Fishing Box Butte Reservoir
AKA: Box Butte Lake
Popular Fish Species Box Butte Reservoir, NE
Walleye Fishing
Box Butte Reservoir is home to a significant population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Box Butte Reservoir is home to yellow perch, which tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is very popular at Box Butte Reservoir. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Box Butte Reservoir in Nebraska.
Box Butte Reservoir Fishing Video
Whether you enjoy warm-weather fishing or fishing through the ice in winter, Box Butte Reservoir offers both. This 1,600-acre lake in the northwest part of the state has a variety of fish species including bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish and northern pike.
Box Butte Reservoir, located near Hemingford, Nebraska, is a beloved destination for fishing enthusiasts. Covering approximately 1,600 acres, this scenic reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities. Box Butte Reservoir is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular spot for anglers of all skill levels. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and channel catfish. Anglers can explore the reservoir's submerged structures, rocky shorelines, and weed beds to target these prized fish.
Fluctuating water levels change the size and fishing opportunities. When full, it offers shallow cover in the river end as well as deeper structure in the main part of the lake. This is a decent lake for fishing from shore, from a kayak or canoe, or from a variety of other fishing boats.
Primary fish species residing in Box Butte Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Box Butte Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to fishing, Box Butte Reservoir is a haven for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the reservoir's calm waters, taking in the beautiful surroundings and peaceful ambiance. The reservoir provides ample space for various water activities, such as motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Whether it's a leisurely boat ride or an exciting water sports adventure, Box Butte Reservoir offers a delightful boating experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Box Butte State Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Box Butte State Recreation Area Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Box Butte Reservoir
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.
Camping options are available near Box Butte Reservoir, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Box Butte Reservoir provides the opportunity to wake up to serene reservoir views, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Box Butte Reservoir SRA Campground - 308 665-2903
Box Butte Reservoir NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Box Butte Reservoir
Box Butte Reservoir SRA
PO Box 392
Crawford, NE 69339-0392
308 665-2903
Fishing lakes in each state.
090524
Box Butte Reservoir in Nebraska
NEBRASKA
Fishing at Box Butte Reservoir, in Nebraska.
Bass, crappie and walleye fishing in northwest NE.
