Box Butte Reservoir Fishing Report Guide
Box Butte Reservoir Fishing Report Guide
Hey there, fishing friends! Welcome to the ultimate fishing guide for Box Butte Reservoir in beautiful Nebraska. If you’re looking for an awesome fishing spot with plenty of space to cast your line, Box Butte Reservoir is the place to be. This guide will give you everything you need to know to have a fantastic fishing trip, from lake details to the best spots to fish, and even some great places to park your RV nearby. Let’s dive right in!
About Box Butte Reservoir Fishing
Box Butte Reservoir is a hidden gem in the Nebraska Panhandle, offering a peaceful and scenic environment perfect for anglers of all levels. The reservoir was created by damming the Niobrara River and provides water for irrigation and recreation. With its clear waters and diverse fish population, it’s a top destination for anyone looking to enjoy a day out on the water.
The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and open prairies, making it a picturesque spot for not just fishing, but also picnicking, bird-watching, and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, you’ll find plenty to love about Box Butte Reservoir.
Box Butte Reservoir Fishing Details
Here are the key details you need to know about Box Butte Reservoir:
- Surface Area: 1,600 acres
- Shoreline: 14 miles
- Average Depth: 25 feet
- Max Depth: 42 feet
- Surface Elevation: 3,840 feet
- Location: Dawes County, Nebraska
- Coordinates: 42.5986° N, 103.1736° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car with ample parking spaces
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, picnic areas, campgrounds, restrooms, and fishing piers
Types of Fish in Box Butte Reservoir
Box Butte Reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, making it an exciting spot for anglers. Here are some of the most common fish you can catch here and where you might find them:
- Largemouth Bass: Often found in the shallow, weedy areas of the lake, especially near the shoreline and around submerged structures.
- Smallmouth Bass: Typically found in rocky areas and near the dam, preferring deeper, cooler waters.
- Walleye: Commonly located in deeper parts of the lake, especially around the drop-offs and submerged points.
- Channel Catfish: These bottom dwellers can be found throughout the lake, particularly in the deeper channels and near the inflow from the Niobrara River.
- Crappie: Usually found around submerged trees and brush piles, as well as in the shallower, calmer bays.
- Bluegill and Sunfish: Often found in the weedy, shallow areas near the shore, making them perfect for kids and beginners.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle
Using the right bait and tackle can make a big difference in your fishing success. Here are some recommendations for what to use at Box Butte Reservoir:
- Largemouth Bass: Soft plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits work well. Try using green or brown colors to mimic the natural prey.
- Smallmouth Bass: Jigs and live bait like minnows or crayfish are effective. Use natural colors like brown, black, or green.
- Walleye: Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are popular. Crankbaits and spinner rigs can also be effective, especially in deeper waters.
- Channel Catfish: Stink baits, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers are great choices. Use a heavier line and sturdy hooks to handle these strong fish.
- Crappie: Small jigs and live minnows are your best bet. Light tackle and a slow presentation work well around submerged structures.
- Bluegill and Sunfish: Small hooks with worms, crickets, or small jigs are perfect. These fish are not too picky and are great for beginners.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver has proven that its slender profile and tight wiggle produce big walleye and bass.
- DOUBLE-BLADE UNIQUE DESIGN – TRUSCEND fishing lures for bass uses a double-blade rotating tail design, which delivers a heavy sputter as it moves across the surface, create noise and commotion that fish can not ignore. It also “roll resistant” and works well at a variety of speeds. Interestingly, when the monster bass bites the top water fishing lures, its tail will close to prevent the bass from spitting it out.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Box Butte Reservoir Fishing
To maximize your chances of catching fish, it helps to know where to go. Here are some of the best spots to fish at Box Butte Reservoir:
- Near the Dam: This area is great for smallmouth bass and walleye. The deeper, cooler waters attract these species.
- Shallow Weedy Areas: Perfect for largemouth bass, bluegill, and sunfish. Look for spots with lots of vegetation and structure.
- Submerged Trees and Brush Piles: Ideal for crappie and other panfish. These structures provide shelter and food for the fish.
