Guide To Fishing At Merritt Lake
AKA: Merritt Reservoir
What to fish for...
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.

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.
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
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.
Click here for a Nebraska Fishing License.
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
Lake Video
Contact Information
Merritt Lake
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
NE-97 & Cedar Bay
Valentine, NE 69201
402 389-0672
Fishing lakes in each state.
Merritt Reservoir in Nebraska.
NEBRASKA


Fishing at Merritt Reservoir, in Nebraska.
Excellent walleye fishing in north-central NE.