Box Butte Dam and reservoir are features of the Mirage Flats Project. Recreation is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Water is stored in Box Butte Reservoir, Mirage Flats Project, on the Niobrara River about 10 miles north of Hemingford, Nebraska. The reservoir lies in the arid western Niobrara River Valley in the northwestern section of the Nebraska Panhandle. The reservoir is surrounded by dense cottonwood and willow trees. It is easily one of the best birding areas in the Panhandle. Sightings since 1973 has produced a list of over 200 species.Reservoir open 24 hours. Good access roads. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish. This is an irrigation supply reservoir experiencing minor water level fluctuations. The reservoir has 1,600 water surface acres, 612 land acres and 14 miles of shoreline. There are locations suitable for picnicking around the lakeshore. Current Reservoir Levels