PA Lake Erie Stream & Lake Fishing Reports!

Dusk at the Manchester Hole

Tribs are in Gradual Meltdown

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: Daytime temperatures around the area have been hovering above the freezing mark causing a very slow meltdown and and increase in trib levels. Many of the west county tribs have a considerable amount of good flowing, dark green water. Temperatures are forecast to be above freezing and possibly as high as 40 degrees this weekend. The gradual meltdown should continue and should open up very good fishing opportunities by the end of the week if the melt down continues gradually and avoids blowout conditions.. Ice on the bay is thinning out, although anglers were out there Tuesday afternoon. With the slow meltdown, ice conditions will be changing daily over the next week. Remember if in doubt...don't go out.

Mark Haughton of Coraopolis, PA originally from Jamaica, brought in his 10 pound 5 ounce Steelhead for Angler Award for First Fish and it was a citation sized one too. It was 27 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it near the Stop sign hole on Walnut Creek using a silver bug fly.

We had some snow this week and it put a little layer of slush on the creek and in the marina.

The Marina is a little over half covered with the slush. It is raining now but I still have about 20 vehicles here of people fishing in the creek.

While walking the creek yesterday I did notice quite a few fish in waiting for the water to get a little higher. With the rain and snow that is coming it should be good fishing this coming weekend.

2010 FISHING LICENCES:

2010 Fishing licenses are now available. They make nice Christmas gifts. I get them every year for my kids.

CLOSING FOR SEASON:

Next weekend is the last time this office will be open for the winter season. I will close up the building on December 20 and I will be back to open it on April 10, 2010.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Anthony Miller brought in his fish for First Fish Award. It was 6 pounds 8 ounces, 25 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it in the Walnut Creek basin on a Black Mini Foo and Maggots.

This has been a slow year. We had some rain on Wednesday night so it brought the creeks up and now Friday it is fishable. Most of the fisherpersons are fishing up in the Walnut Creek while just a few are down at the mouth and around the marina. The water right now is just the right color and there are fish in.

OFFICE HOURS:

This is the ending of another season. Our office will only be open on:

FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS…………7 AM to 5:30 PM until December 20.

After that the office will be closed until next April.

NEW FISHING LICENSES:

Don’t forget to get your fishing license for next year. They are on sell now and they make very good Christmas gifts.

Cody Kennedy of Shelocta, PA brought in a 12 pound 15 ounce fish for Angler Award. It was 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. He caught it at the mouth of Walnut Creek using Power Bait. The color was called Yellow but he said it was like skin colored.

Robby Liming of Graceton, PA brought his in for Angler Award also. It was 10 pounds 9 ½ ounces, 28 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. He caught his also at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Power Bait. His color was Chartreuse.

Jerry Krakowski of Cleveland, Oh brought his fish he caught for Angler Award. It was 11 pounds 7 ounces, 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it in Elk Creek at Folly’s End on a Fly. Green/White Sucker Spawn.

Anthony Repine, six years old of Erie, PA brought in his first fish. It was 2 pounds 3 ½ ounces and was 18 inches long with a girth of 10 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek.

Aaron Prezgay of Brookfield, OH caught his Angler Award sized Steelhead at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek. His fish was 10 pounds 1 ½ ounces, 28 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches, He caught it on a homemade egg sack.

The fishing has been slow. The creeks have been low and clear and just walking along the bank you can look into the creek and see the fish waiting for rain to swim up further. We haven’t had any rain in almost a month so the fishing is good but the catching is very bad.

As of this writing Friday, November 20, 2009, we are now getting some rain. The rain we got late last night and early this morning was just enough to bring the streams up a little. I have seen as many fish get caught this morning as I have all week long so the much needed rain is helping.

Most anglers are telling me they are catching them on single eggs or egg sacks.

Conditions:
Steelhead fishing has been tough over the past week with no rain leaving the tribs very low and very clear. There is the possibility of rain in the forecasts, however at this point it does not look significant. Many anglers have chosen to wait out the rain and as such the low conditions have provided significant elbow room. Anglers that are catching fish are doing so at daybreak and at dusk for the most part. Very light presentations are a must with many anglers dropping line strength and tippets as low as 2 lbs.

There are fair to good reports of steelhead being caught in Presque Isle Bay and Marina Bay at Presque Isle State Park. A number of anglers floating shiners have picked up an occasional steelhead while targeting perch and crappie. Steelhead have been caught in these areas both from shore and by boat.

Best bets right now would be to target deeper water at the tributary mouths as well as the lake shore at Trout and Godfrey Runs on calm days.

A few fish are being pulled from the Walnut Creek basin for the patient anglers.

Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 49 degrees. Area tributary conditions as of this writing are extremely low and clear.

Big Steelhead Make Big Smiles, 9 plus LBS.

Thirteen year old Robert (Bobby) Newman came in with his 10 pound 2 ounce fish. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it below the Stop Sign hole on Walnut using a minnow.

William Myers Jr. of Elizabethville PA brought in for Angler Award this 13 pound 5 ½ ounce Steelhead he caught in 20 mile Creek. It was 31 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. He caught it on Sucker Spawn.

Ron Palyo of Greenville, Pa brought in his 7 pound Steelhead. It was 27 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 14 ¼ inches. He caught it in the Walnut Creek Basin on a fly.

JIMMY DALLAS DEDICATION CEREMONY:

The marina opened on Wednesday, the 28th of this month at 1 PM. The first fish was NOT a Steelhead. It was a Catfish. Toni Mostoller of Quecreek, PA caught the first fish (Catfish) at 19 minutes 45 seconds after the marina opened. That is the longest time yet for getting the first fish and not a Steelhead yet to boot. It was 12 inches long and she caught it on wax worms. There were a couple hits but the fish got off before it could be brought in so it didn’t count. My belief is that with the rain we had, the fish scattered up the creek.

STEELHEAD:

Sixteen year old Michael Madonna of Coatesville PA, brought in his 12 pound 4 ½ ounce Steelhead. It was 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. He caught it out at the Stop Sign hole in Walnut Creek on a Blood Dot fly.

Andrew Flock of Reynoldsville PA caught his 13 pound 14 ½ ounce Angler Award sized Steelhead between the Stop sign hole and the old boat launch on Walnut. It was 31 ¼ inches long and had a nice girth of 20 inches. He caught it using Power Bait. His color was Green.

Ten year old Daniel Planert and thirteen year old Tyler Planert with their dad Charles came in to show off their big fish they caught out trolling in front of Walnut Creek. Daniel’s fish was 8 pounds ½ ounce and was 28 ½ inches long with a girth of 15 ¼ inches. Tyler’s Steelhead was 9 pounds 4 ½ ounces and it was 27 ¾ inches long with a 17 inch girth. They caught six fish altogether on Blue/Silver Cast Master. Dad said that is all he ever uses and it always works. They caught six and lost seven on their trip today.

Jason Sidorick of Ramey, PA brought in his 13 pound 8 ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 ¼ inches. He caught it at the Stop sign hole on Walnut Creek using a Fly Nymph.

Jeffrey Woodard of Pittsburgh, Pa brought in this nice looking Steelhead. It was 13 pounds 2 ½ ounces and was 31 ½ inches long with a girth of 19 inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek by the bridge on a minnow.

Eleven year old Lacey Johnson brought in this 11 pound 1 ½ ounce Angler Award sized Steelhead. It was 29 ¾ inches long and a girth of 17 ¾ inches. She caught it by the old launch ramp in Walnut Creek on Pink Power Bait.

Michael Geer of Erie, PA brought in his 10 pound 5 ½ ounce Steelhead. It was 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it up mid way between the old launch and the Stop sign hole on Walnut Creek. He caught it on Rainbow Power Bait.

Thirteen year old Orlo Pletcher of Summerset, Pa brought in a very big 11 pound 2 ounce Steelhead. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught his at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek on a minnow.

Eugene Bailey of Natrona Heights, PA came in with two Angler Award sized Steelhead he caught on the South side of the marina. The first one is 10 pounds 15 ½ ounces, 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. The second one was 10 pounds 13 ounces, 28 ½ inches long and her girth was 17 ¾ inches also. He caught them both on Black Mini Foo and Maggots.

Fifteen year old Cody Weimer of Irwin, PA brought in his 9 pound 4 ½ ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 27 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught his out on the Channel wall in Walnut Creek on a Little Cleo. His color was Green.

