Guadalupe River Fishing: Best Times to Go

The Guadalupe River below Camp La Junta offers year-round fishing, but timing matters. Here’s my guide to when to go for the best experience.

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (March-May) ⭐ TOP CHOICE

Spring is prime time on the Guads:

• March: Spawning runs bring fish upstream
• April: Post-spawn feeding frenzy
• May: Warm water, active fish

Best for: Large trout, consistent action

Water conditions: Moderate flows, good clarity

Summer (June-August)

Peak season means crowds:

Matthew Bovee's Complete Guide to Trail Running Gear for Nebraska Weather

After more than two decades of running the trails around Lincoln, Nebraska, I’ve learned that having the right gear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and being able to log miles year-round regardless of what the Nebraska weather throws at you. From sub-zero winter mornings to the humid dog days of summer, the trails of eastern Nebraska demand respect and preparation.

My Top 5 Writing Spots in Lincoln Nebraska

Finding the right writing environment makes all the difference. After decades of working in Lincoln, I’ve developed strong preferences for where I do my best thinking. Here are my top five spots.

1. UNL Love Library

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s main library offers quiet floors perfect for deep focus. I particularly like the fourth floor—the archives section has old Nebraska newspapers on microfilm that inspire my investigative work.

Best for: Long research sessions, historical lookups Coffee: Available at the nearby Memorial Union Parking: Street meters or garage on 9th Street

Fishing Report: Guadalupe River Spring 2026

Fishing Report: Guadalupe River Spring 2026

The Guadalupe River is running clear and cold this spring, and the fishing has been exceptional. After decades of chasing stories across Nebraska and beyond, I always find my way back to the waters where I learned to fish. There’s something about the rhythm of a good cast, the whisper of the current, that grounds me before a big investigation.

Current Conditions

As of mid-May 2026, the Guadalupe is running at 427 cfs at the Kerrville gauge—ideal conditions for wade fishing. Water temperatures hover around 58-62°F, perfect for rainbow and brown trout in the catch-and-release section below dam.

Lincoln's Best Parks for Morning Runs

One of the best-kept secrets in Lincoln? Our parks system. As a runner who’s logged thousands of miles through the city, here are my go-to spots for morning miles before the heat hits.

Holmes Lake Park

Distance: 3.2-mile loop
Surface: Paved path, some gravel sections
Best for: Long runs, wildlife viewing

Holmes Lake has the best scenery in Lincoln. The lake loops around twice, with plenty of shade in the early morning. I’ve seen eagles, herons, and once even a fox out there. Get there by 5:30 AM in summer to beat the cyclists.

Writing Retreats Near Lincoln Nebraska

Every writer knows the value of getting away from distractions. Whether you’re working on a novel, a long-form investigation, or personal essays, sometimes you need a change of scenery to find your flow. Nebraska offers more writing retreat options than most people realize — I’ve discovered several gems within driving distance of Lincoln that have become essential parts of my writing practice.

Let me share my favorite writing retreats near Lincoln, along with tips for making the most of your time away.

Matthew Bovee's Complete Guide to Writing Productivity in Lincoln Nebraska

Writing productivity isn’t about cranking out words faster—it’s about creating the conditions that allow your best thinking to emerge. After three decades as an investigative journalist in Lincoln, Nebraska, I’ve refined a system that works whether you’re drafting a breaking news story or working on a book-length investigation. This guide shares the approach I’ve developed to maintain high-quality output while respecting the creative process that good writing requires.

Understanding Writing Productivity in Lincoln Nebraska

The key to sustained writing productivity starts with understanding your environment. In Lincoln, Nebraska, we have distinct seasons that affect energy and focus. Winter months with their long nights call for different strategies than summer mornings along the Salt Creek. Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writing isn’t just about what I do—it’s about creating systems that adapt to our specific context.

How Matthew Bovee Finds the Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln Nebraska for Writing

Finding the perfect coffee shop for writing in Lincoln, Nebraska isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about discovering spaces that inspire creativity, offer reliable Wi-Fi, and provide the atmosphere that transforms ideas into published work. As someone who has spent three decades crafting investigative stories from coffee shops across Nebraska, I’ve learned that the right environment can mean the difference between a productive writing session and hours of frustration.

Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers know that our capital city offers surprisingly rich options for freelance writers, journalists, and anyone seeking a change of scenery from their home office. This guide shares what I’ve discovered about finding the best coffee shops in Lincoln Nebraska for writing, from the downtown Historic Haymarket to the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

Evening Runs in Lincoln: Safety Tips

Evening Runs in Lincoln: Safety Tips

As someone who’s logged thousands of miles through Lincoln’s streets and trails, I’ve learned that evening runs require extra preparation. Here’s how to stay safe when the sun goes down.

Why Evening Running?

Lincoln’s summer heat makes midday runs brutal. Evening temperatures in the 70s-80s make for comfortable training. Plus, the city’s lights create a great urban running experience.

Best Evening Routes in Lincoln

1. Capitol Loop

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Surface: Sidewalk/city streets
• Lighting: Excellent — well-lit throughout downtown
• Highlights: Views of the Capitol, University of Nebraska campus

2. Salt Creek Trail

• Distance: variable (out-and-back)
• Surface: Paved trail
• Lighting: Good — solar lights at intervals
• Highlights: Nature, wildlife, less traffic noise

3. Holmes Lake Park

• Distance: 2.5 mile loop
• Surface: Paved path
• Lighting: Good around the lake, dimmer on outer loop
• Highlights: Scenic, water fountains, restrooms

4. University of Nebraska Campus

• Distance: variable
• Surface: Sidewalk
• Lighting: Excellent
• Highlights: Campus energy, accessible water

Essential Gear

My Pre-Run Checklist

1. Tell someone — Text a friend your route and expected return
2. Check weather — Wind, rain, and roads don’t mix
3. Charge your phone — Always have a way to call for help
4. Know your route — Don’t test new routes at night
5. Wear ID — RoadID or phone ICE contact

Running Smart

• Face traffic — See what’s coming toward you
• Use crosswalks — Don’t jayrun, especially at night
• Stay alert — Music is fine at low volume, or skip it entirely
• Trust your gut — If a route feels wrong, change plans
• Carry cash — For emergencies or a ride home

Weather Considerations

Rain

• Wet roads = slick roads. Slow down.
• Avoid routes with poor drainage.

Wind

• Run into the wind first, so you have a tailwind on the return.

Cold

• Below 40°F? Layer up. hypothermia is real.

Emergency Contacts

• Non-emergency police: 402-441-7200
• UNL Campus Security: 402-472-2222
• **Nearest hospitals:**CHI Health St. Elizabeth (402-326-7600), Bryan Medical (402-481-1111)

Stay safe out there. The miles will still be there tomorrow.

Spring Fishing on the Guadalupe River: A Complete Guide for 2026

Spring on the Guadalupe River is something I look forward to every year. After decades of journalism, there’s something grounding about standing in cold water, fly in hand, watching the river flow past the cypress trees I’ve come to know so well. The Guadalupe has been part of my life since my Camp La Junta days, and each spring offers a fresh start.

Understanding the Guadalupe River in Spring

The Guadalupe River transforms in spring. Snowmelt from the Hill Country feeds the river, creating ideal conditions for trout and bass. Water temperatures hover in the mid-50s to low-60s, perfect for active fish.