Merrick Lake in Iron County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Merrick Lake is set in Iron County, Michigan. It stands 1,329 feet above sea level. It is pond-in-a-field scale, with the far bank a short lob away. Our Iron County list holds plenty of bigger water. Nearest town is Crystal Falls, 7.3 miles off. Stambaugh, Iron River lies 15 miles off, Iron River another 16 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Merrick Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Iron County: brown trout, yellow perch and northern pike. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Merrick Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 66°F in July and bottom out at 10°F in January. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near late November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. The season on Merrick Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Stager Lake Boat Launch provides a boat ramp about 0.9 miles away. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Archie Pond is 0.4 miles off. Check the position on Merrick Lake before loading the car.