The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Merritt Reservoir
Cherry County, Nebraska · 3,000 acres (4.7 sq mi)
55°F water, windy Friday (20 mph SSE).
About Merritt Reservoir
Merritt Reservoir spreads over 3,000 acres in Cherry County, Nebraska. It was made by Merritt Dam on the Snake River. Merritt Reservoir was built by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1964 on the Snake River in the Nebraska Sandhills.
From end to end it runs about 8.3 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 30 miles. At about 2,940 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Valentine lies about 23 miles to the northeast.
- Size
- 3,000 acres (4.7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 30 miles
- End to end
- About 8.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,940 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Merritt Dam, Snake River
- County
- Cherry County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Sunday Fair
- 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 20 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Nebraska, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 55°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:32 am · sunset 5:22 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Merritt Reservoir
- Valentineabout 23 mi northeast
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Questions about Merritt Reservoir
What fish are in Merritt Reservoir?
Lakes like Merritt Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Merritt Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Merritt Reservoir?
3,000 acres, with about 30 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Merritt Reservoir?
Valentine is about 23 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Merritt Reservoir today?
The surface was about 55°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Merritt Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
