Merced Lake is a lake in California, near Mariposa County.
Merced Lake is a lake in Mariposa County, California and covers about 61.2 acres, reaches about 27.3 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 668.5 acre-feet.
A point, weed edge, or small drop is more important than simply covering the whole shoreline; start with the cover closest to deep water, then change lure speed before moving.
Fish listed for Merced Lake include Brook Trout, and Golden Trout.
Do not let the deepest number control the whole day; nearby cover, firm bottom, and food usually matter more than the deepest hole by itself; follow the old channel through the lake, then let a light jig fall beside the break.
Early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again; try deeper shade during summer afternoons, then move only after checking the nearby drop.
A light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control; work each small drop before going deeper; make one pass close to bottom.
Record the wind, water color, depth of the first bite, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce; start beside deeper water, then make one pass close to bottom.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.