Merrill Creek Hazard

[Jetdrive]

Just a heads up for anyone who trolls with down riggers at Merrill Creek. Out near the main dam in 130-150 foot of water there is a hung anchor with a yellow nylon rope four feet under the surface.

I caught it while trolling this evening. I was fishing at 25 feet down. It was all I could do to get back to the ball and rope after realizing the problem. I used my boat pole to try and get the ball unhung and lost it in the process. Of all the luck I managed to open the snap. Couldn't do that again in a million years. Anyway I taped my knife to the pole and had to cut the rope below the cable. At least I go the release back.

Why someone would anchor in that deep of water to start is beyond me. If you have to cut the rope to your anchor on a lake you should sink it by tying on some lead. You could also try and make a float keeping the rope on the surface . A water bottle would work in that instance. At least people would be aware of the hazard.

To say tonight's episode sucked would be an understatement.

[baetis]

"Why someone would anchor in that deep of water to start is beyond me."

Probably fishing herring on the bottom for lakers.

Catching old anchor lines always sucks. It would have been much more courteous to try to sink the line or float the end like you said. Maybe whoever did it will read this and learn from it.

[AndyS]

The people at Merrill Creek Owners Group are pretty good about things, I would send an e mail or go to the visitors center and inform them of the hazard.

[ChaosStarter]

They should have it removed. Then no one else should ever fish MCR ever again.

[Super]

Free anchor!

How was fishing?

[Jetdrive]

Originally Posted by Super

Free anchor!

How was fishing?

That anchor is really hung up. There are tons of rip rap behind that main dam for quite a way. I had thoughts of trying to motor it out, but my life and my boat mean more to me than that. I know its there and will just have to avoid the spot.

The fishing wasn't all that good this night. A few stocker browns was about it.