Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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A Sandhills reservoir and Nebraska's top musky water.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Merritt Reservoir for walleye and muskellunge. The best months overall are Apr to Nov. In October, walleye and muskellunge are in season, and Suspending Jerkbait, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Jig and Minnow are a good place to start. We don't list a shop within 45 miles yet, so stock up before you go.
Best Months
Apr to Nov
In October
Walleye, Muskellunge
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Merritt Reservoir Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
4 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Muskellunge, Walleye · Big glide or jerkbaits in fall.
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Muskellunge
Fly 9 ft 10 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, big articulated flies, 80 lb bite tippet.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft heavy casting rod, 400 size reel, 80 lb braid, 130 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Merritt Reservoir
Rods
St. Croix Musky Casting Rod
A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Merritt Reservoir
No shops listed nearby yet. Suggest one.