Antonio DeVitis of Canonsburg, PA brought in a nice big Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 11 pounds 7 ounces and was 29 ¼ inches long and had a 19 inch girth. He caught it midway up Walnut Creek between the Stop sign hole and the old launch ramp. He caught it on a White spinner.

The fish seem to be finally coming in. The weather has not been the best yet but we are getting sporadic rain usually one to two days a week and then maybe just sprinkles. We really need a couple days of good hard rain to bring more fish in. The water is a good color there is just not a whole lot of it. There is only a 20 to 30% chance of rain this coming week but the temperature will be coming down too. We had a good day today for fishing. I have been told there are quite a few fish coming in.

I have had a few calls on when the Marina will be open for fishing. We usually won’t know this until we get closer to the time for the boats to be out. They are supposed to be out October 25, and then we have to wait for maintenance to have a couple days of good weather (and no other work for them to do) before they can pull the docks. It will be posted at the office building when we know.

Mike Aaron of Corsica, PA brought in two Walleye for Angler Award. The first one was 9 pounds 6 ounces and 29 ½ long and a girth of 17 ¼ inches. The second one was 8 pounds 12 ½ ounces, 28 ½ inches long and a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught them out in 72 ft of water Northeast of Walnut Creek on the south side of the first Trench. He caught them on a Stinger spoon. The color for him was “Dirty White Boy”.

Maribeth Vavreck from Union City, PA brought in an 8 pound 7 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. She caught it out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Renowsky plug. Her color was Blue/Chrome.

Ron Young of Enon Valley, Pa brought in this 8 pound 2 ounce Walleye. It was 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it on the “Fisher Of Men” boat out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Dipsy Diver, 140 back, # 3 setting using a Rainbow Renowsky.

Six year old Joseph Zona of Franklin PA brought in an 8 pound 15 ounce Walleye. It was 28 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 74 ft of water West of Walnut Creek on a Green Renowsky.

PERCH:

Perch have been getting caught out in 55 ft of water but slow coming. Some guys will get them right away and some can't seem to get them to bite at all.

Dakota Smith of Rural Valley, Pa caught his Angler Award Walleye while he was out Perching. It was 7 pounds 9 ½ ounces. It was 27 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it on a Golden Shiner minnow out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek.

Jake Allison from Ligonier, Pa brought in a 9 pound 6 ounce Walleye. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 60-65 ft of water in the First Trench a little west of Walnut Creek. It was caught on a Reef Runner and the color was Purple.

Eleven year old Alex Takacs from Clinton, Pa brought in a 9 pound 8 ounce Walleye, It is 29 inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it out in 100 ft of water off the mountain. He launched from North East Marina. He was using a worm harness. His color was Chartreuse/Purple.

Husband and Wife Erica and Brian Shaffer of East Berlin, PA brought in a couple of the limit of Walleye they caught. Erica’s was 9 pounds 4 ½ ounces, 30 inches long with a girth of 18 ¾ inches. Brian’s was 8 pounds 14 ½ ounces, 31 inches long and a girth of 17 ¼ inches. They both caught them out in 75 ft of water in the Second Trench west of Walnut Creek. They were using Renowsky Deep Divers.

PERCH:

The Perch are hard to come by. Most boaters are going out in 65 ft of water to find them. A lot have stopped fishing for them and now go out for Walleye. They are catching Perch while fishing for Walleye too.

STEELHEAD:

I have had quite a few people ask me about the Steelhead. We had a few “stragglers” come in. There have been a few caught though I personally think it is a bit early yet.

Barb Winnie of Lake City, Pa brought in an 8 pound 8 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. She was on her boyfriends boat “Goin’ Big Time” when she caught it. They were out in 72 ft of water off the Condo’s east of Walnut Creek. She caught it on a Renowsky. Her color was Chartreuse.

Dennis Warner of Grove City, Pa hooked on to this 10 pound 13 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 30 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 72 ft of water half way between Walnut Creek and Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was Blue.

Luke Ostermeyer of Portersville, Pa caught an 8 pound 5 ounce Walleye. It was 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He was fishing in 72 ft of water west of the Clay banks when he caught it. He was using a Renowsky and the color was chartreuse.

Here is fifteen yr old Mike Rhoads who came all the way up from McLean, Virginia to go out for Walleye. He came in with his first Walleye and it made Angler Award too. It was 6 pounds, 25 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 14 ½ inches. He caught it out in 62 ft of water straight out of Walnut off the edge of the trenches. He caught it on an Orange Spoon.

Jeremy Blinn from Zelienople, PA brought in an 8 lb 9 oz. Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 64 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a spoon. His color was Red and Yellow.

Randy Ray of Holtwood, PA brought in a nice 9 lb 15 oz Walleye. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 72 ft. of water a little west of Walnut Creek on worm harness. His color was Red.

WHITE BASS:

Thirteen year old Shane Wallace from Erie, Pa brought In this White Bass for Angler Award. It was 1 lb. 11 oz. and was 15 ¼ inches long with a girth of 11 inches. He caught it out in back of the Erie Conversion Center on the Bay. He was using a Fathead minnow.

WEATHER:

DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions: Weather conditions permitting perch action remains hot in 50 to 55' of water North of Walnut Creek and off the Point. Walleye catches are heating up. Walleye are being picked up in the deeper waters of the first and second trench Northwest of Walnut Creek. You should be able to mark fish in 65 to 75' of water. Current Lake Erie water temperature off Erie is 74 degrees

John Starkweather of Jamestown, NY caught this huge almost State Record Lake Trout. He caught it on Thursday night and brought it down Saturday for verification. He caught it out in 115 ft of water off the mountain in Northeast, PA. It was 27 lbs. 10 oz, was 38 ½ inches long and had a girth of 27 inches. He caught it on a spoon that had Orange/Chartreuse stripes for color.

WALLEYE:

Bobby Rogers of Prosperity, PA brought in for Angler Award this nice 10 lbs. Walleye. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. It was fat the whole way down. He caught it out in 60 ft of water off Virginia Beach on Fire Tiger, Reef runner.

Christine Egnot of Fairview, PA brought in this Angler Award sized Walleye. It was 8 lbs. 6 oz., and was 30 ½ inches long with a girth of 16 inches. She caught it out in 65 ft of water off Elk Creek on a spoon. Her color was Watermelon.

Nine year old Andrew Conard of Pittsburgh (grandson of “The Old Principal”) brought in his Angler Award sized Perch. It was 14 ½ ounces, 13 inches long and had a girth of 8 inches. He caught it out in 58 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Golden Shiner.

Joan Terrill of Townville, Pa came in with this nice looking Perch. It was 1 lb. 9 ½ oz. It was 14 ½ inches long and had a girth of 10 ¼ inches. She caught it out in 57 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on Golden Shiners.

The Perch seem to be mostly straight out of Walnut Creek in 55-58 ft of water. If you go out there you can’t miss the pack. Just pull up along the side and anchor.

WALLEYE:

William E Grim of Washington, PA came in with two Walleye for Angler Award. The first one was 9 lbs. 6 oz. and it was 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. The second one was 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 29 inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught them out in 70 ft of water West of Walnut Creek on night crawler. Their color was Chartreuse.

Ashley Zalewski from Leechburg, PA brought in this nice Angler Award sized Walleye. She was out with two others and limited on them. This one weighed in at 9 lbs and was 31 inches long with a 17 ¼ inch girth. She caught it out in 70 ft of water close to the Ohio line. It was caught on a Renowsky which was trout colored.

They seem to be picking up the Walleye right and left now. Most are still going to the Ohio line but they are coming in this way also. I have heard 35 ft of water off Godfrey and out deeper at Godfrey too. Then I heard out in 68 – 70 ft of water trolling between Trout run and Elk Creek and also out by the line in 72 ft.

Perch fish continues to thrive in 50 to 62' of water north and west of Walnut Creek with no end in sight.

There has been a lot of speculation as to when the first steelhead will be hitting the tribs. With the cool summer, excessive precipitation, and good water levels it's a good bet that the exploratory fall runs may be early this year. Night fishing along the North end of the Walnut creek channel may be worth a try over the next few weeks or so if the night time temperatures remain cool. Early runs often mean big Browns as well. There have been a few unconfirmed reports of steelhead surfacing near shore in the evening hours and at daybreak. Lake Erie water temperature off Erie is 74 degrees. The Lake temperature off Erie at the same time last year was 73 degrees.

