Reservoir · Cherry, Nebraska
Merritt Reservoir
Merritt Reservoir
Reservoir · Nebraska
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.
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Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Merritt Reservoir.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Merritt is the Valentine Sandhills walleye destination highlighted in NGPC's 2026 forecast for numbers of 15–20 inch walleyes. StrikeTracks publishes complete static Fishery with catalog-visible Unavailable conditions because no same-lake live USGS 00010 exists. This is not Calamus, not the Niobrara River, and not McConaughy.
Target species
Walleye
Sander vitreus
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
NGPC 2026 forecast: Merritt among highest 2025 walleye sampling rates and particularly good for 15–20 inch walleyes. Not McConaughy big-walleye trips as a copy.
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Merritt Sandhills reservoir fishery includes northern pike in NGPC inland management. Not McConaughy pike as a substitute pin.
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
NGPC inland reservoir catfish occur at Merritt. Not Branched Oak catfish as a copy.
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
NGPC Fishing Guide documents a 50-inch muskellunge minimum at Merritt. Not Calamus muskie as a copy.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Sandhills irrigation reservoir on the Snake River system near Valentine with timber, points, and clear water. Catalog coordinates are the NGPC Merritt SRA waterbody, not USGS 06461500 on the Niobrara.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
Access and Public Fishing Rights
NGPC treats Merritt as a named public reservoir SRA with boating and camping. Catalog coordinates are not a verified launch pin. Confirm current official access notices.
Stocking information
NGPC 2026 forecast: highest fall 2025 walleye sampling rates included Merritt; Merritt particularly good for 15–20 inch walleyes in 2026. Confirm current official NGPC notices.
- Stocked
Walleye
Stocked · Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
- Stocked
Muskellunge
Stocked · Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Official sources
NGPC Fishing Guide special walleye at Merritt Reservoir matches the Harlan-style 15–18 / 18-plus mix; bag 4 / possession 8. Muskellunge 50-inch minimum is documented for Merritt in NGPC materials. Distinct from Calamus walleye specials. Confirm current NGPC Fishing Guide.
conditionPublicationPolicy=static-value-structural-unavailable. Merritt Reservoir is the Valentine Sandhills walleye destination named in NGPC's 2026 forecast for 15–20 inch walleye numbers, with special walleye harvest independent of Calamus and McConaughy. inlandHasCompleteStaticFisheryValue passes on official NGPC fishery, access, and regulations. No same-lake live USGS 00010 exists; Niobrara 06461500 is a different waterbody. HIGH plus PATH B does not auto-approve; public catalog-visible Unavailable is approved because Merritt is the distinct north-central Sandhills walleye class, not Calamus white-bass water and not McConaughy trophy water. This justification is Merritt-specific and does not copy Calamus or McConaughy prose.
Location and Access
Cataloged lake location
Cherry, Nebraska
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
Lake Details
County
Cherry
Management Category
Valentine Sandhills reservoir
Regulation Scope
Merritt Reservoir
Regulation Summary
Merritt Reservoir: NGPC special walleye harvest and inland reservoir rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Channel Catfish
Public Access
Public
Boat Launch
Available
Shore Fishing
Available
Description
Merritt Reservoir, Cherry County, Nebraska. Sandhills reservoir southwest of Valentine. Catalog-visible Unavailable: no same-lake live USGS 00010. Niobrara River near Sparks 06461500 is a different physical waterbody and is not Merritt pool thermal. Not Calamus Reservoir.
