LivewellNew Jersey · Reservoir
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Merrill Creek Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
3 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
New Jersey also has statewide guidance
New Jersey publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 25 recommendations covering 8 species — in addition to anything listed for Merrill Creek Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: Brown Bullhead — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Merrill Creek Reservoir
Lake Trout
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Yellow Perch
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Is it legal to keep?
These are New Jersey's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | 06-16 – 04-14 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | 06-16 – 04-14 |
| Rainbow Trout | 7" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 18" min | 3 | Year-round | 05-01 – 02-28 |
| Northern Pike | 24" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 40" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Flathead Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | 8" min | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | 16" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| American Shad | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: New Jersey — New Jersey Fish & Wildlife
Getting on the water
- Kayak Launch boat ramp 2.0 mi Directions
- Fishing access fishing 3.6 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 4.1 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.