New restaurant open for business at Mahoney State Park

Owners Brian and Jayme Cadwallader also own and operate the Salty Dog Bar and Grill in Council Bluffs and are preparing to build a second restaurant in downtown Council Bluffs. The Salty Dog is well-known for its wings and burgers, homemade fries and other home-cooked fare. The Caddy’s Parkside Grill menu provides a family dining menu similar to that of the Cadwalladers’ other restaurant. See the full menu online, under the “dining and concessions” tab.

During March and April, no park entry permit will be required for patrons who come to the park to dine at Caddy’s Parkside Grill. Those patrons must park in the designated parking lots immediately adjacent to the Peter Kiewit Lodge. Access to all other areas of the park will require a park permit, which can be obtained at the Peter Kiewit Lodge front desk.

In addition to operating the restaurant, Caddy’s Parkside Grill will cater park events such as family reunions, weddings and corporate outings. There also are plans to serve holiday buffets. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and eventually will offer breakfast.

Catchable-size rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds, park lakes, and other waters across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this early spring.

It’s also a chance to get started on the Trout Slam challenge! Starting this spring, anglers who catch all four species of trout – rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat – can earn a certificate, pin and bragging rights. Learn more at our website.

Trout fishing is also a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple of feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the split shot. Trout also can be caught with spinners, salmon eggs, dough baits and artificial flies.

The stocked trout are approximately 10 inches in length. See a full stocking schedule at our website.

Applicants for archery paddlefish permits are advised to be aware of a change to the payment system this year.

Application fees are $33 for residents and $57 for nonresidents. Starting this year, $7 of that fee is due at the time of application. The remainder ($26 for residents, $50 for nonresidents) is due, if a permit is awarded, within 15 days of draw notification.

Applications will be accepted March 1-14. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. and online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 14.

Permits will be issued in a random drawing based on preference points earned; applicants with the most preference points will receive the greatest priority. Any permits remaining following the drawing will be sold on a first-come basis beginning at 1 p.m. on May 1.

Read additional details online. For a “how to” guide on applying according to the new system, visit our website.

Warm weather… growing things… no doubt, spring is a great time to be outside, enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer.

Here at Nebraska Game and Parks, we’ve cooked up some fun events to spice up your spring and help you enjoy this new season to the fullest.

From Easter egg hunts, to a beer and bacon feast, to spring migration tours, and even a gnome hunt, you’re sure to find something unique and fun to do in our spring events guide. See you out there!