David Randolph of New Kensington brought in this Walleye. It weighed 9 pounds 10 ½ ounces, was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it out way west almost to the Ohio line in 65 ft of water on a Spoon. His color was yellow.

Eight year old Nicholas Izbicki of West Springfield came in for an Angler Award with two fish. The first one was the Walleye. It was 7 pounds and was 29 inches long with a girth of 15 inches. He caught it out in 53 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek while he was perching. He caught it on an Emerald shiner.

He also caught a Perch for Angler Award too. It was 12 ounces, 11 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 8 ½ inches.

The Walleye seem to be evasive. I have only heard of a couple being caught here and there. No big numbers coming in. The fishermen are saying though that the Perch this year are really big. So far this year the Walleye and the Small Mouth Bass are being very hard to find.

Also, the lake and the weather this year is about as bad as I can remember. We have had such few days to get out on the water where it was fishable. Either it is storming or the waves are too big. Hopefully things will change but it is already August and there is only a couple more months of Walleye and Perch fishing left.

INCLIMATE WEATHER:

Brad Gonda of Erie, brought in this nice 10 pound 9 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 31 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 30 ft of water off Elk Creek on a Stinger Spoon. Color was Monkey Puke.

WHITE BASS:

Here is a four year old Bennett Smith from Erie with a big White Bass for Angler Award. He caught it in Presque Isle Marina. It was 1 pounds 9 ½ ounces, 14 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 11 ½ inches. He caught it on a minnow and a Bobber. He was fishing without a Bobber and not catching anything. He made it a point of telling me he caught it on a Bobber because his dad put it on for him and then he caught it.

ANOTHER WALLEYE:

Here is another Walleye. Thirteen year old Michael Houk and eleven year old Christopher Hill brought in for Angler Award this 11 pound 13 ounce Walleye that Michael caught. It was 32 inches long and had a girth of 19 ½ inches. He caught it out in 58 to 60 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Crawler Harness. The color for this one was Rainbow/Watermelon mix.

Leah Bierer of Fairview, PA brought in this nice sized Walleye she caught while Perch fishing. It was 9 pounds 13 ½ ounces, 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. She caught it out in 48 ft of water straight North of Walnut Creek on an Emerald Shiner.

I have no idea what is going on with the lake this year. The Perch seem to be abundant but the Walleye are evasive. I haven’t seen it this bad in quite some time. I have only heard of a couple boats limiting on Walleye and that was a while ago. No one seems to be able to find them. I know some of the Charters are doing good but regular fishermen are not doing so well. If you came in with more than five Walleye you are doing good. The water temperature is only 71 degrees still.

The lake is supposed to have 4-6 ft waves tomorrow (Saturday) and then 2-4 ft waves on Sunday so this weekend is not going to be very nice. Also, there is a 80 percent chance of Thunderstorms.

Perch fishing is still strong with fish being caught at a variety of depths. Due North and slightly West of Walnut Creek is still a hot area. Perch are being caught anywhere from 45' to 57' of water West to the Ohio line. Perch fishing has also been fair North of the Northeast Marina in 50' to 55' of water and off the point at Presque Isle.

With the summer weather finally hitting the area, now is a good time to target pan fish in and around Presque Isle Bay. Presque Isle Bay is a great place fill the cooler with slab gills and sunfish. Other good local "Gill spots" include areas along the South side of Presque Isle Bay, Edinboro Lake, and the State Line ponds just South of I-90 at the Ohio line. Bluegill will eat anything they can get into their mouths. Worms and crickets are anglers favorite baits, but bluegill will take, small poppers, flies, small spinners and jigs. At times they will even hit cheese baits and corn. Bluegill are gregarious, so when you catch one, there are usually more in the same place. A frying pan full of fresh filleted bluegills and sunfish are mouthwatering table fare.

Current Lake Erie water temperature is 71 degrees off the Port of Erie.

Here is seven year old Christopher Malicki of Pittsburgh with his 7 pound 10 ounce Walleye. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it out in 60 ft of water NW of Walnut Creek on worm harness on a Dipsy Diver. Color was Black and Purple.

Blaine Moyer of Harborcreek, PA brought in this 9 pound 4 ounce Walleye. It was 30 ½ inches long with a 16 inch girth. He caught it in 40 ft of water off the Clay banks on a Thunder Stick. Fire tiger was the color.

PERCH:

Here is nine year old Adam Muse from Lake City with his Perch. It was 12 ¾ ounces and was 12 inches long with a 9 inch girth. He caught it in 55 ft of water a little West out of Walnut Creek on an Emerald shiner.

Bill McCracken of Commodore, PA came in with this 5 pound 4 ounce Smallmouth Bass. It was 20 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 20 ft of water West of Walnut Creek on a Golden Shiner minnow.

WALLEYE:

Irwin Wurst, 81 yrs young from Erie brought in this nice sized Walleye while Perching. He caught it out off the Lighthouse in 48 ft of water on an Emerald shiner. It was 10 pounds 3 ounces, 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches.

Eleven year old Robert Shartey came in with this nice 10 pound 9 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 31 inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it out in 32 feet of water off Elk Creek on a Bagley. The color was Chartreuse.

PERCH:

Here is from left to right, nine year old Luke, eleven year old Tom and twelve year old Nick Soboleski of Mckean with their Angler Award sized catch. Luke’s was 15 ounces, 12 ¾ inches long with a girth of 8 ½ inches. Tom’s was 14 ½ ounces, 12 inches long and 8 ½ inch girth. Nick’s was 12 ounces, 11 ½ inches long and the girth was 8 ½ inches. They caught them out in 44 ft of water Northwest of Walnut Creek on Emerald Shiners.

Eight year old Anthony Morrison of West Mifflin, PA, brought in a nice Angler Award sized Perch. It was 1 lb. 2 oz. and was 14 inches long with a girth of 9 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 45 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on an Emerald shiner.

The fishing has been almost non- existent. The Perch when they can be found seem to be out in 35-40 ft of water off Trout Run. The ones being caught are said to be full of minnows, so they are getting all the food they need out in the water.

The Walleye are only being caught at night from what I am hearing. I have only had a couple boats come in with any walleye and then it was only 1 or 2. One boat had five and that was the most I have heard of all season so far. The water temperature is still cold so after a few days of hot weather hopefully they will start.

The new traffic pattern so far is going okay. The only problem is getting used to it. Change can be hard but give it time. Please just watch the signs and it will be easy. Utilize the “Tie Down Area”. We do ask that you not pull up in front of the net shed because the vehicles have to pull all the way up to the building to launch or retrieve their boats. This will cause traffic problems.

This week we have a smorgasbord of fish. First, we have eleven year old Lucas Stellabotte from Lower Burrell with his Perch. It was 12 ¾ ounces, 12 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 8 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 54 ft of water off Walnut Creek on Emerald Shiner.

CHANNEL CATFISH:

Next we have seven year old Ronnie Rusch who brought in a huge Channel Catfish. It was 15 lbs 11 oz. and was 30 inches long with a girth of 19 ½ inches. He caught it out in 28 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on Emerald Shiner.

SMALLMOUTH BASS:

Then we have fifteen year old Matthew West of Erie, PA with a nice Small Mouth Bass. It was 4 lbs. ½ oz., 20 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. He caught her in Walnut Creek on a Grub. She still had some eggs in her too.

WALLEYE:

Here is Morris Mitchell (Mickey) of Saegertown with this nice sized Walleye. First one brought in to me for weighing. It was 9 pounds 12 ¾ ounces, 30 inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. He caught it out in around 27 ft of water off Trout Run on a Hot & Tot.

SMALL MOUTH BASS:

Eleven year old Joshua McQuiston of Pittsburgh came in with a nice Small Mouth Bass. It was 5 pounds 12 ounces, 21 inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 18-20 ft of water off Trout Run on an Emerald shiner.

PERCH:

I have no pictures of the Perch but they are talking about getting them in 40 ft of water off Trout Run and in 55 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek.

WALNUT CREEK ACCESS TRAFFIC FLOW:

Here is a diagram of the new traffic flow at Walnut Creek. Just remember to watch the signs. There are a lot of them and they explain to you where to go and in which direction.

Please Stop at all the "Stop" signs. There are signs under them to tell you which way to go.

Please follow the arrows that are painted in the parking lot also. If everyone is parked the same way there should be less damage done to the trailers in the lot hopefully.

