How to Fish Merrill Creek Reservoir

Merrill Creek Reservoir fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Following daily warming trends, moving shallower in afternoons and holding deeper in early mornings Aggressively defending territory and responding to intrusion triggers as spawn approaches Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats; Main lake points with good sun exposure and transition to deeper water; Protected coves with hard bottom structure near deeper wintering areas. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions, Ned Rigs with subtle bottom contact in staging areas, Drop Shot with small profile baits for finicky fish. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish schools in transition areas, Bottom-dwelling aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Trout on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 35-45°F. Trout are actively suspending in the water column at 50-80 feet below surface, following and feeding on pelagic baitfish schools Fish are schooling and aggressive, willing to chase and strike reaction baits like rattletraps and blade baits Movement patterns are primarily dictated by baitfish location rather than structure orientation Key locations: Open water areas in 80-120 foot depths where baitfish schools are present; Points and breaks adjacent to deep basin areas; Areas where current or wind concentrates baitfish schools. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked through suspended fish at 50-80 foot depths, Blade Baits with vertical jigging presentation in the same depth range, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') during low light periods when fish may move shallower. Primary forage: Alewife schools suspended in the water column, Other pelagic baitfish species in similar size range. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Transitioning from winter depths to shallow staging areas, actively seeking warmer water in pre-spawn phase Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish becoming more aggressive in preparation for spawning Moving between deep wintering areas and shallow flats, using points and channel edges as migration routes Key locations: Secondary points and channel swings near spawning flats; Brush piles in 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning areas; Submerged grass edges where they meet deeper water. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked along grass edges and through emerging vegetation, Bladed Jigs with slow, steady retrieves near structure, Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around points and transitions. Primary forage: Bluegill gathering in pre-spawn areas, Shad schools in transition areas, Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 50-65°F. Smallmouth bass are actively spawning in shallow water, defending beds in 1-10 foot depths. Males are highly territorial and aggressive in protecting nests. Fish are highly visible in clear water conditions, with multiple reports of sight fishing success on beds Pre-spawn fish moving from deeper water to shallow spawning areas, staging on nearby points and rock piles Key locations: Boulder fields and rock piles in 1-10 foot depths, particularly those with nearby deeper water access; Points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with rocky structure; Protected shallow bays with hard bottom composition. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly on beds, finding the 'hot spot' that triggers defensive strikes, Drop Shot rigs cast from a distance to avoid spooking visible fish, Hard Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish staging on points. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas, Small minnows in spawning areas, Rainbow trout pattern baitfish near points. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Trout on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 35-45°F. Trout are actively feeding on suspended baitfish schools (alewife and minnows) in the mid-water column, typically 50-80 feet below surface Fish are schooling in open water, following baitfish movements rather than relating heavily to structure Most active during daylight hours when spring temperatures are optimal Key locations: Open water areas with suspended baitfish schools, typically in 80-120 foot total depth zones; Points and dropoffs near deep water that concentrate baitfish; Moderately complex shoreline areas where springs or tributaries enter the reservoir. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy metal jigs, Trolling Deep (20'+) with natural baitfish imitations. Primary forage: Alewife schools suspended in the water column, Various minnow species following similar patterns to alewife, Small rainbow smelt if present in the system. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Pre-spawn staging and spawning activity, with males preparing nests in protected areas while females move between staging and spawning zones Increased shallow water activity during warming trends, with fish becoming more aggressive as they prepare for spawning Key locations: Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and cover (ideal for spawning); Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays (staging areas); Submerged grass beds in 5-10 foot depth range (pre-spawn staging). Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover and potential spawning areas, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along transition areas, Swim Jigs around grass beds and staging areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Bluegill beginning to move shallow. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 60-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding while recovering from the spawn, with fish transitioning between shallow spawning areas and deeper summer haunts Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on both crawfish and baitfish in rocky areas, particularly during morning and evening periods Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range; Shallow rocky areas and rip rap in 1-10 foot range; Offshore structure with clear transition routes to spawning flats. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations, worked slowly around rock structure, Structure Jigs dragged through rocky areas, Ned Rigs worked on offshore structure. Primary forage: Crawfish active in rocky areas, Bluegill in shallow areas, Minnows around rock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 35-45°F. Trout are actively suspending in the water column at 50-80 feet, following schools of alewife and minnows in a pelagic pattern Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, responding well to reaction baits like blade baits and rattletraps Movement patterns are primarily dictated by baitfish schools rather than structure orientation Key locations: Open water areas with concentrated baitfish schools at 50-80 foot depths; Points and drop-offs where suspended baitfish congregate; Transition areas between shallow and deep water where baitfish schools stage. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with blade baits for suspended fish, Trolling Deep (20'+) targeting suspended fish following baitfish schools, Lipless Crankbaits worked through suspended baitfish schools. Primary forage: Alewife schools suspended in the water column, Various minnow species following similar suspended patterns, Young-of-year baitfish from multiple species. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, targeting abundant bluegill and shad in transitional areas between spawning flats and summer haunts Moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper structure, especially during morning hours when feeding activity peaks Key locations: Grass edges in 5-10 feet adjacent to spawning flats; Brush piles near points in 10-15 foot depth range; Secondary points with mixed vegetation and hard bottom. