Just thought I'd weigh-in on the water controversy as it relates to Harlan. I often complain (privately, more like grumble), about the water fluctuations and the impact on the bass fishery in Harlan. The Republican River "Water Wars" has absolutely nothing to with fisheries, but rather agriculture. As fisher-people, we are at the mercy of the decision makers and nothing is more frustrating than getting back something lost and seeing it lost again. Hopefully not this time!
Harlan County Reservoir has a checkered past when it comes to black bass populations. Over the years, the quality of the bass fishing has fluctuated, directly coinciding with water levels. In the 90's, the bass population was solid. During the early 2000's, when the drought took it's toll, the population plummeted. But, as it turns out, that was a good thing! During the low water years, vegetation and trees reclaimed the dry banks, trails were cut by vehicles and people took notice (a few of us did) of the long hidden features such as reefs, rock piles and ditches. When the water returned, so did the bass. Now, Harlan is as good a bass lake as any I fish. Last night was a perfect example. I had a little time, so I decided to walk the bank and chuck a frog. Wow, 10 bass in one hour. Nothing was smaller than 3 lbs and my biggest was solid (6-7 lbs). Why didn't I take the boat? Time, but that is a different subject for another day. Back to the water.
While large scale fluctuations are detrimental to bass populations, they are a constant reminder that life is a delicate balance often affected by factors out of our control. The recent decision to send the water in Nebraska to Kansas caused a lot of concern amongst fisherman. Yes, we have absolutely no say in the decision, but we do have an opinion. I, for one, was very relieved to hear that an agreement has been reached to keep the water in Harlan this year and I applaud the decision makers for compromising. Our bass fishery is currently in the spawn stage and falling water would devastate this years class of new fish. My eagerness and anticipation is renewed for the coming year. Stable water, a solid population of bass and renewed interest WILL result in a great year.
I have already seen club tournaments on the lake, heard "dock talk" at tournaments about Harlan and have seen schedules adding Harlan. The Western Nebraska Tournament Trail is scheduled to fish June 1st and 2nd and the 2013 Nebraska State High School Tournament is scheduled for July. Press coverage, especially for the high school tournament should result in significant gains in interest for our lake. This is great! The community will benefit, anglers will benefit, we all win. Yes, fisherman like to keep secrets, but this isn't one of them. We need interest, lots of it. The fishing is great and the more people who experience it, the better we manage it in the future. Tell your friends, tell your non-friends.
I want to recognize one party here. They usually get criticized, and they are not always right in their approach, but nobody is perfect and no one is always right. However, they have succeeded here. The Nebraska Game and Parks has stocked Harlan with Largemouth Bass nearly every year since the water returned. They are currently working on habitat improvement and are trying to help the fishery here. No, they can't control the water, but they can influence the habitat. Additionally, they changed regulations this year to allow 5 fish limits. This will help. Nebraska has never had a great bass tournament lake, but Harlan can be that destination. We have a large number of dedicated bass fisherman in our state and it would be nice to have a tournament lake in our borders. If your a bass fisherman, send them a letter, email, phone call, something. Your opinion matters!
Now for the good stuff. We have tournaments coming up and it is going to be a slug-fest! Bass will be post spawn, but expect good weights. I predict the WNTT in June will take 20 plus pounds to win, maybe even to get a check. Big bass will be over six, probably seven or better and 5 fish limits will be the rule, not the exception. Of course this is barring some freak June snowstorm or something (this is Nebraska)! If we have any kind of decent weather, it will take a huge sack to win. You heard it here.
So if your available June 1st and/or 2nd, check out the Western Nebraska Tournament Trail and enter. If not, check out the weigh-in at Patterson's Harbor or find the results on the WNTT site, WNTT Facebook or here. It will be a treat.
God Bless and good fishing!
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