| WALLEYE:: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 19:15:32 7/04/08 |
| Melissa Ross of Latrobe PA brought in an 8 pound 4 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 1/4 inches. She caught it out in 73 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. Her colors were Purple/Black. 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. Matthew Trimble from Industry PA brought in his Walleye he caught for Junior Angler Award. It was 6 pounds 4 ounces, 27 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. He caught it out in 56 ft of water West of Elk Creek on worm. The harness is a Kojak Special with color of Monkey Puke.  to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report and Photo for Erie County 08/02/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 21:59:14 7/01/08 |
| July 2nd, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Walleye conditions have remained excellent along the shore from Walnut Creek to the Ohio line. Fish are still holding shallow in depths as low as 15 feet, however some anglers are beginning to move to deeper water to try their luck. Perch fishing continues to improve although lake conditions have been hit or miss over the last week. Bass are still biting along the shore line and along the Walnut Access Wall although the action has started to slow with the warming lake temperatures. Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 70 degrees off Toledo, 68 degrees off Cleveland, and 71 degrees off the Port of Erie. Sand Bar Caution at Walnut Creek: There is a sand bar on the east side of the entrance to the Walnut Creek channel. Exiting the channel should always be done with caution and an eye on the depth finder. Ever changing lake conditions can change channel entrance depths in days. The PFBC will begin dredging this area on Monday, July 7th. In the mean time, when entering or exiting the Walnut Creek Channel, stay centered for a least a one hundred yards or so from the mouth before heading east. Keep an eye on your depth finder if you have one, and keep the engine trimmed up. Visual Distress Signals:  to VIEW PICTURE |
| Walleye Are In Close and Out Deep 06/27/2008: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 09:11:52 6/27/08 |
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. 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 to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 06/25/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 22:17:43 6/24/08 |
| June 25th, 2008
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
Reporting Requirements for Chartered Fishing Vessels Arriving in U.S. along Lake Erie Shore WHEN REPORTING IS REQUIRED |
| A Nice Twelve Pound Walleye 06/20/2008: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 15:23:16 6/20/08 |
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 James Popp from Pittsburgh, PA received an Angler Award for his 8 pound 4 ounce Walleye. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught his in 20 ft of water right off of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was purple. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 06/18/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 22:02:35 6/17/08 |
| June 18th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The past week has seen spectacular walleye fishing in 20-45 feet of water along the Erie shoreline. Smaller boats were trying their luck and having some success in as little as 10-15 feet of water. Lake Erie patrols on Sunday saw anglers netting fish after fish. Limits were the norm. Crawler harnesses, plugs, and stick baits trolled on weighted flat lines were all working well. Many boats were making their catches off of wide spread planer boards. Many said the fishing has been as good as Lake Erie can offer. The recent cold snap the area has experienced may help to keep the large numbers of walleye in the shallower water keeping access easy. Perch have still been a bit elusive, but have started to school in 40 to 45 feet of water Northwest of Walnut Creek. Many of the perch being brought in have been jumbo size. Perhaps this will be the year for another perch size record. A few catfish and bass have been caught in the early evening hours along the channel at the Walnut Creek Access and north of the Elk Creek Access. Current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 69 degrees, off Cleveland, 63 degrees and off the Port of Erie, 70 degrees. Launch Ramp Etiquette: |
| Walleye Are Here Finally 06/13/2008: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 15:42:14 6/13/08 |
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 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. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report and Photo for Erie County 06/11/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 20:48:24 6/11/08 |
| Perch are starting to hit
A Few Bass Techniques: to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 06/04/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 21:55:30 6/03/08 |
| Monster Carp Photo from Misery Bay June 4th, 2008 Pennsylvania / Ohio Line: to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 05/28/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 21:13:50 5/27/08 |
