Merrill Creek

[hooks40]

Took Dad out today but had a tough time getting bit with the lakers. Saw some scattered fish but no big concentrations. Most fish seemed to be in the 40-45 foot range. We managed 3 small ones and lost 2 better ones but that was in about 5 hours. We were jigging. Wondering if anyone else today on MC had a report?

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by hooks40

Took Dad out today but had a tough time getting bit with the lakers. Saw some scattered fish but no big concentrations. Most fish seemed to be in the 40-45 foot range. We managed 3 small ones and lost 2 better ones but that was in about 5 hours. We were jigging. Wondering if anyone else today on MC had a report?

No report but i pulled up there Sunday at 10:15 and there were 20-30 boat trailers in the parking lot for a tournament. Tons of boat traffic, fishing pressure, plus the bluebird skies probably had some kind of effect on those fish. We skipped it and went elsewhere for that reason.

[AndyS]

Once the thermocline sets up for the summer it can be tough.

[hooks40]

We got there around noon and the lot was pretty packed, but mostly bass guys doing laps. The middle of the lake was fairly empty but I could see several other guys in the distance jigging. We are slowly mapping the lake and learning some spots, but the bite has been tough.

What is your experience once the thermocline sets up? Those fish are just a bit deeper in 60-70 feet?

[AndyS]

I just used to go up there double anchor and live-line herring. Stopped going back after the brown trout went away, not a big fan of lake trout. I may have to go back again some day and catch a land-locked salmon. Live lined herring actually find the desired water temp. and hang there, so do the game fish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZt2HquSvbA