There is a big change so please watch and drive carefully. The launch and exits are reversed from what they used to be. Also, watch the launch ramp signs. They are there to show you which ramp is open to launch and which ramp is open for coming in off the water. If you can see "Open" when you launch then it is open to launch. If it says "Open" when you come in off the water, then use that one. One side of the sign says "Open" and the other side of the sign says "Closed".

Have a Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

First, the “Get Ready” area is now on the South side of the marina. The traffic flow will be greatly enhanced by this. The vehicles with boats will go straight when they come to the stop sign and go along the creek to the "Get Ready" area. There will be two rows for Getting Ready and one middle lane for those boaters who just launch.

We are asking that there is courtesy shown for the boats who are "getting ready" so they will have no trouble getting out.

Here is a further away shot of the “Get Ready” area while standing on the launch area.

Then when exiting the lake the boats are to stay to the left and go out through what is now the "Tie Down" area. It is where the old "Get Ready" area used to be by the Sunset Gardens Memorial Wall and the anchor.

Second, the road leading into the marina is one way coming in for vehicles only. NO BOATS! The barrier down the middle is gone and they are now paving the whole thing in. The boats will be able to Exit using the road but NO entering.

This will give the launching area a 40 percent increase in usable launch ramps when the place is very busy. Many boaters never wanted to use these two end ramps because of the missing pieces. It has taken many years of wanting this small improvement.

This alone will greatly speed up the launch and recovery during busy times.

Hat off to the PFBC for the fine job!!!!!

With this weeks in season trout stockings, the lower areas of Elk Creek, Crooked Creek, and the Upper Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview will be good choices for stockies. Anglers have been having good luck at the Gravel Pit Pond with shiners and red worms.

Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 52 degrees, off Cleveland, 47 degrees and off the Port of Erie, 51 degrees

Meadville, PA – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will present an update on two specific topics at a public meeting on Thursday, April 23, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium in Erie.

Chuck Murray, fisheries biologist with the PFBC’s Lake Erie Research Unit, will discuss the status and trends of Pennsylvania's Lake Erie fishery. His report will focus on walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and steelhead and will include a forecast of the upcoming fishing season. Mr. Murray will also discuss the Commission’s proposed Put-Grow-Take brown trout program on Lake Erie.

Jackie Kramer, the statewide fishing and boating access coordinator for the Bureau of Boating and Access, will explain the Lake Erie Access Improvement Program. The program provides grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations to improve fishing access in the Lake Erie watershed. In addition, she will discuss the Public Fishing Access Easement Program. Private landowners interested in providing public access for anglers and learning how this easement purchase program operates are encouraged to attend.

A question and answer period will be allotted following each topic.

Directions:

The H. O. Hirt Auditorium is at the west end of the Erie County Public Library - 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507 (814-451-6900). Take the Bayfront Parkway to State Street or Holland Street. The library/auditorium is in between the two streets.

Rain this past weekend put some color and flow into the area tribs helping to keep steelhead conditions good. Night time temperatures have remained in the 30s and 40s helping to keep steelhead around for a while. By Tuesday afternoon, levels were dropping although decent flow and some color remains. Anglers have been doing fair to good along the lakeshore at the mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs wind and waves permitting. Steelhead can be found throughout Presque Isle Bay and Misery Bay. Now is the time to go after the slab crappie in in Presque Isle Bay. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 42 degrees off Toledo, 38 degrees off Cleveland and 38 degrees off the Port of Erie.

Walnut Creek Access Area:

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Area temperatures have remained well below freezing again putting many areas back into freeze over. There is still open water in many areas of the tribs. Temperatures are predicted to climb into the upper 40s perhaps bringing another quick melt down. Presque Isle Bay has been firming up, however there is still open water and the pending warming up could make for hazardous conditions

Posted Access Advisory:

Access to Elk Creek in in Mckean off of Old West Road is now a posted area. This area is one mile east of 832 on the left off of West road. The road is a short and un marked with a dead end. The landowner access to the trib from this road is now posted (signage is in process). Access to this particular stretch of Elk is now by water only. Anglers should have no reason to park in this area without access to Elk Creek. This posted area will be enforced.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Frigid conditions have surrounded the Erie area over the last week with most areas on the trib well frozen over. As of Tuesday, there was some open water at the mouth of Trout Run. Anglers are reminded to assure they are fishing the Lake and not the tributary (State Nursery Waters) in this area. The Walnut Basin is frozen over and by the looks of the forecast this week, ice in most areas should be getting better. Anglers have not been venturing out on Presque Isle as some areas still look on the thin side, however, Misery bay has remained solid with anglers working that area this past weekend. Anglers are reminded that ice conditions are not monitored by any public agency and that caution should be exercised especially during these transition periods.

The Erie is closing in on a seasonal record of nearly 150" as measured at the Erie Airport. Many nearby surrounding areas have had well over 200" and a few pushing 250" for the season making this one of the snowiest seasons ever.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions: Last week brought an almost complete meltdown of the area tribs and left most of the larger ice fishing areas including Presque Isle unsafe. The tribs have remained open and the major runoff has begun to subside opening up many areas to steelhead fishing. This weekend could bring good conditions on the tribs. Early morning hours are slushy with some drifting skim ice, however, mid day temperatures and a little sun have kept things mostly open. Fish will be scattered and weather worn with a few fresh fish mixed in near the mouths. Hard water anglers are advised to used extreme caution for now.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions: Warmer temperatures this past weekend have broken down most of the ice on the area tribs. Major ice jams have built up at the tributary mouths temporarily blocking fishing access. Most areas South of Route 5 are open and flowing fast as of Tuesday afternoon.

Fish are scattered. Reported catches are coming from those anglers having the patience and persistence to do a lot of walking and looking. Most fish that are found have been in the tribs most of the winter. Cold clear waters after ice out are a good time to work the micro jigs in an attempt to trigger strikes. Egg sacs, singles and egg patterns will work nicely as the water clears and of course shiners are always a good choice in cold water.

As the ice jams at the mouths subside, we should see additional fish moving in, hopefully setting the stage for a strong spring run. Any ice fishing in the area should be approached with the utmost caution. Ice at the mouth of Trout Run along the lake shore should be considered unstable for fishing at this time.

Ice fishing slowed this past weekend as the ice on Presque Isle Bay began to burn off. With a day or so of warm weather predicted before the next cold snap, anglers should be using extreme caution when venturing out on the ice.

Winter Stocking: Lake Pleasant, the Upper Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview and the East and West Basin Ponds at Presque Isle have all been stocked in the last few weeks as par of the winter stocking program.

Mark Daniel of Edinboro, PA brought in this 10 pound Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 30 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek. He was using sucker spawn and the color was orange.

The Stop Sign hole from what I hear has been good all week. There are

MARINA:

The marina has a little skimming of ice on it but it probably won’t last since we are to be getting some nice 50 degree weather tomorrow. But it won’t last. Tuesday thru Thursday it is supposed to snow and be in the 30’s.

Here is another one of the skimming of ice.

Eleven year old Jordan Preteroti of Muse, PA brought in this beauty. It was 10 pounds – 11 ounces and was 30 inches long with a 17 inch girth. He caught it in Walnut Creek on a maggot.

Gary Gilliland of Chicora, PA brought in this nice looking male Steelhead. He was 11 pounds – 9 ½ ounces and was 29 inches long with a 19 ¼ inch girth. Gary caught him at the “stop sign hole” on a “shrimp fly” he tied.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:
This past weekend brought big numbers of anglers to the area tribs with many anglers enjoying a little fishing on the way to hunting camp. Traditionally, angling pressure will ease with the Thanksgiving holiday and the threats of snow and bitter cold weather. This past week brought additional rain and snow keeping trib levels prime for the big catches. More and more anglers are learning that winter can often bring some of the best steelhead action of the season along with a more quiet angling experience especially along the upper stretches of the tribs. As the water temperature drops steelhead will typically become less active holding in the slower moving pools. Presentation is everything and natural drifts are most important in inducing strikes. The access areas at both Walnut and Elk Creeks are still drawing the crowds for those in a hurry to find fish but plenty of room can be found upstream. The Walnut Creek Marina basin is still giving up a fair number fish. The mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs are still productive, wind and waves permitting.

