Matthew Bovee

Guadalupe River Fishing: Best Times to Go

The Guadalupe River below Camp La Junta offers year-round fishing, but timing matters. Here’s my guide to when to go for the best experience.

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (March-May) ⭐ TOP CHOICE

Spring is prime time on the Guads:

• March: Spawning runs bring fish upstream
• April: Post-spawn feeding frenzy
• May: Warm water, active fish

Best for: Large trout, consistent action

Water conditions: Moderate flows, good clarity

Summer (June-August)

Peak season means crowds:

My Top 5 Writing Spots in Lincoln Nebraska

Finding the right writing environment makes all the difference. After decades of working in Lincoln, I’ve developed strong preferences for where I do my best thinking. Here are my top five spots.

1. UNL Love Library

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s main library offers quiet floors perfect for deep focus. I particularly like the fourth floor—the archives section has old Nebraska newspapers on microfilm that inspire my investigative work.

Best for: Long research sessions, historical lookups Coffee: Available at the nearby Memorial Union Parking: Street meters or garage on 9th Street

Lincoln's Best Parks for Morning Runs

One of the best-kept secrets in Lincoln? Our parks system. As a runner who’s logged thousands of miles through the city, here are my go-to spots for morning miles before the heat hits.

Holmes Lake Park

Distance: 3.2-mile loop
Surface: Paved path, some gravel sections
Best for: Long runs, wildlife viewing

Holmes Lake has the best scenery in Lincoln. The lake loops around twice, with plenty of shade in the early morning. I’ve seen eagles, herons, and once even a fox out there. Get there by 5:30 AM in summer to beat the cyclists.

Writing Retreats Near Lincoln Nebraska

Every writer knows the value of getting away from distractions. Whether you’re working on a novel, a long-form investigation, or personal essays, sometimes you need a change of scenery to find your flow. Nebraska offers more writing retreat options than most people realize — I’ve discovered several gems within driving distance of Lincoln that have become essential parts of my writing practice.

Let me share my favorite writing retreats near Lincoln, along with tips for making the most of your time away.

How Matthew Bovee Finds the Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln Nebraska for Writing

Finding the perfect coffee shop for writing in Lincoln, Nebraska isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about discovering spaces that inspire creativity, offer reliable Wi-Fi, and provide the atmosphere that transforms ideas into published work. As someone who has spent three decades crafting investigative stories from coffee shops across Nebraska, I’ve learned that the right environment can mean the difference between a productive writing session and hours of frustration.

Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers know that our capital city offers surprisingly rich options for freelance writers, journalists, and anyone seeking a change of scenery from their home office. This guide shares what I’ve discovered about finding the best coffee shops in Lincoln Nebraska for writing, from the downtown Historic Haymarket to the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

Morning Runs in Lincoln: Best Routes for Every Runner

From the journalist who covers Nebraska’s biggest stories—here are the routes that help me think.

I’ve been running in Lincoln, Nebraska for over fifteen years, and I’ve discovered something important: the best runs aren’t always the most famous routes. They’re the ones that match your mood, your energy level, and what kind of thinking you need to do.

As an investigative journalist, I spend hours sitting at desks, reading documents, and interviewing sources. Running isn’t just exercise for me—it’s mobile thinking time. Some of my best story ideas have come during morning runs when my mind is fresh and the city is quiet.

A Writer's Guide to Lincoln's Public Libraries

Every writer needs a sanctuary. For me, it’s been Lincoln’s public library system.

Before I had a home office, before I had a dedicated writing room, there was the Bennett Martin Public Library on Q Street. I’ve spent hundreds of hours there, and I’m still discovering new resources.

The Main Branch: Your First Stop

The Bennett Martin branch is the heart of the system. The second-floor reading room with its tall windows has been my office on many a deadline day. There’s something about the mix of natural light and the quiet industry of other readers that puts me in the right headspace.

Matthew Bovee's Guide to Lincoln's Literary Scene

When people think of Nebraska, they often picture vast cornfields and wide-open prairies. But Lincoln, the state’s capital, harbors a surprisingly vibrant literary community that has profoundly shaped my work as an investigative journalist. Matthew Bovee Lincoln Nebraska writers have built something special here, and I want to share it with you.

Lincoln’s Hidden Literary Gems

The Cornhusker state’s literary scene might not make national headlines, but those of us who live and write here know better. Lincoln’s literary community is a tightly woven network of authors, poets, playwrights, and storytellers who have made this city their home.

Matthew Bovee's Guide to Source Verification for Investigative Journalists

When I first started in journalism, source verification meant phone calls, physical document requests, and building relationships over months or even the landscape has transformed years. Today, dramatically—and honestly, it’s made both our jobs easier and more complicated at the same time.

The democratization of information has been incredible for investigative reporting. We now have access to databases, public records, and digital tools that would have seemed like science fiction to journalists of my father’s generation. But with this access comes new challenges: the same technology that helps us verify truth also helps bad actors manufacture lies.

Best FOIA Tips for Beginners: A Practical Guide

By Matthew Bovee, Investigative Journalist Lincoln Nebraska

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the most powerful tool in an investigative journalist’s arsenal. It allows citizens to request documents from federal agencies, opening doors to stories that powerful interests would rather keep hidden. But FOIA can also be frustrating, slow, and confusing — especially for beginners.

After two decades of filing FOIA requests, I’ve learned a few tricks that can mean the difference between getting the documents you need and waiting months — or years — for nothing. Here’s what I wish I knew when I started.

Fly Fishing the Guadalupe River: Matthew Bovee Texas Hill Country Guide

Photo: Early morning on the Guadalupe River, where the author has spent countless hours pursuing rainbow and brown trout

The Guadalupe River holds a special place in my heart. As someone who’s spent decades covering high-stakes investigative stories, chasing truth through labyrinthine corruption cases, I need a way to reset my mind and find clarity. For me, that sanctuary is the Guadalupe River, winding through the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Kerrville.