Archery paddlefish applications open March 1

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications March 1-14.

The application period begins at 1 p.m., central time, on March 1. Postal mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m., CST, and online applications by 11:59 p.m., March 14.

A nonrefundable application fee is due at the time of application. Applicants supplying valid email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Those not providing valid email addresses will be responsible for monitoring their status online.

Results of the draw will be made available by March 20.

Permits will be issued in a random drawing based on preference points earned; applicants with the most preference points will receive the highest priority. Permits awarded but unpaid will result in the applicant losing preference points and forfeiting the permit. Unpaid or unawarded permits remaining after the drawing will be made available to the next resident applicant, based on the random draw.

An applicant will receive a preference point if he or she is not awarded a permit in the drawing. An additional preference point will be added each year he or she is unsuccessful in the drawing. Any person who is issued a paddlefish permit and any person who does not apply at least once during five consecutive years will lose all accumulated preference points. In lieu of participating in the draw, anglers may purchase one preference point per season during the application period. An application fee will be charged.

Two people – both residents or both nonresidents – may submit a joint application. That application will be assigned to the applicant with the fewest preference points.

A person may have no more than two archery paddlefish permits per year: one earned via application and one bought over the counter if unsold permits remain. Permits and their accompanying tags are not transferable. Anyone fishing with an archery paddlefish permit also must have a valid Nebraska fishing permit.

Starting this year, additional areas below Gavins Point Dam will be open to archery fishing during the archery paddlefish season; only the north wall of the spillway and the powerhouse discharge canal will be closed. See the 2024 Nebraska Fishing Guide for more information.

The 2024 archery paddlefish season is June 1-30. To apply for a permit, visit a Game and Parks office, GoOutdoorsNE.com, or use the form in the 2024 Nebraska Fishing Guide.