What special fishing regulations apply at Box Butte Reservoir?

Box Butte Reservoir carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Nebraska's statewide 2026 rules, covering Walleye. One of them reads: "Walleye 15 in min + one over 22 in + 4 / day; northern pike no minimum + 10 / day high-bag (only three may be over 22 in and only one of those over 34 in); perch 15 / day combined; largemouth + smallmouth + spotted bass 15 in min + one over 21 in + 5 aggregate; crappie 15 / day combined; western Panhandle reservoir." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Box Butte Reservoir?

Yes. Box Butte Reservoir is in Nebraska, so a valid Nebraska fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Box Butte Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Nebraska rules.

Do Box Butte Reservoir's special rules replace Nebraska's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Nebraska's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Box Butte Reservoir by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Box Butte Reservoir?

Walleye has a water-body-specific rule on Box Butte Reservoir, each linking to its full Nebraska regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Nebraska limits.

2026 regulation year

Box Butte Reservoir 2026 — Nebraska Fishing Regulations

Nebraska statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Box Butte Reservoir carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Nebraska's 2026 fishing rules — covering Walleye. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Walleye 15 in min + one over 22 in + 4 / day; northern pike no minimum + 10 / day high-bag (only three may be over 22 in and only one of those over 34 in); perch 15 / day combined; largemouth + smallmouth + spotted bass 15 in min + one over 21 in + 5 aggregate; crappie 15 / day combined; western Panhandle reservoir
Source: Nebraska special-water list

Per-species rules on Box Butte Reservoir

Walleye regulations →
15 in min, 4 / day; western Panhandle reservoir

Official source

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) publishes the authoritative 2026 Nebraska fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Nebraska fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Nebraska Game & Parks Commission's emergency-order feed — check it before any Nebraska trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Nebraska

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Box Butte Reservoir?: Box Butte Reservoir carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Nebraska's statewide 2026 rules, covering Walleye. One of them reads: "Walleye 15 in min + one over 22 in + 4 / day; northern pike no minimum + 10 / day high-bag (only three may be over 22 in and only one of those over 34 in); perch 15 / day combined; largemouth + smallmouth + spotted bass 15 in min + one over 21 in + 5 aggregate; crappie 15 / day combined; western Panhandle reservoir." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Box Butte Reservoir?: Yes. Box Butte Reservoir is in Nebraska, so a valid Nebraska fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Box Butte Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Nebraska rules.
Do Box Butte Reservoir's special rules replace Nebraska's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Nebraska's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Box Butte Reservoir by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Box Butte Reservoir?: Walleye has a water-body-specific rule on Box Butte Reservoir, each linking to its full Nebraska regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Nebraska limits.

← Back to Nebraska regulations overview