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The secret is out; national magazine praises fishing in Western Nebraska
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Efforts to promote Nebraska tourism this summer resulted in a rare local visit from several travel writers, fishing and golf journalists representing several national magazines. Getting them here seemed to be the difficult part, with Red Willow County Tourism Director Carol Schlegel saying at the time the press tour was a first in her experience with the Nebraska tourism industry. As many locals would likely have guessed, though, the fishing enthusiasts were more than happy with what the area had to offer.
The first article stemming from the visit hit the stands in the form of a fall issue of Bassin' Magazine recently.
Brad Uhl, publisher of Bassin' Magazine, Crappie World and Catfish World, estimated more than 2000 fish were caught during their six day Nebraska adventure, "and uncountable views of spectacular wildlife."
Uhl flew into Denver and after meeting with Ben Duchesney of Kayak Angler Magazine, the pair began their Nebraska fishing tour at Swanson Reservoir with local fishing guide Steve Lytle.
The Hitchcock County lake turned out to be the perfect choice to begin their fishing trip, catching their first fish as they were still on the rocks at the boat ramp. Uhl said the trio gave up on counting the number they caught, after each had exceeded more than 30 and continued to reel them in every other cast or better.
Their initial experience exceeded expectations during what was supposed to be a quick, late afternoon, fishing trip following their drive from Denver. Understandably, they were excited to see what the morning bite at Swanson had to offer.
Uhl chronicles the entire trip, beginning at Swanson Reservoir and ending at Lake McConaughy, north of Ogallala, in the Fall 2013 ICAST issue of Bassin' Magazine. His story praises not only the impressive fishing they were treated to, but also touches on local eateries, accommodations and the general hospitality they experienced while bouncing around western Nebraska.
Copies of the magazine are available for $3.99 by calling 1-800-554-1999, or visiting: www.bassinonline.com
Kayak Angler Magazine is anticipated to have a similar article published this month and the golf writers communicated their reviews would likely be out next spring, according to Schlegel.