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked through grass edges and over vegetation, Texas Rigs (Worming) along brush piles and transition areas, Spinnerbaits parallel to points and through patchy grass. Primary forage: Bluegill gathering in spawning areas and nearby vegetation, Shad schools moving along points and creek channels. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 78-84°F. Actively feeding on baitfish in deeper water (15-30ft), especially during daylight hours, with fish relating to distinct structural elements Showing preference for both suspended feeding on baitfish schools and bottom-oriented feeding around rock piles and brush Key locations: Rock piles and brush in 12-15 feet of water; Deep structure in 20-30 feet holding suspended baitfish; Deeper grass edges with adjacent hard structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse worms, working carefully around rock piles and brush, Damiki Rig with minnow-style baits for suspended fish, Deep diving crankbaits worked along structure transitions. Primary forage: Baitfish (primarily blueback herring and shad), Bottom-oriented forage near rock piles. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 58-68°F. Trout are suspending in the water column, following baitfish schools, with shallow feeding activity during low light periods Fish are actively feeding on minnows near boulder structures in shallower water, likely during early morning and evening hours Key locations: Boulder fields in shallow water (0-9 feet) during low light periods; Suspended areas over deep water where baitfish schools are present; Points and coves with good access to deep water. Best techniques: Trolling Shallow (0-9'), Spybaits, Inline Spinners. Primary forage: Minnows, Alewife. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Blue Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 78-84°F. Fish are showing a dual pattern - active early morning in shallow water (<5ft) around laydowns, then moving deeper (10-15ft) to suspend over grass and brush piles as temperatures rise Becoming more selective during midday heat, requiring finesse presentations with lighter weights (1/16 oz) for better success Key locations: Shallow laydowns and woody cover in less than 5 feet of water (primary morning pattern); Brush piles in 10-15 feet of water (primary midday pattern); Submerged grass beds with suspended fish in 15 foot range. Best techniques: Shakey Heads with light (1/16 oz) heads for finesse presentation, Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around brush piles, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish over grass. Primary forage: Bluegill - primary forage based on recent reports, Shad - mentioned in lake profile as key forage base. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. Smallmouth bass actively feeding on alewives, following baitfish schools around mid-depth structure Fish transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding areas, using humps as primary feeding stations Key locations: Main lake humps in 15-25 foot range with access to deeper water; Rocky points adjacent to deep water; Deep weed edges where baitfish schools concentrate. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along structure, Drop Shot with baitfish imitations, Tubes dragged across rocky structure. Primary forage: Alewife, Crawfish seeking warmer rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 45-58°F. Trout actively feeding on schools of alewife and minnows in the water column, following baitfish movements throughout different depth zones Fish transitioning between summer deep water refuge and more active fall patterns, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures cool Key locations: Deep main lake points near primary creek channels in 50-80 foot depths; Suspended areas over deep basins where baitfish schools concentrate; Secondary points and steep breaks in 30-50 foot range during lowlight periods. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed to cover water and target suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics in deeper zones, Spoons worked through suspended bait schools. Primary forage: Alewife schools concentrated in deep water, Various minnow species suspending at different depths, Small baitfish transitioning from summer to fall patterns. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 62-75°F. Largemouth bass actively following shad schools into coves and creek channels as baitfish migrate to shallower water Fish transitioning between summer deep structure and shallower feeding zones, becoming more aggressive as water cools Increased feeding activity during midday as water temperatures moderate, with less emphasis on dawn/dusk periods Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to creek channels where shad schools congregate; Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range near channel swings; Shallow grass beds in 3-6 feet of water, especially near deeper water access. Best techniques: Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6'), Spinnerbaits, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Shad schools migrating to backs of creeks, Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation, Young of year baitfish in shallow zones. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Smallmouth bass are suspending near steep drop-offs and points, making periodic movements up structure to feed on available forage Fish are generally less active but will feed opportunistically during warmer parts of the day, particularly when water temperatures rise slightly Key locations: Fast-tapering points with depth transitions from 4-20 feet; Deep rock piles adjacent to points; Protected areas with hard bottom structure near deep water access. Best techniques: Football jigs dragged slowly from deep to shallow water, Drop Shot with small profile baits worked deliberately, Blade Baits worked vertically along depth transitions. Primary forage: Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas, Small baitfish schools in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Trout on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 34-42°F. Trout are suspending in deep water columns (80-120 feet) following schools of alewife and minnows Fish are actively schooling in open water, less structure-oriented during winter Key locations: Deep basin areas where baitfish schools concentrate (80-120 foot depths); Transition areas between deep basins and underwater points; Suspended zones in the middle of the water column (50-80 feet down). Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Spoons. Primary forage: Alewife schools in deep water, Various minnow species, Suspended baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Merrill Creek Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 45-55°F. Suspended largemouth bass will be staging near deep brush piles and channel swings, moving deeper during cold fronts Feeding activity concentrated during warmer parts of day, especially around baitfish schools Key locations: Deep brush piles adjacent to river channel edges in 15-25 feet; Secondary points with access to deeper water; Steep bluff walls near primary creek channels. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish, Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near structure, Shakey Heads worked methodically around brush piles. Primary forage: Suspended shad schools in deeper water, Bluegill relating to brush piles, Crawfish emerging from rocky areas during warmer periods. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals, Metallic Colors.