Hello folks I am a NOVA fisherman who's looking to check out Lake Mercer in Springfield, VA, due to the drainage of Huntsman. I've had luck at huntsman with cats and bass but Mercer is a whole new world to me. I don't plan on bringing a kayak/john boat so does anyone know some good shoreline spots where I can catch cats and bass?

Good luck and let us know how you fare. I've walked around half of it maybe three times but haven't fished it yet.....but it's often on back of my mind. I've thought that an inner tube would be the ideal vessel

No sign of life except one little frog; not even a bluegill was caught. Might've got some bites from a bass but most likely just scraping the bottom. Fished in a small pocket on the south part of the dam and then along the southeast side of the lake. Tried the spinner and weedless worm.

Topwater lures out by the tree stumps has worked best for me. I have also heard that they drained huntsman and put the fish from huntsman into mercer

Topwater lures out by the tree stumps has worked best for me. I have also heard that they drained huntsman and put the fish from huntsman into mercer

 

Are you talking about the shallow side of the lake by Wagon Trail Ln?

Are you talking about the shallow side of the lake by Wagon Trail Ln?

I have no idea what it is near but it is shallow. I usually start by the dam and work my way towards that area.

Mercer is a tough nut! There is sooooo much forage, no real reason for these fish to opt for artificial!! That being said, you have to present your baits very quietly and carefully. I have had the most success close to the dam. Jerkbaits mostly. The crappie population is very good as well. Used to have a nice number of pickeral in there too! Primary forage is shad and bluegill, crappie and crayfish. I've always wondered if a smartly fished fluke would catch them............... I know what I'm trying next time!!!!

I had some luck in the past in the cove toward the left side of the dam (looking out into the water). But lately it's been pretty quiet in that cove. Any idea how deep the water is in front of the dam?

 Any idea how deep the water is in front of the dam?

Around 10'-12' from the spillway and left and 15'-16' to the right (looking out into the water). I was surprised had thought It would be deeper.

I have had some good days and some slow days there.