Trout Fishing at Merrill Creek

[Brad W]

Considering taking my son (8 years old) up to Merrill Creek to try and get him his first laker this weekend. Anyone know if the lake as turned over yet or have a fishing report? Was thinking about trolling the shoreline back and forth in 20 - 40 feet of water looking for some fish. Any advice would be welcome.

[flatcreek]

I went up there a couple time early summer and fished herring a turn or two off the bottom anchored in 75' of water. Dead or alive herring, some say cut them and they work better.

[kcritch]

I don't know about Merrill for Lakers but i have fished Round Valley with a buddy of mine and I know they got tons of 'em in there. You could ask the guys at Lebanon Bait (on this site under Tackle and Bait) what's going on there right now as well. They always have the skinny on that place. Just another option if you don't come up with a good plan for Merrill.

Good luck ......and great job getting the boy out there! Those are great times. Mine are 18 and 21 now and still will go fishing with the old man every once in while.

[baetis]

I haven't fished Merril in some time, but when I did the lakers we got were always caught on the bottom with herring.

[jimmythegreek]

If you have a fishfinder mark the first 2 fish u see and fish that depth. If you dont have downriggers use a 3 way swivel w a heavy 1-2-3oz sinker w a dropper the proper depth from bottom. Use a long leader like 4 feet to a nose hooked herring and just drift it

[AndyS]

You want lake trout, Merrill Creek Res. is INFESTED with them.

Anchor up and drop ANYTHING to the bottom in +70 F.O.W.

[kcritch]

Did you end up going to Merrill? How did you do?