Etra Lake

Etra Lake covers 21.34 acres in Mercer County. Dependable maximum-depth and storage-volume figures were not found for Etra Lake, so those measurements should not be guessed.

What to Expect at Etra Lake

At 21.34 acres, Etra Lake is small enough to fish methodically but large enough for one shoreline to differ from another.

Fish and Useful Baits at Etra Lake

Fish reported from Etra Lake include black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, channel catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, and yellow perch.

Bass

Low light favors a topwater or spinnerbait for Etra Lake largemouth; brighter conditions call for a slower presentation beside cover.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

Crappie anglers on Etra Lake should count the jig down beside brush until the holding depth becomes clear. A small float, light line and a piece of worm are enough for Etra Lake bluegill around cover. Perch anglers on Etra Lake should stay mobile until several bites come from the same depth.

Chain Pickerel

A spoon or compact swimbait worked beside weeds is a practical chain pickerel choice on Etra Lake.

A Simple Fishing Plan for Etra Lake

Begin with the first clear depth change, then test nearby wood, weeds or rock instead of making random casts on Etra Lake. Then compare the incoming-water end of Etra Lake with the dam side and any point that reaches the old channel.

When to Fish Etra Lake

Spring at Etra Lake favors warming coves, feeder mouths and protected spawning banks. Once summer heat settles over Etra Lake, work the deepest active cover instead of assuming every fish has moved to the bottom. Windblown points on Etra Lake become worth checking when autumn baitfish move shallow.