Merrill Creek Reservoir designated Lunker Bass waterbody; new limits set for bass and lake trout
HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Merrill Creek Reservoir has been designated a Lunker Bass Waterbody under the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s 2026 fishing regulations, bringing new size and creel limits for anglers targeting bass and lake trout.
Under the new rules, the reservoir is now subject to Lunker Bass regulations, which establish a 15-inch minimum size limit and a daily combined creel and possession limit of three largemouth and smallmouth bass.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife said the change reduces the previous statewide regulation of a 12-inch minimum length and a daily combined limit of five bass.
“This is a reduction from the current Statewide regulations of a minimum length of 12 inches and a daily combined creel and possession limit of five Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass is based on fisheries surveys, as well as reported angler catch information, which indicate (MCR) waters have quality Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass populations. Lunker Bass regulations are intended to help maintain and ensure the protection and longevity of these valued Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fisheries,” NJDFW stated.
In addition to the bass regulation changes, NJDEP also revised lake trout regulations at the reservoir.
According to NJDFW, “MCR has been experiencing declines in the condition of its reproducing Lake Trout population, as indicated by poor weight, due to overpopulation.”
The updated rule increases the daily harvest limit from two lake trout at a minimum size of 15 inches to a total of four per day. Anglers may now keep two lake trout greater than 15 inches and less than 24 inches, plus two additional lake trout 24 inches or greater.
The catch-and-release season for lake trout at Merrill Creek Reservoir has also been eliminated.
State officials said the changes are intended to encourage additional harvest to help manage lake trout numbers and improve overall fishery conditions at the reservoir.
