Merlin Lake, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  King County, Washington, is where Merlin Lake sits. The surroundings are rolling hill. Surface area runs to about 5 acres — small enough to read in one session. Tanner lies 17 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Bellevue, 38 miles away. In the same area: Nimue Lake within 0.4 miles, Le Fay Lake 0.6 miles away, Myrtle Lake within 0.6 miles, Snoqualmie Lake Potholes 1 mile away and Snowflake Lake within 1.1 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Merlin Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in King County include Chum salmon, Coho salmon, Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Merlin Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 57°F and December near 26°F on the long-run figures. In milder years the surface never sets. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. On Merlin Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Nimue Lake, 0.4 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Merlin Lake in particular, ask before you travel.