In 1989, a dozen or so anglers responded to a World-Herald want ad inviting anyone who was interested to meet and form a walleye fishing club. The small group of people who met that day in Bellevue Nebraska was from all walks of life. Some were experienced anglers and some, like myself, just wanted to learn to catch walleye.
We decided that teaching kids to catch fish was a priority and several of us became certified instructors through Nebraska Game and Parks. Over time, this evolved into what is called Fishing is Fun. Our members hold 20 -25 kids fishing clinics each year where we teach the basics of fishing and give each one a new fishing rod. We serve an average of 2000 kids each year.
Another priority for some in the group was to sponsor walleye fishing tournaments. We held the first one at Branched Oak in 1990 and we have sponsored tournament events across the state ever since.
Today we hold 5 or 6 each year. I had never fished in a tournament before but over time, I discovered that tournament fishing was a great way to meet people and learn how to catch walleye. The old saying that “the fish are not biting” is not accurate. It just means that you didn’t figure it out. The fish are always biting.
The third priority of the group was centered around learning from each other and developing a network of friends who could share ideas and information. Out of this thought came our member’s meetings, fun events. We hold eight members’ meetings each year where we talk about our adventures and learn from each other. Subjects range from Boats and electronics to lake information and fishing methods.
The group has evolved over the years and many of us who formed the group are gone but the desire to promote walleye fishing in Nebraska is still at the heart of what we do.
Dave Nadgwick
Founding member
Nebraska Walleye Association
The NWA offers two levels of membership.
NWA Family Membership Social: $35
NWA Family Membership Tournaments: $45
The decision to offer both social and tournament memberships was based on the cost associated with each. The board did not feel it was appropriate to burden members who do not fish tournaments with those additional costs.
Family membership includes kids under 21. One vote per membership.
New Member Application Procedure
Fill out the application form below. You may fill out the online form and submit it, or you may download the form and send it in by mail.
Payment can be made by cash or check, or using Venmo or PayPal.
PayPal: [email protected]
Venmo: @dave-nadgwick
If you choose to use one of the on line payment methods, you are responsible for the charges. PayPal and Venmo charges 3.49%.
Paper membership applications should be sent to:
Dave Nadgwick
968 Pheasant Cir
Blair, NE 68008
If you have any questions or issues that I can help you with, please send an email to:
If paying by cash, please download, fill out the form, and mail it. Download the form here.