OK, it's 300 miles since breakfast and you're beginning to hang on the steering wheel and get a little stiff. You know from reading safety articles that one way to fight off fatigue is to stop, get out and stretch. If you are traveling along I-80 in Nebraska, you are in luck. Ever wonder about all those little lakes that border the road?

When the Interstate was built across the Cornhusker State in the 1960s, Mel Steen was Director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). He saw a way to create an unparalleled opportunity for public recreation and enhance the beauty of the state.

His idea was simple and took advantage of both a construction necessity and the unusual geologic features of the Platte River Valley. To build the Interstate, fill material would be needed to construct the roadbed. Steen knew this material could be excavated from pits dug along the right-of-way.

Once construction started, he lobbied hard to keep the pits "open" and let the second part of his vision play itself out. High water tables that lie just below the valley's surface would eventually fill these pits.

Excavations were made and many were left to fill with water, as Steen knew they would. Some pits remained under private ownership, but a chain of 52 lakes now escorts I-80 from Grand Island to Chappell, over 200 miles across the state. Nebraska's not the only state with excavation ponds (there are similar spots in Indiana near interchanges), but may be the only one promoting them for public recreation.

Veteran fishing guide Bill Vanderford has been taking truckers fishing for more than 20 years. The Atlanta, Ga.-based guide service he owns is the oldest on Lake Sidney Lanier, just north of Georgia's capital city. He's so good at what he does that he was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a "Legendary Guide." He also invented a lure that has caught literally tons of fish, from all of Alaska's salmon species to Florida's giant tarpon, toothy northern pike in Canada to Mexico's hefty bass, Costa Rica's jungle river species to hungry trout in Chile's mountain streams and in more ponds, rivers and lakes throughout the U.S. than you probably have time to fish in two lifetimes. The lure, called a "Swirlybird," is made by Vanderford (a former Formula race car driver in Europe) in a variety of colors and weights and helps him catch both fresh- and saltwater species. "I got tired of lures that caught anglers instead of fish," he says, "so I came up with a lure that really catches fish." He has even caught certified world records on his lure. How well does the lure work? On a fishing trip last summer, Vanderford and two companions caught nearly 250 fish, 10 to 12 different species, in a single day... on a public lake. According to Vanderford, that's not all that unusual. "Anglers who just fish once or twice a year tell me they catch more with a Swirlybird than any lure they've ever used, he says. "Anglers who fish all the time swear by this lure." For more information about Swirlybirds, contact Vanderford via his web site: www.fishinglanier.com or call his guide service at (770) 962-1241.

Take a break with nature

Interstate 80 through Nebraska can offer some exceptional fishing opportunities, let you practice your photography or simply provide a quiet place to get out of the cab, stretch out the kinks and enjoy the scenery.

"Anglers have quite a choice. Bluegill, crappie, walleye, wiper, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, northern pike, yellow perch, channel catfish and flathead catfish have been stocked in these lakes," says Monte Madsen, NGPC Fisheries supervisor. "We have trout at Birdwood Lake (near Exit 177) and Windmill State Recreation Area (Exit 285) in cooler months to provide fall open water and winter ice-fishing opportunities."

The lakes range in size from six to almost 50 acres. Mere feet off the Interstate, many can be fished easily from the shore, but a pair of chest waders or a belly boat can come in very handy. Fly-fishing is also popular.

Light spinning tackle and a small assortment of lures are all you need to enjoy these lakes. A note of caution: It is easy to get "lost" for a few hours and forget you were trying to get somewhere on a deadline.

"These lakes provide excellent fisheries," says Don Gabelhouse, the Fisheries' administrator. "If there is a negative side, it is our lack of promoting the resource. I don't think we have near as many nonresident anglers using these lakes as we could have.

"We need to do better at letting people know what these lakes are and what opportunities they offer," Gabelhouse continued. "I got a letter wondering that very thing from a couple in Idaho who had passed through Nebraska recently." You say you forgot your fishing tackle? No problem! I-80 takes you past two Cabela's locations. The main store is at Exit 59, or take Exit 279 east of Kearney. (Call 800-237-4444 for a free catalog.)

R&R in a recreation area

Nebraska's I-80 recreation areas can provide a scenic overnight spot for fatigued long-haulers, an alternative to often-crowded truckstop lots and rest stops. Some areas remain primitive, but others are developed and can handle big rigs. Paved roads, electrical hookups, modern shower houses and plenty of room to maneuver can make a stay very pleasant.

Many of the lakes are near interchanges where extra fill was needed to construct overpasses. Access on and off the Interstate is easy and several lakes are adjacent to truckstops. What more could a driver/angler ask for?

Like historical sites? Windmill State Recreation Area (Exit 285) has quite an array of antique windmills restored to working order, the largest standing over 60 feet tall with 200 blades in a double row configuration. Originally used by the railroad to pump water for steam locomotives, this windmill was designed to turn out of the wind when the speed became too great and could damage mechanical components.

I-80's lakes can offer photographers great opportunities during fall migrations of waterfowl. Literally millions of birds pass through Nebraska and use the Platte River and Interstate lakes to rest and feed.

Springtime offers one of the greatest natural spectacles in North America, the annual migration of some half-million Sandhill cranes. From Grand Island to Sutherland, these majestic birds congregate in the Platte River Valley from February to April.

Actually, any time of year is good for photography in Nebraska. Wide-open expanses are tailor-made for photographers who want something different. Colors that only a camera can capture blend water and sky together at dawn and dusk.

Pick up a permit

A permit is required to enter all state recreation areas in Nebraska. A day pass is $2.50, but sometimes it is difficult to find a place to purchase them. Drivers normally don't have that kind of time to waste. An annual park permit is $14. If you travel through Nebraska often, this may be your best option. Overnight fees range from free at primitive sites to $14 per night for all the modern conveniences at developed areas.

For more information about Nebraska's recreational opportunities, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at (402) 471-0641 or check out their Web site at www.ngpc.state.ne.us and request the information you need. You can even purchase a fishing permit online with a credit card.

The next time you pass through Nebraska, look at these jewels of the prairie and take a few minutes to enjoy them. You won't be disappointed.