Fishing At Merritt Reservoir

AKA: Merritt Lake

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 Reservoir 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 Reservoir

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

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 Reservoir NE Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

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

Fishing lakes in each state.