LINCOLN, Neb. – A project scheduled to start in June on Pine Glen Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Brown County will improve stream habitat on Long Pine Creek for fish and anglers alike.
As a continuation of the cool-water stream program, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will build several in-stream habitat features that create a variety of current breaks for resting and feeding trout. Specific habitat features also will narrow the stream to increase flow velocities and add pool depth.
“Project designs are targeted at improving angler success by creating additional hiding spots and concentration areas for these trout species,” said Brett Roberg, Game and Parks fisheries biologist stationed in Kearney. “We are hopeful that these stream modifications will provide anglers the opportunity to catch more fish – and bigger fish.”
A service road on the WMA has been improved to allow contractors better access to the canyon bottom to build the stream features. Trees along the riparian corridor will be removed to give anglers better access to the stream, provide additional fire protection and create wildlife habitat.
The project should continue through the fall. Hunters and anglers accessing the area should be cautious of equipment and workers during construction.
Long Pine Creek at Pine Glen offers anglers opportunities mostly for brown trout but also rainbows, making it a good option for anglers seeking to complete a Trout Slam. Anglers who catch all four species of Nebraska trout – rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat – can earn a Trout Slam certificate, pin and bragging rights. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/troutslam for more information.
Call Will Inselman, a Game and Parks wildlife biologist, at 402-684-2921 for more information about the Pine Glen WMA project.
