Recreating in Kearney

[Sully20]

It looks like I am going to be exploring yet another state for the next couple years. After moving to Idaho from MN and living here for the last three years, I am going to be moving to Kearney at the end of February to attend grad school for a year and a half.

What kinds of things are there to do in that area? I have searched the web far and wide for info with few results, are there any experts out there?

I have this much figured out so far...the central flyway pinches down in that area providing excellent waterfowling during the fall. I have a canoe which I love to hunt ducks out of, so I am thinking the Platte river will take care of my needs there for the ducks. Are there any bass in the main Platte near Kearney?

I have heard from many that the pheasant numbers are good in the state, so I'm sure I will get out to chase them from time to time.

How tough is it to figure out the snow geese there? I don't own snow decoys, so I imagine I am probably out of luck there.

Are there any remote roadless sections in the western part of the state which offer good mule deer hunting? I would like to do a backpack hunting trip if it is feasible, but I have no idea if there are remote sections to do it in.

How is the trout fishing throughout the state? I read up some of it on the Game and Parks comission HSOforum but it wasn't that informative. Are there streams/rivers in the western part of the state which offer those opportunities?

I have also checked into the sandhills area and around Valentine. It appears that is a diverse area with lots to do. Has anyone out there fished the Niobrara, if so what's in there?

I obviously have a lot more questions than answers, but I am fearing that my hunting and fishing opportunities may suffer if I don't get some of these things figured out soon.

Any info would be appreciated.

[prov1900]

You are probably in the best part of the state for all the things you have mentioned. Not sure about the trout, but I am sure there are some stocked streams not far from the area. A lot of your questions can be answered at Cabelas as they have one in Kearney. Sherman Res, Calamus Res, Johnson Lake, Elwood Res, and Harlan County Resevoir are all within a short drive. Those lakes rock for walleyes, wipers, catfish, etc. The I-80 chain of lakes are thick in the Kearney area, that will suffice your quest for bass. Don't know much about fishing the rivers in your area, but I would have to guess that catfish and ducks/geese will be your mainstay.

Valentine has Merrit Resevoir which is a great musky lake, plus walleyes and everything else. Valentine Refuge lakes are world class fisheries for panfish through the ice.

You will have your choice between mule deer and whitetail. Don't overlook the turkey hunting opportunities.

I am not a snow goose hunter, but have been through that area during snow goose season. Millions and millions of them.

You may not realize it, but you have struck gold. Kearney is an awesome city with lots to do, plus great golf courses and restaurants/bars. Have fun and keep us posted. I am jealous.

[HuskerBen]

I spent a couple years in Kearney. You can't spell "drunk" without UNK.

I agree with what Prov said. The I-80 lakes are great for fishing, waterfowling is awesome all over (you'll be in the main flyway). The Platte is good for catfish, and there are some WMAs within a short drive that provide decent deer hunting opportunities. Kearney is along the border that separates whitetail country from muley country, and they are both there (in good numbers, last time I hunted out that way). Predator hunting can be incredible, too.

Cunningham's Journal usually has some pretty good drink specials. O'Malley's, too, if either of those places are still there. It's been a while.

I think you'll like it.