The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Box Butte Reservoir
Dawes County, Nebraska · 1,600 acres (2.5 sq mi)
53°F water, windy Friday (15 mph SSE).
About Box Butte Reservoir
Box Butte Reservoir spreads over 1,600 acres in Dawes County, Nebraska. Box Butte Dam holds it back on the Niobrara River. Box Butte Reservoir impounds the Niobrara River in Dawes County, Nebraska.
It stretches about 2.9 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 7 miles. At about 3,990 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Chadron, is about 25 miles north.
- Size
- 1,600 acres (2.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7 miles
- End to end
- About 2.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,990 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Box Butte Dam, Niobrara River
- County
- Dawes County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 7:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Box Butte Reservoir
The fish here: northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch and catfish. With the surface at 53°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:41 am · sunset 4:31 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Box Butte Reservoir
- Chadronabout 25 mi north
- Allianceabout 26 mi southeast
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Questions about Box Butte Reservoir
What fish are in Box Butte Reservoir?
Box Butte Reservoir holds northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Box Butte Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Box Butte Reservoir?
1,600 acres, with about 7 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Box Butte Reservoir?
Chadron is about 25 miles north; Alliance is about 26 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Box Butte Reservoir today?
The surface was about 53°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Box Butte Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
