Ethel Springs Lake near Derry: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  You will find Ethel Springs Lake in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The country here is mixed woodland. The water covers some 34 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The whole outline is near 1.2 miles, and most of it is walkable. On our Westmoreland County list it sits near the top for size. Supplies mean a trip to Derry, 0.6 miles off. Pittsburgh is the closest city, 37 miles away. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Ethel Springs Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Species logged across Westmoreland County include bluegill, largemouth bass and brown trout. The county list is broader than any single water. Take Ethel Springs Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 71°F at the top of summer and 27°F at the bottom of winter. In milder years the surface never sets. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. That shapes the year on Ethel Springs Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Kennametal Reservoir, 2.4 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Rules at Ethel Springs Lake are worth checking on the day.