Nebraska Game and Parks is releasing thousands of 12-inch rainbow trout in community waters across the state this fall as cooling weather improves fishing conditions.
The agency said trout fishing is perfect for kids and beginners, and pointed anglers to its Going Fishing Guide for the basics. A full stocking schedule is available online.
Fall turkey hunting season opens Oct. 1. Game and Parks reminded hunters that all harvests must be reported to Telecheck, and noted that more than 1.3 million acres of walk-in land for hunting can be found in its Public Access Atlas. Regulations are detailed in the 2026 Turkey Guide.
State parks will offer Halloween fun throughout October, with family-friendly events including trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, campground decorating contests and haunted hayrack rides.
Upcoming events include Dusty's Pumpkin Fest at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte every weekend in October, featuring horseback riding, a petting zoo, a pumpkin bounce pad and an inflatable corn maze. A beginning fly fishing and fly tying event will be held Oct. 10 at Chadron State Park, with all equipment included and a few spots remaining. Living history weekend at Fort Atkinson is set for Oct. 3-4, with highlights including Native dancing and cooking bison meat.
Game and Parks also invited all ages to enter a handmade creation in its reptile art contest, which runs Oct. 1-31 in honor of Reptile Month. All participants will receive reptile-themed swag.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is marked this Saturday, and Nebraskaland Magazine featured a personal view from Greg Wagner, who has hunted for nearly 60 years, on what the occasion means personally and more widely.