Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey

Trip Overview

This 650-acre reservoir, owned by an electrical company conglomerate (Merrill Creek Owners Group), allows day use of the area from "dawn till dusk." Specific times are listed on the reservoir's website, www.merrillcreek.com. The water has a maximum depth of 210 feet, and contour maps are available from a sign-in kiosk at the boat launch.

The reservoir is surrounded by a 2,000-acre environmental preserve, that lends itself to birding and seasonal nesting of eagles and hawks, with viewing blinds along the shore.

Flooded timber areas provide shelter for fish and the water is crystal clear, with visibility to beyond 20-foot depths. Stone dikes and dams are located on parts of the shoreline, and an inlet tower is located on the west end.

Wind can become dangerous on the water, as the reservoir is located near Scott Mountain, so a warning system with lights on two towers is in place to alert boaters that winds have sustained 25mph gusts for longer than five seconds. Everyone, and that means everyone, must head off the water to the launch.

Accommodations:

Port-a-johns at boat launch; flush toilets at visitor's center. Concrete boat ramp, with floating dock

Fees:

No fees. NJ license required to fish

Directions:

Check www.merrillcreek.com/directions

Contact:

Website: www.merrillcreek.com/

Resources:

"Quiet Water NJ" (third edition)
"NJ Lake Survey Fishing Maps Guide" (out of print, 1997).