LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials have begun collecting walleye eggs to help stock Nebraska waters with the fish.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says staffers began collecting walleyes Monday night at Sherman Reservoir, when the dam is closed. It also plans to collect adult, spawning walleyes in Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy in April, based on the results of collection efforts at Sherman Reservoir.

Anglers and boaters must avoid Game and Parks boats and nets at all three reservoirs.

Commission plans to collect approximately 76 million eggs to meet walleye stocking requests for Nebraska waters this year.