- Deeper Channels: Excellent for channel catfish. These fish like to hang out in the deeper, slower-moving waters.
- Drop-offs and Points: Great for walleye and bass. These areas provide a change in depth that attracts fish.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you have a successful fishing trip at Box Butte Reservoir:
- Early Morning and Late Evening: These times are typically the best for fishing, as fish are more active when the temperatures are cooler.
- Seasonal Patterns: In the spring and fall, fish tend to be in shallower waters. In the summer, they move to deeper, cooler areas.
- Weather Conditions: Overcast days can be great for fishing, as fish are more likely to be near the surface and more active.
- Boat Fishing: If you have access to a boat, it can help you reach deeper waters and more remote spots on the lake.
- Local Knowledge: Talk to local anglers and bait shops for up-to-date information on what’s working best.
Box Butte Reservoir Fishing Reviews
Here are some positive reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Box Butte Reservoir:
- John D.: “Box Butte Reservoir is my go-to spot for bass fishing. The variety and size of fish here are amazing. I always have a great time!”
- Samantha K.: “I love bringing my family here. The kids have a blast catching bluegill and sunfish near the shore. It’s a perfect family-friendly fishing spot.”
- Mike P.: “The walleye fishing at Box Butte is top-notch. I’ve had some of my best catches here, especially around the dam area.”
- Lisa T.: “Beautiful scenery and great fishing. We always catch something, whether it’s bass, crappie, or catfish. Highly recommend!”
- Tom R.: “Box Butte Reservoir is a hidden gem. It’s never too crowded, and the fishing is consistently good. I’ve caught some real trophy fish here.”
Top-Rated RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds
If you’re planning to stay near Box Butte Reservoir, here are five top-rated RV parks and campgrounds to consider:
- Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area
- Features: Spacious campsites, picnic areas, restrooms
- Amenities: Fishing piers, boat ramps, hiking trails
- Hookups: No hookups available
- Distance to Lake: On-site
- Fort Robinson State Park
- Features: Historic sites, hiking trails, horseback riding
- Amenities: Full hookups, showers, laundry facilities
- Hookups: Full hookups
- Distance to Lake: 30 miles
- Chadron State Park
- Features: Scenic views, swimming pool, hiking trails
- Amenities: Electric hookups, restrooms, showers
- Hookups: Electric hookups
- Distance to Lake: 40 miles
- Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
- Features: Beautiful forested area, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Amenities: Primitive camping, picnic areas
- Hookups: No hookups available
- Distance to Lake: 25 miles
- Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
- Features: Large reservoir, boating, swimming
- Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, picnic areas
- Hookups: Full hookups
- Distance to Lake: 45 miles
Closing Summary
Box Butte Reservoir is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. With its clear waters, diverse fish population, and beautiful surroundings, it offers everything you need for a perfect fishing trip. Whether you’re casting from the shore, fishing from a boat, or bringing the family for a fun day out, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at this Nebraska gem.
Remember to bring the right gear, try different spots around the lake, and take advantage of the local amenities to make the most of your trip. Happy fishing, and we hope you reel in a big one!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time of year to fish at Box Butte Reservoir?
The best time to fish at Box Butte Reservoir is in the spring and fall when the fish are more active and closer to the shore. However, you can catch fish year-round with the right techniques.
2. Do I need a fishing license to fish at Box Butte Reservoir?
Yes, you need a valid Nebraska fishing license to fish at Box Butte Reservoir. Licenses can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
3. Can I rent a boat at Box Butte Reservoir?
There are no boat rental facilities directly at Box Butte Reservoir, so you’ll need to bring your own boat. However, there are boat ramps available for easy access to the water.
4. Are there any fishing regulations I should be aware of?
Yes, there are specific fishing regulations for Box Butte Reservoir, including size and bag limits for different fish species. Be sure to check the latest regulations from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
5. Is there a campground at Box Butte Reservoir?
Yes, there is a campground at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area with basic amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, but no hookups for RVs.
We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing fishing trip to Box Butte Reservoir. Tight lines and happy fishing!