| May 28th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Bass fishing has slowed a bit but is still fair to good along the Lake Shore and in Presque Isle Bay. Perch are beginning to hit in 30 to 40 feet of water and off the point at Presque Isle. Good perch catches have also been reported north of the Conneaut Ohio harbor. Reports of walleye catches have been occasional at best however this would be typical with Lake Erie temperatures still on the cool side. Although wind and wave conditions cooperated this past weekend, cool temperatures perhaps combined with current economic conditions had boat traffic on the Bay and the Lake on the light side. Pike angling has been fair to good. Not many fish put up a better fight pound for pound. Presque Isle Bay offers some of the best Pike fishing in the country with plenty of trophies waiting to be caught. Pike generally aren't too fussy and often anything shiny will attract their attention. Silver flatfish lures and chrome rattle traps are great choices. Pike also love live shiners (the larger, the better) suspended under a float. Strong line or a steel leader is a good idea to keep their razor sharp teeth from snapping your line.The area in front of the Chestnut Street launch, outside the Cherry Street Marina , and through out the west end of the bay are good target areas Current Lake Erie Water temperatures off Toledo are 58 degrees, off Cleveland, 56 degrees, and 57 degrees off the Port of Erie. Temperatures in Presque Isle Bay averaged 65 degrees this past weekend. |
| WCO Report for Erie County 02/27/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 23:32:42 2/26/08 |
| February 27th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: A winter blast hit the Erie area Tuesday leaving up to a foot of wet snow with more expected this week. Area tribs are nearly frozen over completely except for the very fast moving water. A few die hards have been seen out breaking up the ice on the large pools on Walnut and Elk Creek. Ice anglers seeking steelhead have been doing fairly well at the Walnut Creek Access marina, on the ice in the Walnut channel and just off shore at Trout Run. Presque Isle Bay was crowded with ice huts this past weekend. Ice thickness has been reported anywhere from 4 inches up to 10 inches depending on what part of the bay you are on. Catch reports at Presque Isle have been sporadic with mostly blue gills filling the buckets along with smaller perch and the occasional steelhead. Steelhead Moved: As part of the Fairview State Fish Hatchery Program, a good number of spawned out steel head have been returned to the water. This year a signifcant number of steelhead were released into Conneaut Creek in Albion near the Fairgrounds. (look for the big blue building) |
| WCO Report Photos for Erie County 02/20/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 23:17:10 2/19/08 |
| Sons of Lake Erie Ice Fishing Clinic 1 Sons of Lake Erie Ice Fishing Clinic 2 Sons of Lake Erie Ice Fishing Clinic 3 to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 02/20/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 23:10:05 2/19/08 |
| February 20th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Monday afternoon and Tuesday found the Erie County tribs opened up with much of the ice pushed down stream and the water flowing high and mighty. Temperatures dropped into the teens again late Tuesday afternoon created slush and some icing again. As far as hard water fishing goes, caution can not be overemphasized with the rapid freezing and thawing. Anglers were out this past weekend with reports of ice thickness anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of relatively soft ice. There have been reports, both confirmed and unconfirmed of angler "fall throughs" Common sense dictates to the experienced ice angler that in Erie, it typically takes a good solid week of temperatures in the low teens to take the Bay from soft water to stable, hard ice. The constant freeze and thawing we have experienced has been forming multiple layers of frozen ice and slush and not a lot of hard "black ice". The experienced ice angler knows that just because someone is out there the ice is not necessarily safe for fishing or for any other ice activities for that matter. Ice conditions again, are not monitored and in these cases there are no laws for stupidity. When venturing out on to the ice....you are on your on, and for many anglers venturing out on the Bay in marginal conditions, that can be a long way away from rescue. Use your head and be careful. Cabin Fever?, Basic Boating Class, Sign Up Early: |
| WCO Report for Erie County 02/13/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 11:47:42 2/13/08 |
| February 13th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The Erie are weather has had more ups and downs than the new Ravine Flyer II roller coaster at Waldameer Park. Mild temperatures and open water has given way to a deep freeze over the last several days. A good blanket of snow covered the area as of late Tuesday afternoon. Area tribs are nearly frozen over again with only the fastest flowing water remaining open. Presque Isle Bay has frozen over again although at this point the ice is very rough from high winds and should be considered unstable. Considerable drifting ice has reformed over Lake Erie again. In short we are in that transition period from soft water to safe hard water fishing. Cold temperatures forecast for the remainder of the week may bring solid ice by the weekend. |
| WCO Report Photos for Erie County 02/06/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 11:14:26 2/06/08 |
| Meltdown on Presque Isle Bay If in doubt, don’t go out to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 02/06/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 11:05:55 2/06/08 |
