The tournament runs each summer at Merritt Reservoir near the Nebraska-Wyoming border

The Merritt Reservoir Kayak Fishing Tournament is an annual summer event held at Merritt Reservoir in Garden County, Nebraska, about 90 miles north of North Platte. The tournament typically takes place in July, though the exact dates shift year to year — check with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or local outfitters for the current year's schedule. The event draws kayak anglers from across the region who fish for walleye, northern pike, and catfish in the reservoir's 1,500 surface acres.

The tournament is open to both experienced kayak anglers and people new to the sport. Most years the event runs as a catch-and-release competition, meaning fish are weighed and photographed, then returned to the water. Entry fees vary by year and division, so confirm the current cost and registration deadline with the organizers before you plan your trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Merritt Reservoir is a 1,500-acre lake in the Nebraska Panhandle that holds walleye, northern pike, and catfish suitable for kayak fishing.
  • The tournament typically runs in July each year, with exact dates and entry fees that change annually — contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to confirm the current year's details.
  • The event is catch-and-release, so you need a kayak, a fishing rod, a net for weighing fish, and a current Nebraska fishing permit.
  • Merritt Reservoir has a public boat ramp and camping facilities nearby, making it accessible for out-of-state visitors who want to stay overnight.
  • Water conditions and fish behavior vary by season, so talk to local guides or tackle shops before the tournament to learn what's working that week.

What fish live in Merritt Reservoir and when they bite best

Merritt Reservoir holds a healthy population of walleye, the primary target for most tournament anglers. Walleye in this reservoir tend to bite best in early morning and late evening, and they respond well to live bait — shiners and minnows work reliably. In July, when the tournament runs, walleye often move to deeper water during the day, so you may find better success fishing structure like drop-offs and submerged timber in the early hours.

Northern pike are also present and can reach good size. Pike are more aggressive than walleye and will chase lures throughout the day, so casting spinnerbaits or crankbaits can produce fish even in midday heat. Catfish round out the fishery and are most active at night, though some anglers catch them during the day on cut bait or stink bait near the bottom.

Water temperature in July typically ranges from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which pushes walleye deeper and makes early-morning and evening fishing more productive. Talk to the bait shop in nearby Mullen or contact a local guide service before the tournament — they can tell you what's been working that specific week and where fish are holding.

How to prepare your kayak and gear for the tournament

A stable fishing kayak is essential. Sit-on-top models are more stable than sit-inside kayaks and give you room to move and cast. Merritt Reservoir can have wind, so a kayak in the 10- to 12-foot range with good tracking will make your day more comfortable. Bring a paddle leash so you do not lose your paddle if you need both hands to land a fish.

Pack a personal flotation device (PFD) — Nebraska law requires one for every person in a kayak, and wearing it is the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Bring a net designed for kayak fishing; a small hand net or a collapsible net takes up little space and makes weighing and releasing fish much easier. A tackle box or dry bag keeps your lures, hooks, and line organized and protected from water.

Bring more water than you think you need, sunscreen, and a hat. July sun on the water reflects hard, and dehydration sneaks up fast. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful if you fish early morning or evening. Check the tournament rules for any restrictions on rod length, lure type, or other gear — rules vary by year and division.

Accessing Merritt Reservoir and where to stay

Merritt Reservoir has a public boat ramp on the south shore, accessible via Nebraska Highway 61. The ramp is maintained by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and is free to use with a valid parking permit (day-use permits are inexpensive). The ramp has parking for vehicles and trailers, though space fills up during the tournament, so arrive early if you plan to launch in the morning.

Lodging options are limited in the immediate area. Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area has a campground with tent and RV sites; reservations fill quickly during the tournament, so book early. The nearest towns with motels are Mullen (about 20 miles south) and Valentine (about 40 miles southeast). Many tournament anglers camp at the state recreation area or stay in Valentine and drive to the reservoir each morning.

Bring all the fuel, food, and supplies you need before you arrive — the nearest grocery store is in Mullen, and options are limited. Cell service is spotty around the reservoir, so download offline maps and confirm tournament details before you head out.

Tournament rules and what to bring on tournament day

Most years the tournament runs as a weigh-in event, meaning you fish during a set window (often dawn to mid-afternoon) and then bring your catch to a central location to be weighed and photographed. The exact rules — which fish count, how many you can keep, what time the weigh-in closes — change year to year, so read the full tournament rules before you register.

Bring your current Nebraska fishing permit. You can purchase a one-day or annual permit from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or at any authorized vendor. Bring your tournament registration confirmation and any required identification. Have your kayak inspected if the tournament requires it — some events check that PFDs are on board and that kayaks meet safety standards.

Pack your tackle, net, and cooler or live well to keep fish fresh until weigh-in. Bring cash for any entry fees you have not paid in advance, though most tournaments now handle registration online. Arrive at the launch ramp with plenty of time before the tournament window opens — parking and launching can take longer than you expect.

Local resources and guides who know the water

The bait and tackle shop in Mullen carries live bait, lures, and local knowledge. Call ahead to ask what has been working and where fish are holding that week. Local guide services operate on Merritt Reservoir and can take you out for a day before the tournament if you want to scout the water and learn the structure. A guide can show you where walleye hold in July and what presentations work best.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website has detailed information about Merritt Reservoir, including maps, regulations, and current conditions. Contact the commission directly if you have questions about tournament dates, entry fees, or rules — they can also point you toward local outfitters and guides.

Online fishing forums and social media groups focused on Nebraska fishing often have posts from anglers who have fished Merritt Reservoir recently. These posts can give you real-time information about what is working and what to expect on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Nebraska fishing permit to fish the tournament?

Yes. You must have a valid Nebraska fishing permit to fish any public water in the state, including during the tournament. You can purchase a one-day permit or an annual permit from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or at any authorized vendor. Bring your permit with you on tournament day.

Can I fish the tournament if I have never kayak fished before?

Most tournaments have divisions for different skill levels, and many welcome beginners. Check the tournament rules to see if there is a novice or recreational division. If you are new to kayak fishing, consider hiring a guide for a day before the tournament to learn the water and practice casting from a kayak.

What if the weather is bad on tournament day?

Wind and storms can make kayaking unsafe. Most tournaments have a rain date or will postpone if conditions are dangerous. Check the tournament website or contact the organizers the morning of the event to confirm whether the tournament is running. Do not launch if you feel unsafe — no tournament is worth the risk.

How far from the boat ramp do most anglers fish?

Most tournament fishing happens within a mile or two of the ramp, though some anglers venture farther. Merritt Reservoir is 1,500 acres, so there is plenty of water to explore. Talk to local anglers or a guide to learn which areas hold fish in July and how far you need to paddle to reach them.

Can I use a motorized boat instead of a kayak?

No. The tournament is specifically for kayak anglers. If you do not have a kayak, some local outfitters rent them, though availability during the tournament may be limited — call ahead to reserve one.