What special fishing regulations apply at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Nebraska's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass. One of them reads: "Black bass (largemouth + smallmouth + spotted) 15 in minimum + one fish 21 in or longer + 5 aggregate + 10 in possession (managed under the NGPC inland-waters black-bass rule alongside Snyder Bend + Lake Yankton); Missouri River oxbow on the NE / IA border in Washington County — largemouth + crappie + bluegill + channel catfish." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?

Yes. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is in Nebraska, so a valid Nebraska fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for DeSoto NWR; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Nebraska rules.

Do DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge's special rules replace Nebraska's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Nebraska's statewide 2026 regulations apply on DeSoto NWR by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on DeSoto NWR?

Largemouth bass has a water-body-specific rule on DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, each linking to its full Nebraska regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Nebraska limits.

2026 regulation year

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge 2026 — Nebraska Fishing Regulations

Nebraska statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Nebraska's 2026 fishing rules — covering Largemouth bass. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Black bass (largemouth + smallmouth + spotted) 15 in minimum + one fish 21 in or longer + 5 aggregate + 10 in possession (managed under the NGPC inland-waters black-bass rule alongside Snyder Bend + Lake Yankton); Missouri River oxbow on the NE / IA border in Washington County — largemouth + crappie + bluegill + channel catfish
Source: Nebraska special-water list

Per-species rules on DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

Largemouth bass regulations →
15 in minimum + one over 21 in + 5 aggregate; Missouri River oxbow refuge on the NE/IA border

Official source

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) publishes the authoritative 2026 Nebraska fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Nebraska fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Nebraska Game & Parks Commission's emergency-order feed — check it before any Nebraska trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Nebraska

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Nebraska's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass. One of them reads: "Black bass (largemouth + smallmouth + spotted) 15 in minimum + one fish 21 in or longer + 5 aggregate + 10 in possession (managed under the NGPC inland-waters black-bass rule alongside Snyder Bend + Lake Yankton); Missouri River oxbow on the NE / IA border in Washington County — largemouth + crappie + bluegill + channel catfish." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge?: Yes. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is in Nebraska, so a valid Nebraska fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for DeSoto NWR; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Nebraska rules.
Do DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge's special rules replace Nebraska's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Nebraska's statewide 2026 regulations apply on DeSoto NWR by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on DeSoto NWR?: Largemouth bass has a water-body-specific rule on DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, each linking to its full Nebraska regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Nebraska limits.

← Back to Nebraska regulations overview