Fishing at Merrill Lake, Shiawassee County, Michigan

• Overview

  You will find Merrill Lake in Shiawassee County, Michigan. Beyond the shoreline you have pine and birch. Small at around 3 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Shiawassee County are larger. Durand lies 8.6 miles from the water. Lansing is the closest city, 26 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Merrill Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass and pink salmon. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Merrill Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 70°F in July and bottoms out near 21°F in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. From about early April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. On Merrill Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Nothing formal is recorded here: no ramp, no car park, no marked path. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Woods Lake sits 1.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Merrill Lake.