tag required until June 1, after which catch-and-release fishing is allowed without additional stamps.
These regulation changes aim to protect fish populations while still providing quality fishing opportunities. For the complete list of 2025 regulation changes, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
Fish Species You Can Target in Omaha-Area Lakes
Largemouth Bass
The most abundant game fish in Omaha-area lakes, with Baright Lake, CenturyLink Lake, Glenn Cunningham, Walnut Creek, Prairie Queen, and Flanagan all offering good populations. Lawrence Youngman, Wehrspann, and Zorinsky lakes should provide opportunities for larger bass exceeding 15 inches in 2025.
Bass fishing tips for Omaha lakes:
- Spring (March-May): Target shallow coves and spawning areas with soft plastics
- Summer (June-August): Focus on deeper structure and weed edges with crankbaits and jigs
- Fall (September-November): Use spinnerbaits and jerkbaits around points and drop-offs
- Winter (December-February): Slow presentations with jigs and soft plastics in deeper areas
For more tips on targeting Largemouth Bass in Nebraska, check out our Ultimate Wisconsin Fishing Guide for regional comparisons.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass have been stocked in select Omaha-area lakes to create unique fishing opportunities. Big Elk, Portal, and Two Rivers #5 lakes have developing Smallmouth populations, with Big Elk offering anglers the chance to catch fish over 11 inches in 2025.
Smallmouth Bass fishing strategies:
- Use crawfish-imitating baits during spring and summer
- Target rocky points and drop-offs
- Try tube jigs and ned rigs for consistent success
- Early morning and evening fishing is most productive
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish
Several lakes in the Omaha area offer excellent Bluegill fishing. Prairie Queen and Louisville lakes have thriving Redear Sunfish populations, providing anglers with opportunities to catch these hard-fighting panfish.
Panfish tips:
- Use light tackle (2-4 lb test line) for more bites
- Small jigs tipped with waxworms or nightcrawler pieces work well
- Target shallow areas during spring spawning periods
- Fish deeper structure during summer and winter months
How to Purchase a Nebraska Fishing License for 2025
Nebraska fishing licenses can be purchased through several convenient methods:
- Online: Through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website
- Mobile App: Download the NGPC Outdoors app for iOS or Android
- Authorized Vendors: Including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and convenience stores
- NGPC Offices: Visit any Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office
For complete information about purchasing options, see our guide on How to Get a Nebraska Fishing License.
The Importance of Fishing Licenses
Your Nebraska fishing license isn’t just a legal requirement-it’s an investment in conservation. License fees contribute to:
- Fishery management: Monitoring fish populations and habitat conditions
- Habitat restoration: Improving spawning areas and water quality
- Conservation education: Teaching the next generation of anglers
- Access improvements: Developing boat ramps, fishing piers, and shoreline access
According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, an average of $2.9 million per year is spent renovating lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams throughout the state to improve recreational fishing, funded primarily through fishing license sales and the Aquatic Habitat Stamp program.
Responsible Fishing Practices
When fishing Omaha-area lakes, follow these responsible practices:
- Know the regulations: Familiarize yourself with size and creel limits for each water body
- Practice selective harvest: Consider releasing larger fish, especially bass in protected slot limits
- Use proper handling techniques: Wet hands before handling fish and avoid touching gills
- Dispose of fishing line properly: Never leave discarded line at fishing sites
- Report violations: Call the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at (402) 471-0641 to report fishing violations
For more tips on ethical angling, visit the Take Me Fishing conservation page.
Free Fishing Days in Nebraska for 2025
Nebraska offers Free Fishing Days annually when fishing licenses are not required. In 2025, these days are scheduled for June 7-8, coinciding with National Fishing and Boating Week. During these days:
- No fishing license is required for residents or non-residents
- All other fishing regulations still apply
- Many parks offer special fishing events and clinics
This is a perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to fishing at Omaha-area lakes without the need to purchase a license.
For information about free fishing opportunities, visit our guide on Free Fishing Days.
Conclusion: Enjoy Nebraska’s Best Fishing Without Extra Costs
The Omaha area offers numerous excellent fishing destinations that don’t require additional stamps beyond your basic Nebraska fishing license. From the productive Largemouth Bass waters of Baright Lake to the newly stocked Smallmouth Bass at Two Rivers, these lakes provide diverse fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
By understanding the 2025 regulations and license requirements, you can enjoy Nebraska’s best fishing while staying compliant with state laws and contributing to conservation efforts. Remember to check for any regulation updates before heading out, as changes may occur throughout the fishing season.
For the latest information on Nebraska fishing opportunities, visit TeenFish’s Nebraska Fishing License Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Aquatic Habitat Stamp to fish in Omaha-area lakes?
Most Omaha-area lakes discussed in this article do not require an additional Aquatic Habitat Stamp beyond your basic fishing license. The $3 Aquatic Habitat Stamp is typically included in the price of your annual fishing permit.
What is the daily bag limit for Largemouth Bass in Omaha lakes?
The daily bag limit varies by lake. Most Omaha-area lakes have a bag limit of 5 bass per day, though some lakes have slot limits requiring the release of bass within specific size ranges. Always check the current regulations for each specific lake.
Can I fish at night in Omaha-area lakes?
Yes, most Omaha-area lakes are open to fishing 24 hours a day, though some park areas may close gates at night. Check specific park regulations before planning a night fishing trip.
Are there any free fishing areas in Omaha?
While most public waters require a fishing license for anglers 16 and older, Nebraska does offer Free Fishing Days in June where no license is required. Additionally, some privately owned ponds may allow fishing without a license with owner permission.
Where can I find the most up-to-date fishing regulations for Omaha lakes?
The most current regulations can be found in the Nebraska Fishing Guide published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, or on their website.
