Merrill Creek Reservoir  – Bass Club and Fishing Tournament Rules

All fishing tournaments must register in advance.

1. To coordinate scheduling of fishing tournaments or group fishing events, please have the group’s coordinator contact Merrill Creek Environmental Specialist at jparke@merrillcreek.com with the requested date of the event. ONLY ONE tournament or group fishing event per day.
2.  All boats taking part in group outings/fishing tournaments at Merrill Creek Reservoir will access the boat ramp on a first come, first served basis. No preference will be given over other boaters.
3. Boaters are not to arrive before 7:30am. Parking is prohibited along Merrill Creek Road prior to the gate opening by order of Harmony Township Ordinance 0:17-11. Please plan your arrival accordingly.
4. All vessels shall move at a NO WAKE speed, NO Boat is to plane EVER on the water.
5. Information on fishing and boating regulations specific to Merrill Creek Reservoir as well as a contour map of the reservoir are available here as well as at the Visitor’s Center and the Boat Ramp.
6. There is no use of gas-powered motors on a vessel ever, that includes power loading or charging of electric motors, -only electric motors (10 horsepower max) are acceptable.
7. Kayaks need to be a minimum of 9’ and contain some type of factory installed flotation and need to be launched from the kayak launch area unless it arrives on a trailer. If on a trailer, then you can launch from the boat ramp.
8. There is no rigging within the boat ramp launch and kayak launch area, or along the boat ramp roadway. Rigging should be done prior to arriving or in designated parking areas.
9. Below is the current schedule for tournaments/group outings this year so far. Other dates still available. Email MCR to schedule.

Merrill Creek Reservoir 2025 Fishing Tournament / Group Fishing Outing Schedule

April 12, 2025 – Warren County Bassers

April 26, 2025 – Blue Mountain Bassers

May 10, 2025 – Mid Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club

May 17, 2025 – Slaynation Bass Club

May 18, 2025 – Delaware River Bassmasters

June 8, 2025 – Slaynation Bass Club

June 14, 2025 – The Arc of Warren County

June 22, 2025 – North Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club

July 5, 2025 – Topwater Bassers

August 3, 2025 – Warren County Bass Club

August 10, 2025 – Big Bass

September 6, 2025, – Topwater Bassers

NOTE: Due to repeated violations regarding the use of gas power motors on the water at Merrill Creek Reservoir that were not emergency situations – Merrill Creek Reservoir is considering implementing a mandatory removal of engine propellers from vessels with built-in fuel tanks prior to launching.  Please abide by the rules of not using gas power motors ANYWHERE on the water, including power loading or charging of electric motors, here at Merrill Creek Reservoir as your actions will determine the outcome of this decision. Keep Merrill Creek Reservoir safe and fun for EVERYONE.