CFF Fish Species Contest

Cornhusker Fly Fishers
Nebraska Fish Species Contest


The 3rd Annual Cornhusker Fly Fishers Species Contest is here! This year, we’ve selected 27 fish species found across Nebraska. The goal is simple: catch as many of these species as you can on the fly between February 1 and November 30, 2025.

Participants will be recognized with achievement awards based on the number of species landed:

  • 🥉 Bronze Award – 8 species

  • 🥈 Silver Award – 13 species

  • 🥇 Gold Award – 18 species

  • 💎 Platinum Award – 23 species

  • 🏆 Diamond Award – all 27 species

Winners will be honored at our annual Christmas meeting with certificates and recognition in the club.

Bonus Fish

In addition to the official 27 species, we’ve included a “Bonus Fish” category. This applies to any non-hybrid; non-listed species caught in Nebraska waters. Examples include:

  • Pumpkinseed

  • Orange Spotted Sunfish

  • Goldfish

  • Other rare or exotic species not on the list

🐟 CFF Trout Slam

A new sub-challenge has been added to the 2025 Species Contest! Inspired by a member’s personal goal, participants can now attempt the Cornhusker Fly Fishers Trout Grand Slam.

To complete the Trout Slam, anglers must catch all six trout species found in Nebraska:

  • Rainbow Trout

  • Brown Trout

  • Brook Trout

  • Cutthroat Trout

  • Tiger Trout

  • Cut bow Trout (new addition)

Anyone completing the CFF Trout Grand Slam will receive a special certificate, presented alongside the Species Contest awards at the annual Christmas Party.

How it works:

  • Submit trout photos just like the main Species Contest.

  • Both Cut bows and Tigers will count toward the CFF Trout Slam.

    How to Enter:

  • Submit a clear photo of your catch (preferably including the angler) to cornhuskerflyfishers@gmail.com.

  • Entries may also appear in The Tippet, on this website, and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

  • Follow along throughout the year on the 2025 Fish Species Leaderboard to track progress.

Contest Rules

  • Fish must be caught on an artificial fly using a fly rod.

  • All entries must be caught between February 1 and November 30, 2025.

  • All fish must be caught within the State of Nebraska.

  • Fish may be caught from shore or any watercraft.

  • Ice fishing catches do not qualify.

  • Hybrid fish will count as the most identifiable parent species, unless otherwise listed (e.g., Tiger Trout, Wipers, Pike/Musky hybrids).

  • Bonus fish must not be a hybrid of listed species.

  • Photos must be submitted no later than December 1, 2025.

  • All participants must comply with Nebraska fishing regulations and license requirements.

  • All decisions of the CFF Executive Board are final.

    • Eligible Species (27 + Bonus)

    • Bluegill
    • Green Sunfish
    • Redear Sunfish
    • White Perch
    • Yellow Perch
    • Rock Bass
    • Crappie (Black or White)
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • White Bass
    • Hybrid Striped Bass (Wiper)
    • Walleye
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Brown Trout
    • Brook Trout
    • Tiger Trout
    • Cutthroat Trout
    • Common Carp
    • Grass Carp
    • Any Gar (Shortnose, Longnose)
    • Any Catfish (Channel, Bullhead, Flathead, Blue)
    • Freshwater Drum
    • Goldeye / Mooneye
    • Creek Chub
    • Northern Pike
    • Musky (or Pike/Musky Hybrid)
    • Bonus Fish – any non-hybrid species not listed above

Closing

This contest is a celebration of Nebraska’s diverse fisheries and the skill of our members. Tie up your flies, pack your rods, and get ready to fish.

Ready? Set? Go Fish! 🎣

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