Winter Fishing Tips: Fish feed less aggressively as the water temperatures drop and will often wait for the food source to come to them, so you need to get your fly or bait close to feeding fish. This means reading the water and presenting your fly or other bait where the fish are holding. During the winter, fish typically hold in areas with less current than during warmer periods of the year. Look for places that offer fish haven from the faster currents but still near faster water that will carry food. The heads of pools, areas with drop offs and rocks, side channels and eddies are all good target areas during the winter months.

Donald Couch of Rochester, PA brought in this nice looking Steelhead. It was 13 pounds – 9 ½ ounces and was 30 ¼ inches long with a girth of 20 inches. He caught it at the mouth of Walnut Creek on a Black Jig tipped with Maggot.

There are a lot of people fishing and catching. It is snowing little balls right now (Friday) but nothing is on the ground yet here. It looks like it might stick though but it is supposed to be in the Hi 30’s tomorrow so I don’t see it sticking for long. The Lake water temperature is 44 degrees.

MARINA OFFICE BUILDING:

The Marina office building will close this Sunday for our seasonal hours. I will be coming in on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM till 5:30 PM until December 19 then I will close up for the rest of this season.

2009 LICENSES:

The 2009 fishing licenses will be going on sale Monday. No one will be here but you can stop in on the weekends and get them for whom ever. They do make nice Christmas presents. It is something that will last all year long.

Reminder on Perch:
The perch size limit has now changed to 7" effective December 1st. The daily creel limit remains at 30 fish.

John Shipp Jr. of Houtzdale, PA brought in his 10 pound – 13 ½ ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek on Power Bait. His color was Rainbow.

Fifteen year old Alex Stoner of Greensburg, PA received an Angler Award for his 11 pound – 1 ounce fish. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. He caught his at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Power Bait. His colors were Red/white/blue.

Vincent Litterini of Nottingham, NH brought his fish in for Angler Award. It was 12 pounds – ½ ounce, was 29 ½ inches long and had a big girth of 19 ¼ inches. He caught his fish at the 2nd set of logs in Walnut Creek, right above the Stop sign hole. He caught his on a Wooley Bugger. The color was Black

Fourteen year old Cody Weimer of Irwin PA brought his fish in for Angler Award. It was 9 pounds – 13 ½ inches and was 30 ¼ inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught his at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Power Bait. The color was White.

Lewis Sweigart of Marietta Pa. brought in his fish. It was 10 pounds – 1 ounce and was 28 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. He caught his out in the lake at Walnut Creek on a Little Cleo. His color was Blue (with pink dots)/Silver.

William Stewart of Fayette City, PA brought in this fish for Angler Award. It was 11 pounds – 4 ounces, was 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 ¼ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek Marina on a Jig and maggot.

Here is thirteen year old Zach Broad water from Rices Landing, PA with his Angler Award fish. It was 9 pounds – 8 ounces, 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek on a Jig. His color was Olive Green

Here is Jim Roner from Burgettstown, PA with his Angler Award fish. It was 11 pounds – 12 ounces, 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 ½ inches. He caught it on a Little Cleo.

The Marina opened at 3 PM on Friday, October 31. Here is a shot of the north side showing the turn out. I would estimate we had around 100 people standing around the marina. Within the first 20 minutes of opening there were at least five fish caught.

Rick Reed from Washington, PA was the first to catch his fish when the marina opened for fishing. It took him 2 ½ minutes to hook the first fish. It was around 20 inches long. He was using Power Bait. Color was Sherbert. He was standing on the south side of marina.

Dave Bachner Jr. of Washington, PA brought in a nice looking Steelhead. It was 11 pounds – 1 ounce and was 28 inches long with a girth of 19 inches. He caught it out in 30 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Reef Runner. His color was Florescent Orange.

Roy Staszak Jr. of Morrisdale PA, brought in a 10 pound – 9 ounce Steelhead. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth 18 ½ inches. He caught it at the Stop sign hole on Walnut Creek on a sucker spawn. The color was Pink.

Eight your old Brandon Bennett of New Castle, PA brought in an 8 pound – 1 ounce Steelhead. It was 28 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek by the cement wall up in the creek on a flat head minnow.

Phillip Kenneth Howard of Burgettstown, PA brought in a 10 pound-5 ounce fish for Angler Award. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it on a “Little Cleo” at Elk Creek. The color was Green/Silver.

Matt Stanley from Pittsburgh, PA brought in a 12 pound - 9 ½ ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 ¼ inches. He caught it by the water falls on Walnut Creek by the bridge on a fly. The color was Chartreuse.

James Kalkbrenner of E. McKeesport, PA brought in this 13 pound – 10 ounce Steelhead. He was 31 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 20 inches. James caught him out at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Salmon Egg in a sack.

Eleven year old Adam Melenyzer and Bill Williams of Charleroi, PA brought in a nice looking Steelhead. It almost made Angler Award at 9 pounds - 13 ounces, 30 inches long. It was caught it off Godfrey in 7 ft. of water on an Orange Reef Runner.

Paul Chinikidiadi of Clovis, New Mexico brought in this nice 15 pound - 2 ounce Steelhead. It was 32 inches long and had a girth of 21 inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole at Walnut Creek on “Crystal Meth” fly. The color was Pink.

Fifteen year old Nikko Harris of Fairview caught this 8 pound 8 ounce Steelhead. It was 31 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. He caught it at the Water falls in Walnut Creek on sucker spawn. His color was pink.

Jordan Hendricks of Washington, PA brought in a nice looking 10 pound – 4 ounce Steelhead. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it at the first Project hole on Walnut Creek on an Olive Wooly Bugger.

This is “What is Happening at Walnut Creek” now. The boats are out front trolling at the mouth of the Creeks.

Here is Jacob Manley all the way from Frederick, MD. with his Angler Award sized Steelhead. It was 8 pounds exactly and was 27 ½ inches long with a girth of 16 inches. He caught it on the North channel wall of Walnut Creek on a quarter ounce KO Wobbler. The color was Silver with a Blue stripe.

The fishermen are out fishing into the lake from the stone jetties out front of Walnut Creek.

They are fishing on the south side of the channel.

Here is something that George Yates from New Castle, his son Jonathan, and a fellow fisherman, Greg Lasko of Erie saw while they were out fishing off Elk Creek about 5 miles out in 70 ft of water. It is a six point buck. Jonathan took the picture with his cell phone but you can make out what it is. Greg was able to turn the deer and head him back to shore. That was the last anything was heard of from the deer.

WALNUT CREEK:

Here is a picture of the mouth of Walnut Creek after it rained for three days. It was taken today 10/2/2008.

Here is another shot of the creek looking south while I was standing on the north channel wall. Notice the sign that is on the other side of the creek. You will know where this is by recognizing the signs. This sign is straight out of the marina.

Doug Rumball of Erie brought in a 10 pound ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it straight out of Trout Run in 75 ft of water on a Renowsky. The color was Green/Black.

PERCH:

Carol Riblett of Erie, PA brought in this nice sized Perch for Angler Award. It weighed 1 pound 7 ounces, was 14 inches long and had a girth of 10 ¾ inches. She caught it in 58 ft of water off the GE stack on the East side. She was using minnows.

STEELHEAD:

Fourteen year old Cody Weimer of Irwin, Pa brought in this pretty Steelhead. It was 8 pounds 3 ounces and was 28 inches long with a girth of 16 inches. He caught it off the North wall at Walnut Creek on Orange power bait.

Mary Lynn Ecker of Erie, PA, brought in a nice male Steelhead for Angler Award. He weighed in at 10 pounds 8 ounces and was 31 inches long with a girth of 17 ¼ inches. She caught him in Walnut Creek on the South side of the channel. He was caught on a white jig.

WALLEYE & PERCH:

The Walleye have started becoming hard to find. Most guys are trolling from straight out of Walnut in around 65-70 ft of water and trolling West to Elk Creek.

The Perch are still out Northwest of Walnut Creek in about 55-60 ft of water. I am told there is also a school out off Trout Run and the clay banks.

WALNUT CREEK:
The creek is low and clear. There has been no rain for a while even though I have been told that people are thinking we got rain with the winds. We didn’t get much. The water temperature is 69 degrees.

I have had numerous people calling and asking about the Steelhead. There are a couple people trying to catch something in Walnut Creek. There are a few stragglers coming in but it is not “the run”. The boaters are starting to pick a couple up out in the trenches. The water temperature at this writing is 70 degrees and the air temperature is going to be in the mid to low 70’s. Look for the water temperature to go around 65 degrees and look for boats trolling in front of the creeks. That’s a very good indication of where they are.

