Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Nebraska can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Smallmouth bass as of March 31st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Smallmouth bass
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
5
Memorable
1 > 21
Min size
15"
Measurement
Total Length
Special gear
Aggregate
5
Possession limit = 10 black bass in aggregate (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)
Exceptions:
Selected areas listed in Public Fishing Areas section and on private waters leased in Open Fields and Waters and PATH Fishing programs: bag limit = 1 black bass
Missouri River between Nebraska and Iowa/Missouri: minimum length = 12-inches
Missouri River between Nebraska and South Dakota: no minimum length limit
Nebraska Public Power District Canal from Sutherland Reservoir outlet to confluence with South Platte River, including Lake Maloney: No minimum length limit; one 15-inches or longer
Big Elk Lake: 12-inch maximum length limit; bag limit = 2 smallmouth bass
Portal Lake: 12-inch maximum length limit; bag limit = 2 smallmouth bass
Outlet Canal is a canal located in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. Its coordinates are:
41°04′39.7″N 100°54′54.9″W
.
Find the best fishing spots on Outlet Canal by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in Outlet Canal are:
Smallmouth bass - 29 members reported to have caught this fish
White bass - 5 members reported to have caught this fish