LivewellNebraska · Dawes County · Reservoir
Box Butte Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Box Butte Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
2 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Nebraska also has statewide guidance
Nebraska publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 1 recommendation covering 1 species — in addition to anything listed for Box Butte Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Box Butte Reservoir
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Is it legal to keep?
These are Nebraska's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 4 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Sauger | — | 4 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 3 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 40" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Crappie | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Flathead Catfish | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Bass | — | 15 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | — | 15 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Rainbow Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Nebraska — Nebraska Game & Parks
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.3 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 1.3 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.