Boy did I screw up !!! No luck at Merrill

[stoneflyguy]

Well I've gone and done it again. I wasted a day of fishing because I didn't check some things before heading out. I was going to take the drift boat on the Kalama this morning but decided with the nice weather I would head up to Merrill Lake instead. I got all the way up there to find out it isn't open yet. I got so excited to lay into some luncker browns that I didn't stop to think if there was a care taker up there yet. Does anyone know when they open the gate? Please tell me they don't wait until the trout opener. Would anyone be interested in going up when it does open. I know the lake well and always do well but I guess I had a brain fart today. :shrug: :cheers:

[MacFish]

Don't feel too bad, 2 years ago I got my wife up at 4 am to go clamming only to have it dawn on me as we rolled into Seaside that it was the 3rd week of July and the season had closed the week before :redface:......cast should come off in another week or two.

[Gizmo Man]

Was the road clear to the gate? Did you go about 1/2 mile up and look at the lake?

I was thinking of a group outing to Merrill once the gate was open.

Giz...

[stoneflyguy]

I did go to the gate at the camp ground. The water was clear but low for this time of year, like everything else. I would love to go if you have that outing. I must say, that is one of my favorite lakes. The road was completly clear and they even made repairs in the road.

[trout chaser]

The lake is open to fishing year round. The campground/boat ramp opens anywhere from mid-April to late May. However, they (DNR) closed the campground early last year because of the activity on Mt. St. Helens and I haven't heard if they plan on opening it up at all this year. :whazzup:
Here's a few pics from last week up at Merrill.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/coldwaterbow/josh.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/coldwaterbow/000_0456.jpg

[mrgamby]

paul, dont you dare say it... :crazy:

I might roll the kayak down there on saturday...
around noonish... those browns GOTTA be moving! :smile:

green honda passport, green kayak :smile:

[stoneflyguy]

I think I will be heading up there too. I always have Tues. off and if I can't get my drift boat in I'll take my pontoon boat. I know the lake is open year round, I'll have to do some calling tomorrow and see exactly when the gate will be open.

[Gizmo Man]

Please keep us advised on what you find out on the gate.

I would like to go up there but the walk in with a boat is a killer for me and my back.

Giz...

[Abalone]

Is Goose lake open now ????