WALLEYE & PERCH:

The fish are there but they seem to be filled with the bait that is out there. I was told that the bottom is covered with Perch but they just aren’t hungry. That is out in 55-65 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek.

The Walleye are outside of the Perch pack. They are in 65-75 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and trolling West. Plugs and Crawler harnesses are the best. The colors seem to be either Chartreuse or Black and Silver

PARKING:

The Northwest parking lot is for Slip Holders and Handi-capped ONLY. It is designated so by the sign that is there as you enter the site. If you are not a slip holder or have a Handi-Capped placard, you will receive 1 courtesy warning then the second time is a fine. Parking is available Northeast and the whole way down to the road entrance. Also, if parking in the South lot, park along the creek. The larger part is for boat trailers. You will notice the size is larger

CHANNEL WALL:

All shore fisher persons are to pull their lines for boaters as they enter and exit the channel. It is a safety hazard for the boaters if they get line wrapped on their props. PLEASE, pull lines for boaters. Again, there will be a fine for not observing the rules and regulations which are clearly marked.

Denny Halula of New Alexandria, PA came in with a nice 9 pound 5 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water West of Trout Run on a “Renowsky”. The color was Blue/Silver.

Nine year old Damien Partin of Oakdale, PA brought in his 6 pound 12 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it out in 68 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a plug. His color was green with black strips.

Ten year old Zack Ansinger brought in a 6 pound 2 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 26 inches long and had a girth of 14 ½ inches. He caught it out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Renowsky. His color was gold.

Most of the people I have talked to say they are getting them in 65-72 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and most are using lures/plugs.

PERCH:

I know they are getting Perch out in 62 – 65 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek but no one is bringing them in for Angler Award. We have had quite a few boaters say they limited.

STEELHEAD:

I have had numerous people calling and asking about the Steelhead. All I can say is there are a couple in the streams but the run is not here. The boaters are just now starting to catch them in the trenches. The water temperature at this writing is 71 degrees and the air temperature is going to be in the high 70’s and mid 80’s till next week at least. Look For the water temperature to go around 65 degrees and look for boats trolling in front of the creeks. That is a very good indication that the fish are trying to come in. The first cold rain we get usually will bring them in. Call our office during office hours if you wish to find out what the temperature is and if the boats are trolling in front of the creeks. Our number is 814-833-2464.

Eleven year old Michael Rossi of Center Township, PA came in with a nice 7 pound 9 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught his out in 69 ft of water off Virginia’s Beach. He caught it on a “Kojak Special” lure. The color was green.

Eleven year old Vinny Rossi of South Fayette, PA received an Angler Award too for his 7 pound 5 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. His was fat all in one place and his cousins’ (above) was fat all over. He caught his in 69 ft of water off Virginia’s Beach also. He also caught it on a “Kojak Special” lure. His color was Watermelon.

PERCH:

Eight year old Joshua Gurtner of West Mifflin, PA brought in his Perch for Angler Award. It was 12 ¾ ounces, 11 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 9 inches. He caught it out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on an Emerald shiner.

Kristi Miller from Monaca, PA brought in an 11 pound 5 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 31 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 18 ½ inches. She caught it out in 73 ft of water off Elk Creek on a night crawler. Her color was Gold and Purple.

John Roberts (pictured) and Ardell Blair (Red Bird) came in with their limit. The caught them out in 70 ft of water West of Elk Creek on Renowsky’s. They color was Black and Silver.

David Sarkis from Aliquippa, PA (in front) and Ryan Ray from Ocean City, Maryland (behind) came in with an 8 pound 11 ounce Walleye. David caught it and Ryan netted it. It was 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. They were out in 64 ft of water at the Ohio line. It was caught on a Kojak special. The color was purple.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Late summer early fall weather on Lake Erie can be tricky for boats and anglers alike and this past week has been typical. Fast moving fronts can quickly change serene conditions into capping waves in very short periods of time. Rough water has had boaters flipping the coin as to when to go out, but those that can take a little pounding, don't get sick, and respect what Lake Erie can dish out, have been rewarded with good perch catches in 60 plus feet of water and fair to good numbers of walleye. This is of course not an endorsement to throw caution to the wind...if in doubt, don't head out.

Two human rod holders catching their own 12 walleye brings smiling faces.

The action has been hot way west in 60 to 72 feet of water with some large 10 pound walleye making the cooler.

John Griffith of Clarks Mills PA caught a nice 8 pound 5 ounce Walleye. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it in 60 ft of water West of Elk Creek on a worm harness. Perch color was what he used.

Robert Chaney of Middle Ridge, Ohio caught a 10 pound 10 ounce Walleye. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught his out in 60-63 ft of water West of Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was green.

Patrick Harris of Greensburgh, PA brought in a nice 8 pound ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it out in around 65 ft of water off Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was chartreuse.

Eight year old Michael (Mikey) Doerflinger, of Slippery Rock, PA brought in a Sheepshead for ANgler Award. It weighed 7 pounds 12 ¾ ounces, was 26 inches long, and had a girth of 18 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 30 ft of water off Trout Run on a “Goby Gulp”.

WALLEYE:

Michael Schmitt of Harmony, PA brought in an 8 pound 14 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water off Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was purple.

YELLOW PERCH:

James O’neil of Kennerdell, PA is going to be 73 years young tomorrow. He brought in this Perch for an Angler Award. It was 1 pound 8 ounces, 13 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 11 inches. He caught it in 62 ft of water straight off Elk Creek on an Emerald Shiner.

WEATHER:

The weather for the next couple days 8/8 thru 8/10 is:
Friday: NW winds – 10-20 knots – 2-4 ft waves.
Saturday: NW winds – 5-15 knots – 1-3 ft waves.
Sunday: W winds – 5-15 knots – 1-3 ft waves.

WALNUT CREEK MARINA:

Do to some vandalism in the rest rooms, the outside restroom doors are kept closed. Please use the lobby doors when the office building is open. There are Porta-Johns available for your convenience if you need to use the rest rooms when the building is not open between shifts. There are two at the top of the Launch ramp and two in the grove of trees off to the South side of the marina.

Also, do to the increase in the cost of Ice; we had to increase our price. Ice can now be bought for $1.60 for a seven pound bag here at the office.

Ten year old Scotty, seven year old Joe and fourteen year old Tony Wyland with dad in the background brought in a couple of their catch. Joe brought his Walleye in for Angler Award at 10 pounds 10 ounces. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 72 ft of water West of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was lemon / lime.

Chris Devore of Cambridge Springs, PA brought in a 9 pound 2 ounce Walleye and received an Angler Award for it. It was 30 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it out in 74 ft of water straight off Elk Creek on a worm harness. The color was Watermelon.

Thomas McNally of North Hills, Hampton, PA came in with this nice 9 pound Walleye. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in 75 ft of water West of Trout Run on a worm harness. The color was Watermelon / Copper.

So far everyone seems to be having a lot of luck getting the Walleye in close and out deep. Anywhere from 25-40 near shore and 50-75 out deeper. Mostly on worm harnesses with different colors as you can see.

PERCH:

I have no pictures of Perch but I do know they are getting them. No one wants their picture though. Most are being caught in 55-60 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and the same for off of Trout Run.

DREDGING:

The dredging is done. The lowest spot at the mouth of Walnut Creek is 5 feet according to the dredging crew.

This weekend the weather is supposed to be pretty nice. The waves are supposed to be 1-3 ft on Saturday and 2 ft or less on Sunday. But we all know that can change, so if need be you can call our office here at Walnut Creek for the weather and lake conditions during office hours. The number is 814-833-2464.

RESTROOMS:

Because of vandalism, the restrooms are not open from the outside anymore nor after office hours. The restrooms can be entered through the lobby doors when the office building is open. (The days and times are listed on signs in the windows). Any other time there are Porta-Johns available for your convenience placed around the marina property.

Fifteen year old John Ernst of Erie, PA came in for an Angler Award for this 1 pound 5 ½ ounce Perch. It was 13 ½ inches long and had a girth of 10 inches. He caught it out in 62 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on an emerald shiner.