| February 6th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Somewhat mild conditions this past weekend (for Erie anyway), found the west county tribs lined with anglers enjoying good to excellent steelhead conditions. Catches were good with many limits and hook ups observed with shiners, jigs, single eggs and egg patterns being the go to baits. Temps in the high forties and low fifties on Monday and Tuesday burned off any remaining ice along the tribs. With the mild temperatures came a significant amount of rainfall Monday night and Tuesday raising the water levels to high and very muddy conditions. Forecasts are calling for less precipitation and colder temperatures later in the week with the mercury expected to dip into the teens by the weekend. In short it will be wait and see Walnut Creek Fishing Hours Change, Effective Immediately: From September 2nd until the opening day of trout season in April, all Lake Erie tributary streams are closed to fishing from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. on the following day except for Walnut Creek, north of the Manchester Bridge and Elk Creek north of Route 5. The Important change here is that Walnut Creek specifically and effective immediately, is now closed to fishing south of the Manchester Bridge between the hours of 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following day through the opening day |
| WCO Report Photos for Erie County 01/30/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 12:25:21 1/30/08 |
| Presque Isle Bay, 1/27 Misery Bay, 1/27 to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 01/30/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 12:18:28 1/30/08 |
| January 30th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: This past weekend Presque Isle Bay could have been assigned a new zip code with hundreds of anglers taking to the ice. Reports were mixed with most anglers filling their buckets with blue gills and sunfish with a few perch and an occasional steelhead. Ice conditions were soft a varied from three to five inches. By Tuesday afternoon, the freeze left as fast as it came. Temperatures in the mid to high forties soften the ice on Presque Isle Bay and left unsafe conditions with considerable slush and standing water. Area tribs were opened up in many areas with the mild temperatures sending loose ice down stream and adding further blockage to the mouths of Elk and Walnut Creeks. As of Tuesday afternoon there were many fishable areas along Elk and Walnut Creeks with the water very high and moving although still somewhat on the clear side. Lake Erie is nearly all open with some drifting ice. The forecast is calling for temperatures back in the twenties perhaps bring a quick return to the hard water season. Ice Warnings: As ice builds along the lake shore, so does the formation of "ice dunes". These beautiful formations occur as the waves pound the shoreline pushing drifting ice into large mounds along the Erie lake shore. As spectacular as they are to view, they are equally dangerous to walk on. Many of these dunes are hollow inside with open water underneath. A fall through a dune can leave an individual trapped with little chance of escape. Walking on these formations can be risky. Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo: |
| WCO Report for Erie County 01/23/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 22:39:43 1/22/08 |
| January 23rd, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Erie certainly has not been spared from the recent winter storms. Blowing cold temperatures dipping into the single digits at times and howling winds and drifting snow along the Lake shore have made traveling difficult. Snow accumulation has varied through out the area with the lake shore receiving less than a foot, however, the frigid arctic conditions have made steelhead fishing miserable at best. At the same time, hard water anglers are already testing the newly formed ice around the area. Presque isle has frozen over with a few inches of soft ice and most of the area tribs are frozen over with all but the fastest flowing water remaining open. It certainly appears that ice fishing season is moving in. Anglers should be exercise extreme caution with the soft early season ice. 2007 Pennsylvania Boating Analysis Recap from Dan Martin, Director, Bureau of Boating and Access, PFBC: |
| WCO Report for Erie County 01/16/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 23:34:11 1/15/08 |
| January 16th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Area tribs are still open and flowing on the clear side. Warm temperatures over the last week have kept conditions good to excellent. Frigid temperatures are expected through the week end likely bring back slushy to icy conditions. Late January into early February is typically the most brutal part of winter here in Erie. Catches have been very good with little angling pressure. Current West County trib conditions as of late Tuesday afternoon were clear with good flow. Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle..Don’t Miss It! The annual Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle is just around the corner. Your ticket gives you a chance at the $2,000.00 Main Prize, dinner, drinks, music, games of chance, & dancing. It is being held on Feb. 16th @ St. John's Social Hall / Girard with Happy Hour starting at 5:30 ... Dinner @ 7:00 ... Dancing from 9:00 to Midnight. At a bargain price of $60.00/couple, it is one of the best buys out there. This is the only Fund Raiser held by the Elk Valley Sportsmen Club for the year. This helps to fund the Annual Kid's Fishing Derby & improvements at the Girard Boro Pond as well as Turkey Feeding, Hunter's Safety Courses, and many other community projects. Tickets are available at McDonald's Meats on Route 20 in Girard (near the Overlake Golf Course) or by calling Lee Weaver at 922-3412 (area code 814 if needed) or any Club Officer. This is the sportsmen's social event of the season in Northwest Erie County. Tickets are limited to 200 couples so get yours now !! Basic Boating Class, Sign Up Early: Area officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will be conducting a safe