made it to Merrill Lake

[stoneflyguy]

I made it up to Merrill Lake today. It was breezy and chilly, didn't see any action on top but plenty going on under the surface. I walked in off the road just before the road to the boat launch and waded as far out as I could. The water is higher than I expected but still able to cast in a few spots. Got into a couple of nice cutthroat using a #12 hares ear and pheasent tail. Didn't do as well as I thought but still had fun. On the way out I finished at the boat launch and walked back to the truck through the camp ground. I noticed a sign that said the area was closed due to activity at Mt. St. Helens. I didn't know it was closed area and got lucky I guess. I've tried to contact the DNR about this but didn't get any reply. Just a warning to those who want to try. :cheers: :shrug:

[LunkerFish]

Thanks for the report! I have just one more final... :grin:

[mrgamby]

I was told the camping is closed, but the lake is open for fishing...

thats my story and I am sticking to it :smile:

[stoneflyguy]

all I know is the sign said " this area closed due to activity on Mt. St. Helens ". I am trying to find out more and believe me I want to fish up there. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from fishing up there just reporting what I saw. I will post what I find out and if anyone finds out before me please let me know.

[trout chaser]

I got this off of the DNR web page. I'm not sure if it's been updated since October? Hopefully it's old info. The USFS now has a 5 mile closure area.

Mount St. Helens
DNR-managed lands within approximately 10 miles of Mount St. Helens are closed to the public. (I think Merrill is 9 1/2 miles from the mountain)

Recreation and Hunter Information
DNR lands may be closed if access to them is closed. Some lands maybe open for day use only. For current access information contact:
DNR's Pacific Cascade Region 360- 577-2025
Weyerhaeuser Access Information 866-636-6531
Forest Service Access Information 360-891-5000