Ten year old Lucas and thirteen year old Julia Stellabotte of Pittsburgh, brought in their Perch for Angler Award. Lucas’s was 1 pound 5 ½ ounces, 13 ½ inches long and had a girth of 11 inches. Julia’s was 13 ½ ounces, 12 ¼ inches long with a girth of 9 inches. They both were caught out in 60 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on Emerald shiners cut in half.

WALLEYE:

Twelve year old Justin Gillogly from Waynesburg, PA brought in an Angler Award sized Walleye. It was 9 pounds 4ounces and was 30 inches long with a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 60 ft of water west of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was Copper.

Nine year old Nicholas Langford of Erie came in for an Angler Award for his Perch. It was 1 pound 5 ounces and was 13 inches long with a girth of 10 ¾ inches. He caught it in 55 ft of water straight out of Walnut on an Emerald shiner.

This is it for the Perch. I know they are getting them but no one is bringing them in for pictures. They seem to be really good catching right now in 55-60 ft of water off Trout Run and Walnut Creek. I have been told they are nice sized too. Just no pictures.

WALLEYE:

Eleven year old Dylan Baker of Penn Trafford, PA came in for his Angler Award for a Walleye. It was 8 pounds 9 ½ ounce and was 29 inches long with a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 63 ft of water straight off of Trout Run on a Renowsky. His color was “Wonder Bread”.

Randy Scott of Delta, PA brought in a couple nice 9 pound Walleye. The big one was 9 pound 10 ounces and it was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it on a worm harness. He was out on the “Mother Moose” which caught their limit. The color for the big one was a purple VooDoo.

Fifteen year old Ryan Johnston of Erie, PA brought in a Yellow Perch that was 1 pound and ½ ounce, 12 ¾ inches long, and a 9 ½ inch girth. He caught it out in 54 ft of water straight off Walnut Creek on a minnow on a crappy rig.

WALLEYE:

Seventeen year old Joseph Watton of Pittsburgh, PA came in with a nice 8 pound 9 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught them out in 58 ft of water off the Condo’s on worm harness. The color was watermelon.

Eleven year old Justin Harouff came in with an Angler Award sized Walleye. It was 7 pounds 13 ½ ounces and was 28 ¼ inches long with a girth of 16 ¾ inches long. He was out in 61 ft of water out West of Walnut Creek on the South side of the first trench. He caught it on a worm harness. His color was Purple/Chrome.

Don Sewalish of Elmora, PA brought in this 8 pound 4 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 29 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 16 1/4 inches. He caught it out in 24 ft of water straight out of Trout Run on a worm harness. His color was Chartreuse.

Chad Chaffman of Freeport Pa was out on the boat "Ho Ho" and he came in with an 8 pound 13 1/2 ounce Walleye. It was 29 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 15 ft of water West of Walnut on a worm harness. His colors were Black and Purple.

WALLEYE:

Roy McGaughey from Castle Shannon, PA brought in this 8 pound 2 ounce Walleye. It was 28 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 16 1/4 inches. He caught it in 27 ft of water off Trout Run on a worm harness. His color was green.

Richard Bates of Latrobe, PA brought in this 8 pound 4 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches.
He caught it out in 65 ft of water West of Elk Creek on a worm harness along with the rest. The whole boat limited. His color was copper/purple.

SMALLMOUTH BASS:

James Gunter and Brian Tingler of Baltimore, MD. came in with these Angler Award sized Smallmouth Bass. James (on the left) had a 4 pound 5 1/2 ounce one that was 18 1/4 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. Brian had a 5 pound 7 ounce Smallmouth that was 21 1/2 inches long and the girth on his was 16 1/2 inches. They caught them in 18 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on minnows on Sea Wolf Charters.

PERCH:

Mathew Kretschmer of Baltimore MD. caught this 1 pound 9 1/2 ounce Perch in 18 ft of water East of Walnut. His Angler Award fish was 14 inches long
and had a girth of 11 inches. He caught his on a minnow.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Walleye action is still good to excellent on the west side from Walnut Creek to the Ohio line in 15 to 40 feet of water. Plugs, stick baits, and crawler harnesses have all been working well off of planer boards or just flat lining in the shallower water. In the deeper depths, the small cookie size Dipseys have been popular. The perch are starting to school heavily and limits are becoming conmon. Perch are schooling in the usual popular locations in 45 to 50 feet of water north of Walnut Creek and off the point at Presque Isle. Current Lake Erie water temperatures off Toledo are 68 degrees, off Cleveland, 67 degrees and off the Port of Erie, 69 degrees.

Temporary Closing on Presque Isle Bay:

On Saturday June 28th

US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION INFORMATION:

Reporting Requirements for Chartered Fishing Vessels Arriving in U.S. along Lake Erie Shore

WALLEYE:

Richard Maxson of Wexsford, PA came in with this nice big 12 pound ½ ounce Walleye. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 inches. Richard said it was his first time fishing here and it was his first Walleye. He caught it straight out from Trout Run in 22 ft of water on worm harness. The color was black/purple.

Here is six year old Hunter Briggs. He will be seven on July 4th. He brought in this 8 pound 5 ½ ounce Walleye for an Angler Award. It was 28 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. He caught it out front of Walnut Creek in 28 ft of water on a mad money spoon or (Kojak special). The color was Blue and Gold.

Jessica Butcher of Ambridge, PA came in with this 7 pound 6 ounce Walleye. It was 26 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. She caught it in 24 ft
of water between Godfrey and Elk Creek on a worm harness on a Dipsy Diver. The whole boat limited and the color for this one was mass confusion.

WALLEYE:

The Walleye seem to be plentiful so far this year. These are Joe Novaks’ (Junk Man) fish he caught with his buddy Dale Mitchell.

Here is Joe Novak with one of his catch. He was out on Dale Mitchell’s boat when they caught these out in 30 ft of water off Godfrey. He said they were
getting them on plugs and worms.

Rich and Barb Boroski (Afternoon Delight) of Leechburg came in with their limit of Walleye. They were just drifting in 36 ft of water off Trout Run when they caught most of them. They were using worm harnesses and their color was Chartreuse.

I have had quite a few limits come in. Most of the boats are out in 20-30 ft of water going from Walnut Creek, west to Godfrey or even Elk and then back. I can see them trolling right in front of Walnut.

They seem to be biting on just about anything from what I am told.

PERCH:

The Perch seem to be slow right now. The boats that are having any luck are finding them out in 35-40 ft of water off Trout Run and a little East. Also, off the G.E. stacks east of the Peninsula I heard they were doing pretty good.

Today(Friday)we are having storms most of the day. They are popping up every hour. We are to have thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday and then Monday and Tuesday the waves are supposed to go up to 2-4 ft. The temperatures have been in the high 80's and low 90's most of this week and it is supposed to be in the 70's the first part of next week.

June 11th, 2008

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:
Summer like weather is finally starting to show it's face in Erie with temperatures this week hitting the mid 90's. The hot weather is actually a welcome relief from the long winter and unseasonably cool spring. Walleye and Perch action has been picking up with limits becoming more common. As is typically for the early part of the season, the best walleye action has been in shallower water, 20-35 feet west of Walnut Creek to the Ohio line. Many bass anglers have been stumbling on the walleye by accident. Fish in the 25" range have been common. Perch have been brought in, although reports vary as to where they are to be found. North of Walnut Creek and Trout Run in 35' of water have been target spots as well as off the point at Presque Isle in 35 to 40' of Water. Current Lake Erie Water temperature off Toledo is 68 degrees, off Cleveland, 61 degrees, and off the Port of Erie, 68 degrees.

Regular Bass Season Opens This Saturday:
Regular Bass season opens this Saturday. Bass limits for Lake Erie, it's tributaries, and Presque Isle Bay are 4 fish (combined species small and large mouth) with a 15" minimum length beginning Saturday June 14th, 2008.

June 4th, 2008

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:
Lake temperatures have struggled to reach the 60 degree mark making the West Basin walleye migration to our area somewhat later than usual. Perch continue to school, but are moving around. 25' - 40' of water due north of Walnut Creek and west to Trout Run. Similar depths north of Seagull Point continue to produce. Bass action has still been good under the current Trophy bass season. Regular bass season on Lake Erie Presque Isle Bay and the tribs begins June 14 when the limit goes to 4 fish with a minimum length of 15 inches. Trolling the lake shore at various depths until they are located and then jigging when you locate them is most productive. Tube baits and jigging blade baits have been hot. Walleye action has been sporadic but is picking up. Early Walleye target areas will be the "triangle" area east of the Ohio line and south of the Canadian line and along the second trench. Carp fanatics have been doing well in Misery Bay and the Lagoons area. These monsters can put up a great fight and are easy to catch. Strong line and a rod with a stiff back along with minnows, dead or alive and crawlers fished on the bottom are the ticket. Carp are the number one game fish in many European countries and have just started to gain popularity here. The weedy areas near shore in the Lagoons, particularly near the canoe livery at Presque Isle is are a good place to try. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 62 degrees off Toledo, 59 degrees off Cleveland and 60 degrees off the Port of Erie.