boating class on Tuesday and Wednesday. March 25th and 27th from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening. The class will be held at the Girard United Methodist Church at 48 Main Street Girard PA 16417 with plenty of room for anyone interested. This comprehensive 8 hour class is designed for the novice boater or boater to be, as well as the experienced boater who would like to refresh his knowledge and is especially recommended for the new boater and their families. The class covers basic boating safety, boating laws and regulations, and equipment. Successful completion of the course qualifies the individual for a Pennsylvania boating education safety certificate (card). There is no charge for the course or materials, although registration is required. This class typically fills up and early sign up is recommended. To register for this class, email DWCO Randy Leighton at rglerie@msn.com with your name, address, phone, age, and number of people you would like to register or you can phone WCO Brook Tolbert at (814) 774-4672 Upon successful completion of the course , the Agency will require a processing fee for your Basic Boating Safety Card if one is desired. Alternative Area Angling Opportunities: Braving the winter elements, anglers have been spotted on the North and South piers along the Erie Channel targeting Perch and Burbot. This can be a great alternative to our winter steelhead fishing and can produce some mouthwatering table fare. The bait of choice is shiners, especially the larger ones when targeting Burbot. Weighted perch or crappie rigs with tandem hooks work well. Perch and other panfish are being caught on calmer days along the Bayfront near the Dobbins Landing especially at daybreak and just before sunset. Crappie and other panfish can be targeted along the dock areas in Marina Bay, at the park, and off the wall near the Perry Monument. Preparing for Ice Fishing Season if it Ever Arrives: Consider the following check list of items (enhanced from year to year) to make your ice outing more enjoyable and productive: Fishing rods - Large guides, sensitive tip, with some backbone, preferably the short ones made specifically for ice angling Reels - Micro-spinning reel Line - 2 to 6 LB test ice line Bobber stops with beads Split shot, a variety of sizes Foam ice fishing bobbers Fingernail clipper or line cutters to cut line Ice scoop/ladle/dipper - for removing slush from the hole, a must have item Micro and ice jigs and spoons, hooks...etc. Bait - wax worms, fatheads, crappie, minnows, grubs etc. Small jigging blades tipped with shiners are good bait. 5 gallon bucket to sit on, and carry fish in Hand warmers (I still like the Jon E's best) Needle nose pliers or forceps Fishing License with appropriate stamps (current of course) Proper Personal Identification (regulations require an additional form of ID when fishing) Ice auger (Regulations permit hole diameter to be 10") Sled for auger and gear (The light weight kids plastic toboggans work great) Bait bucket Small light weight shovel, collapsible if possible Ice picks - could be a lifesaver! (A couple of screw drivers tied on the end of a light cord will work in a pinch) A compass (can be easy to loose sense of direction in a blizzard) Mouth spreader (for the fish of course) Gaff for larger fish should you get lucky Hook sharpener Ice Shelter "Another sled for more gear" Propane heater Spud bar (for checking ice thickness) Tip-ups - preferably the freeze-free type Leaders for tip-ups Quickstrike rigs for tip-ups Bait for tip-ups, smelt, shiners, etc. Cell-phone GPS (a white out on Presque Isle Bay can be pretty confusing) Camera (disposable works best and you wont fret if you lose it) Ice cleats Small flashlight Lantern, Matches or Lighter (for propane heater) Sun glasses, You'll appreciate them when coming out of your hut on a bright sunny day A buddy whenever possible Neoprene waterproof gloves Tasty snacks and beverages "Another sled for more gear" Local Weather: 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. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s. Wind chill values as low as 5 below in the morning. |
| WCO Report for Erie County 01/09/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 20:47:43 1/08/08 |
| January 9th, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Short of the robins singing, the past few days have looked more like spring and even early summer than the dead of January. Anglers took to the tribs in big numbers on Monday and Tuesday with temperatures in the high 60's and pretty good water conditions. The Walnut Creek Project waters were lined with anglers having no thoughts of putting the rods and reels away yet. Although a bit on the clear side, the West county tribs had enough flow to allow fair to good catches. Temperatures should be returning to reality throughout the remainder of the week although we may be ice free for a while. Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 32 degrees. Current West County trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were clear with some flow. *Elk Creek Access Area Development Meeting*: |
| WCO Report for Erie County 01/02/2008: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 21:22:25 1/01/08 |
