Fishing Merritt Lake

AKA: Merritt Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Merritt Lake, NE

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Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Merritt Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Merritt Lake continues to provide a robust smallmouth bass population for anglers. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

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Black Crappie Fishing

Merritt Lake holds a plentiful population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Merritt Lake in Nebraska.

Merritt Lake Fishing Video

Fed by the Snake River, Merritt Reservoir is one of the better fishing lakes in the state. This is a 1,600-acre lake in the north-central part of the state offering a multitude of water sport activities. Pontoon boats, sail boats, power boats, canoes, kayaks and all kind of fishing boats are active here.

Merritt Lake, located near Valentine, Nebraska, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. Covering over 2,800 acres, this serene lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Merritt Lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Anglers can explore the lake's shoreline, submerged structures, and weed beds to target these prized fish.

There is plenty of camping and RV spaces around the lake, some right on the waterfront. There are plenty of places to easily launch a boat. Easy access to miles of shoreline makes this an ideal lake for fishing from the bank. There is plenty of cover in the lake with submerged trees and vegetation for fish and baitfish. Walleye are the featured species here, but there are healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, pike and muskie as well. The lake has plenty of "quantity" if you are planning a fish fry, and has plenty of "quality" for the catch of a lifetime.

Primary fish species residing in Merritt Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Merritt Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Merritt Lake provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Boaters can enjoy cruising along the lake's calm waters, taking in the beautiful surroundings and peaceful ambiance. The lake allows for various water activities, such as motor boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Whether it's a leisurely boat ride or an adventurous water sports experience, Merritt Lake offers a delightful boating adventure.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Merritt Trading Post
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks
402 376-3437

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Beeds Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Beeds Landing, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Powder Horn Area Campground Boat Launch
Located in the north section of the lake, off Powderhorn Trail, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Snake River Area Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Merritt Reservoir Recreation Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Willow Cove Area Campground Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Highway 97, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Merritt Lake

Heartland Walleyes - walleye

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.

Camping options are available near Merritt Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully embrace the natural beauty of the area. The lake offers campgrounds with amenities such as tent sites, RV hookups, and access to hiking trails and picnic areas. Camping near Merritt Lake provides the opportunity to wake up to serene lake views, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Merritt Trading Post Resort Campground - 402 376-3437

Powder Horn Area Campground - 402 389-0672

Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground - 402 471-0641

Boardman Creek Area Campground - 402 389-0672

Merritt Lake NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Merritt Lake
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
NE-97 & Cedar Bay
Valentine, NE 69201
402 389-0672

Fishing lakes in each state.

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