The short answer is yes, net fishing is legal in Nebraska under the new 2026 regulations, but only if you follow the specific species, gear‑type, and seasonal restrictions that the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) enacted on January 1 2026. Violating these rules can lead to steep fines, loss of fishing privileges, and even criminal charges for repeat offenders.
What the 2026 Nebraska Net Fishing Regulations Say
The 2026 rule package updates Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 84‑553 and 84‑554, defining “net fishing” as the use of any mesh device whose openings exceed 2 inches when used to capture fish in public waters. The NGPC now permits net fishing for targeted species—primarily channel catfish, white bass, and largemouth bass—during designated periods: May 15 through July 31 for bass and June 1 through September 30 for catfish. All other species remain off‑limits to nets to protect spawning runs.
Key Exceptions and Permits
A limited‑access permit, the Net Fishing Authorized Permit (NFAP), is required for commercial operators and for anglers who wish to fish with nets on private reservoirs. The permit costs $35 for residents and $75 for non‑residents, and it must be renewed annually. Educational institutions conducting research may apply for a Research Net Permit, which exempts them from the seasonal limits but mandates detailed reporting to the NGPC.
Enforcement and Penalties
NGPC wildlife officers conduct random checks and use aerial surveillance to monitor net usage. First‑time violations carry a $150 civil citation; a second offense within 12 months upgrades to a $350 fine and a possible 30‑day suspension of fishing privileges. Intentional poaching with oversized nets can trigger felony charges, resulting in up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
How to Stay Compliant
- Verify that the water body is publicly accessible and listed in the NGPC’s Net‑Allowed Waterways map.
- Check the mesh size of your net before each outing; use a calibrated ruler to confirm openings do not exceed 2 inches.
- Carry your NFAP or Research Net Permit on hand; officers may request to see it at any time.
- Record the date, location, species caught, and net specifications in a logbook, as required by § 84‑553(5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a dip net for baitfish year‑round?
No. Dip nets larger than 2 inches are prohibited except during the bass season (May 15‑July 31). Using them outside that window violates the 2026 rule and can result in a citation.
Are private ponds subject to the same net restrictions?
Private ponds are exempt only if the owner provides a written waiver to the NGPC. Without such a waiver, the same mesh‑size and seasonal limits apply.
Do the new rules affect ice fishing with nets?
Ice fishing with nets is prohibited year‑round, regardless of species, because the statutes specifically ban net use on frozen surfaces to protect wintering fish populations.
What happens if my net unintentionally catches a protected species?
If you inadvertently capture a protected species such as threatened sturgeon, you must immediately release it and report the incident to NGPC. Failure to do so may increase the penalty for that incident.
Is there a grace period for anglers who already own larger nets?
The NGPC provided a 90‑day compliance window after the January 1 2026 effective date. Nets that exceed the legal size must be modified or removed by March 31 2026, or the owner faces the standard penalties.