After aquatic weed growth in certain special Grant County lake kept me from fishing, I headed over to the chain lakes, deciding to fish Merry if there weren't a lot of cars in the parking area. There weren't and down the trail to Merry I went.

There wasn't a lot of structure in the lake and with the weed growth, most of the lake is 5 feet deep or less. However, in the main body of the lake, you will find a narrow strip of bull rush standing alone. Surrounding this area in patches, are 10-11' sand patched (maybe springs) which you easily witness some large members pass by. It is amazing how healthy these fish are. I landed two, and lost one. The one I lost spit out my black chrironomid, but not before taking me into my backing. I guess with a run like that, it deserved to get off.

The other fish was 24-28" huge trout (triploid?) and a couple of healthy 18". All were rainbows. Among the unsuccessful patterns were adult damsels, size 18 parachute BWO, flashy mayfly nymphs, and a size 18 light Cahill. The water was littered with size 16-18 chalky white mayflies, most dying in the spent wing position. The trout were very spooky to the dry fly and only a few trout were consistently rising in a "beat."

Nice lake.

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