HALLAM - The Nebraska Game and Parks commission is hoping to get people excited about the number of outdoor activities the state has to offer.

As part of the effort to do just that, this Saturday will be free fishing and park entry day. Daryl Bauer of the commissions fisheries division says the goal is to get people outdoors and maybe even get hooked on it.

“It’s something we’ve done for a number of years, and we did it just to get people out to sample state parks and state recreation areas, sample our fishing, do it for a day, and hopefully get hooked on it by seeing what Nebraska has to offer."

Entry to parks is totally free, with a park entry permit not necessary and fishing can be done without a permit. Charges still are required for camping and cabins. As for what Bauer recommends Nebraskans do to take advantage of the day…

“You know me! I take the kids, grab the poles and go fishing!” Bauer said. “But there’s a variety of activities. Hike, bike, explore the playgrounds on our camp and recreation areas, but I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll enjoy.”

As far as a current fishing update, Bauer says drought is something Game and Parks is noticing, but the fishing remains adequate.

“Yes, we are suffering from drought and we have low waters on some of our waters, but that doesn’t meant the fishing is down,” Bauer said. “In fact, when the waters down, the fishing is sometimes pretty good. Hopefully we get some rain because we’d like to see our reservoirs get filled back up, but get out and take advantage of it. I know the last few weeks the fishing reports and pictures have just exploded.”