Snake River Arm Inleton Merritt Reservoir (Snake River arm)
What's working on Merritt Reservoir
- 01Crisp fall weather with clear skies and a steady southerly breeze (53°F, 16 mph S wind).
- 02Water temperatures are dropping, contributing to an active fall bite across multiple species.
- 03Subsurface activity from scuds, midge pupae, and damsel nymphs are primary food sources.
- 04Walleyes are reportedly holding in 13-18 feet of water, feeding on blade baits and slab spoons (seasonal knowledge, though translated to fly fishing for recommendations).
- 05Light fishing pressure on Merritt Reservoir, especially during the week.
- 06Target aggressive predatory fish with baitfish imitations and leeches; panfish with smaller nymphs and scuds.
What to tie on at Snake River Arm Inlet
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Woolly Bugger (Black)
A versatile streamer, effective year-round for predatory fish like Walleye, especially as they become more active in warming spring waters, imitating leeches and baitfish. Also excellent for Crappie, Panfish, Muskellunge, and Pike.
Crappie Jig Fly
Perfect for Crappie, Bluegill, Panfish, and Walleye in spring, imitating minnows and invertebrates around submerged structure in stillwaters.
Buy at AmazonPerch Pattern
Yellow Perch are a natural forage for larger predatory fish in Merritt Reservoir. This streamer is excellent for Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Burbot, Pickerel, Perch, Crappie, and Bluegill in early spring.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in Merritt Reservoir, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation. A pink or orange Scud is very effective in early spring for Walleye, Bluegill, Panfish, Crappie, Burbot, and Muskellunge.
Buy at AmazonDamsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch. This olive pattern is effective when stripped slowly along weed beds for Bluegill, Panfish, Crappie, Walleye, Muskellunge, and Perch.
Balanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in stillwaters like Merritt Reservoir year-round. This pattern effectively mimics sluggish leeches for Walleye, Muskellunge, Crappie, Bluegill, Panfish, Burbot, Pickerel, and Perch.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns like this effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic Walleye, Crappie, Bluegill, Panfish, Muskellunge, Pike, Burbot, and Perch in early spring.
Mop Fly #12
This grub/larvae imitation is a general workhorse, effective across various species found in Merritt Reservoir, making it a reliable choice for summer fishing, especially when targeting bottom feeders.
Hellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a year-round food source in rocky environments like those found at Merritt Reservoir, attracting a wide range of predatory and bottom-feeding species. A size #6 imitation is a strong choice.
Nebraska season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.