Local Weather:
Wednesday Night...Becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday...Cloudy with a chance of snow early...mixing with rain in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

Thursday Night...Rain and snow showers likely in the evening...then a chance of snow showers after midnight. Little or no snow accumulation. Blustery with lows in the upper 20s. South winds 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 40 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

Friday...Snow likely. Windy with highs in the lower 30s. Chance of snow 60 percent.

Friday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Breezy and colder with lows 15 to 20.

Saturday...Snow showers likely. Breezy with highs in the lower 20s. Chance of snow 60 percent.

Saturday Night...Snow showers likely. Breezy and cold with lows around 10 above. Chance of snow 70 percent. Wind chill values as low as 10 below.

Sunday...Snow showers likely. Breezy with highs around 15. Chance of snow 70 percent. Wind chill values as low as 10 below.

Sunday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with lows around 10 above. Wind chill values as low as 10 below.

Martin Luther King Jr Day...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Highs in the lower 20s. Wind chill values as low as 5 below in the morning.

Monday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Lows 10 to 15.

Happy Holidays:
Best wishes for a wonderful and safe Holiday Season from all the PFBC Officers and personnel along Pennsylvania's Great North Coast.

Winter Safety Reminders:

Salmon / Steelhead Pie:

I caught this picture from inside the building. As I was walking by the lobby window I saw this man catch and net this fish so I snapped a picture.

This one is of a man who was just so excited about catching one that he held it up to me for the picture and then continued fishing. I didn’t get any names but pictures are better than words anyway.

The people are still catching fish. I was told by a regular (Bruce) that the North winds are good for catching the fish. We have some pretty strong (25 knot) winds now too from the Northwest. But we have around 30 cars in the South lot and I have 15-20 people fishing around the basin and the north wall. I guess the threat of snow doesn’t hinder anyone from their love of fishing.

After next Friday the office building will be closed until April 9, 2008. I will be here on December 21 but just to close up for the season. Don’t forget you can get your fishing licenses now for next year. They make good Christmas presents if you can’t think of what to buy for someone.

Senior Lifetime Licenses can be bought if you will be 65 any time in 2008 from January 1 thru December 31. You can buy them anytime after January 1, 2008.

All licenses will be sold through the PALS (Pennsylvania Automated License System) machine now so there will be no paper licenses sold anymore. These are nice though because they are plastic and your information is burned into it so it won’t run or get ruined from water and such. Also it is a little easier to get a replacement if you loose yours.

Here is a man who caught his first Steelhead. His name is Cary Zack of Hunker, PA and he caught this nice male Steelhead. It was 7 pounds 9 ½ inches and was 27 ½ inches long with a 15 ½ inch girth. He caught it in the marina off the southwest channel wall. He caught it on a baby jig with maggots.

The parking by the lake is pretty full today. I also have about 30 cars over in the south lot with people fishing in the creek.

The people seem to be doing okay. I haven’t seen many fish get caught but that’s fishing. I had a few people thank me for being open. They enjoy the ability to get out of the cold for a while and to use the facilities.

The marina is just getting a slight skimming of ice on just a little of it. It is still flowing pretty well into the channel. I haven’t had any boats go out for a while now but I did have someone call today and ask if they could get out. I told them about the little launch on the south side into the creek. If the marina ices over you could always use the creek launch. It is mostly for smaller boats or Ski-Doo’s though.

Next Weekend is the last weekend the office building will be open until April 9, 2008. I will be here on December 21 but just to close up for the season.

Don’t forget you can get your fishing licenses now for next year. They make good Christmas presents if you can’t think of what to buy for someone.

Senior Lifetime Licenses can be bought if you will be 65 any time in 2008 from January 1 thru December 31. You won’t be able to buy them until January 1 though.

All licenses will be sold through the PALS (Pennsylvania Automated License System) machine now so there will be no paper licenses sold anymore. These are nice though because they are plastic and your information is burned into it so it won’t run or get ruined from water and such. Also it is easier to get a replacement if you loose yours.

Bob Renkas of James Island South Carolina brought this nice Steel head in. It was over 8 pounds and was 26 inches long. He caught it just right of the Stop sign hole in Walnut Creek. He was using a “Crystal Meth” Fly and caught his limit with them. He said he gave a man a few of them to try since the man wasn’t having any luck. When he went by the man a little later, the man had a fish on.

Here is one of our regulars. Bruce Roland of Erie brought in this nice looking Steelhead for Angler Award. You could tell he was in for a while with his coloring. He was 11 pounds and was 29 ½ inches long. He had a 19 inch girth. Bruce caught him in the marina on a “Little Cleo”.

There are a lot of people catching fish up in the creek by the “Stop sign hole”. Also, I have seen at least 10 fish get caught in the marina today (Friday) so far. The water has a good color and there is water in the creek. I was told they are biting very lightly.

We still don’t have any snow on the ground but it is supposed to rain/sleet tomorrow night and Sunday. Right now we are having 45 knot winds so it is very hard to even stand up outside but we have some really dedicated fishermen.

MARINA OPERATIONS:

The hours of operation for Walnut Creek office will be changing to our season ending schedule. As of December 3rd the office and restrooms will only be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7 am to 5:30 pm. This is until December 21, than the building will be closed until next April 9.

Please!!! Pick up after yourselves while you are here. It helps the place look nice and keeps everyone happy. Just follow all the rules and regulations and have a very happy and productive time fishing.

STEELHEAD:

This week has been slow in producing any good fishing pictures. I guess people were just in a hurry to get home for Thanksgiving. They were catching a few until Thanksgiving Day but on Thursday the creek was so high and so was the wind at 36 knots that it made it almost impossible to do any good. I did have a few people catch though, mostly in the marina. The creeks were up to the bank and rolling very fast. We didn't get the snow that was predicted even though I heard a lot of the southern part of Erie got about 2
inches.

I heard quite a few different theories on what to use to catch the fish. I was told they are biting on: mealworms, grubs, night crawlers, power bait, minnows, egg sacks and single eggs. I even had a man tell me that someone was using marshmallow and grubs together and catching fish.

Today, Friday, the snow is now coming down. It got real cold in a matter of about 15 minutes and the snow started. The creek is high and cloudy in color. The people are starting to catch some fish but there are a lot of smaller ones. That might be why I haven't had too many come in for weighing.
MARINA OPERATIONS:
The hours of operations for Walnut Creek office will be changing to our season ending schedule. As of December 3rd the office and restrooms will
only be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm. The Port-A-Johns will still be here so please use them.

Twelve year old Anthony Thomaselli of Weirton West Virginia caught his first Steelhead and got an Angler Award for First Fish. It was a female and weighed 4 pounds 1 ounce. It was 22 ½ inches long and had a girth of 13 inches. He caught it on the Walnut Creek channel wall using Yellow Power bait.

Here are three friends who came up to Walnut Creek on a trip that was planned for thirteen years. They are Michael Santangelo from Swarthmore, PA, Carl (Butch) Hale, from Avondale, PA, and Joe Kovatch from Cochranville, PA. Butch is holding his 9 pound Steelhead he caught. It was 26 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it with on a Chartreuse egg sack. They are up here for three days and they caught well over 100 fish among them. They seemed really impressed with all the fish and said they waited so long for this trip and it was worth it.

The fishing has been excellent. Just because I don’t have that many pictures doesn’t mean that they aren’t catching fish. I guess there are a lot of camera shy people. The cold weather seemed to have brought in quite a few fish. Everyone seems to be having a great time.

We were getting a little snow but none is sticking. The water temperature is still in the mid 40’s so the snow won’t be sticking for a while, down near the lake anyway. According to NOAA weather, where I get my reports, this weekend they are calling for snow and rain mixed for today and snow tonight. Sunday and Monday are mostly sunny and the rest or the week is going to be in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s with a 50% chance of showers every day until Friday.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!