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PYRAMID-MERGANSER LAKE
Lake Information
County: Perry
Acreage: 20
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? Unlimited HP/Wake Only
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
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Maps are not intended for navigation.
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Poor | Merganser Lake does not appear to have a good fishery for Bluegill. A total of 62 Bluegill (248/hour) were collected during spring electrofishing, of which only 2 were over 7 inches in length. Mean relative weight of all Bluegill in the sample was low at 89. Given the abundance of Gizzard Shad in the lake, it is unlikely the Bluegill fishery will improve anytime soon, as Bluegill and shad compete for the same food sources. | |
Good | Merganser Lake contains a self-sustaining population of Channel Catfish. A total of 5 were collected during 2022, ranging between 21 and 27 inches. The largest Channel Catfish was nearly 8 lbs. | |
Very Good | Merganser Lake harbors both Black and White Crappie, as well as their hybrids. A total of 12 Black Crappie and 3 White Crappie were collected by electrofishing; an additional 7 Black Crappie, 5 White Crappie, and 1 Hybrid Crappie were captured in fall trap nets. The size structure of crappie in Merganser Lake is impressive, as most crappie collected were between 10 and 13 inches. Similar to bass, the quality size structure of crappie is likely driven by the abundance of small Gizzard Shad. | |
Very Good | Results from the 2022 electrofishing survey suggest that Merganser Lake harbors an excellent Largemouth Bass fishery. All management goals for the population were exceeded, including abundance (catch rate), relative weight (plumpness), and size structure. A total of 28 bass (112/hour) were collected during the 15-minute electrofishing survey, of which 43% were over 15 inches and 11% were over 18 inches. The mean relative weight of all bass in the sample was excellent at 103. Mean relative weights exceeded the goal of 90 among nearly all size classes. Bass growth in Merganser Lake is likely driven by an abundance of small Gizzard Shad; most shad captured during the electrofishing survey were between 3 and 4.5 inches in length. | |
Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. Merganser Lake is located just south of Cutler off of Trico Road.
Description: Merganser Lake is located on the Captain Section of Pyramid State Park. This 20-acre strip cut is deep, rocky, and has very clear water. There is a gravel boat launch, but no docks or bathroom facilities.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Fisheries surveys conducted during 2022 consisted of community spring electrofishing survey (nocturnal) and fall netting survey. Merganser Lake should offer good opportunities for bass and crappie anglers.
Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, but all boats must be operated at no wake speed.
Site Regulations:
Largemouth bass: statewide limit of 6 fish/day
Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit
Crappie: 25 fish daily limit
Channel catfish: 6 fish daily limit
Muskellunge: 48-inch minimum length limit
2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed. All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig.
Please note that fishing is prohibited from November 1 through the last day of February.
Contact Information: Pyramid State Park 618-357-2574IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952
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