| January 1st, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The West County tribs were on the clear side with reasonable flow as of Tuesday afternoon. A number of anglers were spotted chasing that first catch of the new year. A winter storm warning has been in effect through Wednesday for the area. The snow accumulation should bring some color and depth the the tribs. Overnight temperatures are predicted in the teens for the next few days which will likely bring morning slush and some ice. Fish are scattered throughout the tribs with pockets of fish holding in the slower moving, deeper pools. Jigs, skein, egg sacks, and minnows are all popular baits for the cold water fishing. Fly anglers find the egg patterns, small jigs, and wooly buggers are often the "go to" presentations. Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 33 degrees. Don't Forget: 2008 Fishing licenses are to be displayed on an outer garment when fishing effective 12:01 AM, January 1st, 2008. There is no grace period. Elk Creek Access Area: The Girard Township Supervisors will be holding a public meeting at the Girard High School on January 15th at 7:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to gather public comment regarding the development potential and future of the Elk Creek Access area. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the future of this area. |
| WCO Report for Erie County 12/19/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 00:21:12 12/19/07 |
| December 18th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Die hard anglers have been battling wind and snow flurries on the Erie Tribs over the last week, however, those that have been willing to brave the elements have very often been rewarded with ideal water conditions at times and good catches. A break in the weather and slightly warmer temperatures on Tuesday left the tribs a bit on the clear side but still with good flow. Predictions for light snowfall over the next week may help to put some color back in the water. Day time temperatures have inched high enough to keep any significant ice from forming, although the early morning hours can be slushy. The Walnut Creek marina basin is mostly ice free and patient anglers have been doing well there. Conditions on Elk Creek have been ideal with good catches through out and up into the upper stretches. Skim ice could be seen over much of the west end of Presque Isle Bay on Tuesday morning...perhaps a sign of an early hard water fishing season. Anglers willing to brave the cold have seen good catches of perch and pan fish at many of the public access areas along Bay front and around Dobbins landing. Current water temperature off the Port of Erie is 33 degrees. Current West County trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were good flow and clearing somewhat. Happy Holidays: Winter Safety Reminders: |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 18:17:07 12/14/07 |
| STEELHEAD: 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. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 12/12/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 11:15:32 12/12/07 |
| December 12th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Significant rain and temperatures in the mid 40's have joined forces to raise the Erie tribs back to high and muddy conditions. The Erie area still had a fair amount of residual snow on the ground from a week ago adding a significant amount of run off to an all day rain fall on Tuesday. On the plus side, the ice has all but been eliminated for now. Forecasts for the remainder of the week are calling for a good chance of additional rain and freezing rain putting anglers in the wait and see mode. Current Lake water temperature off the Port of Erie is 36 degrees. Current West County trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were high, muddy and flowing hard. Law Enforcement: |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 08:59:33 12/09/07 |
| STEELHEAD: 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. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 12/05/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 00:18:44 12/05/07 |
| December 5th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The first major winter storm slammed Erie earlier this week with strong winds and freezing rain along the lakeshore. Although we were spared any significant snowfall North of Interstate 90, we did receive enough precipitation to raise the tribs to high, muddy and all but unfishable conditions. Levels were dropping some as of Tuesday afternoon. As the tribs start to drop, predicted night time low temperatures may be bring icy conditions in the early morning hours. Minnows (shiners) both live and salted along with eggsacs and single eggs are great winter choices along with the sucker spawn patterns in white, chartreuse, peach, and pink with or without a little flash. Wooly buggers in olive, black and brown are good drifting choices as well. Slow reacting fish will often turn on to a skillfully worked micro jig tipped with a single maggot or a plastic worm drifted or bounced off the bottom Current Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 38 degrees. Current trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were high and flowing hard. |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 15:32:08 11/30/07 |
| STEELHEAD: 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. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 11/28/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 20:48:36 11/27/07 |
| November 28thj, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Heavy rains around the Erie area on Monday put a dampener on the opening day of the regular deer season and left the tribs bulging at their banks. Tuesday found the tribs high and raging with winds blowing all day at 30 to 40 knots. Needless to say, conditions were far from ideal. On the bright side, all the precipitation should keep the tribs flowing and the fish moving for a while. Hearty anglers were catching fish at the Walnut Creek marina basin in spite of the rough conditions and a few "gotta fish no matter what guys" threw common sense into the wind attempting to wade the torrent conditions on the Walnut Project waters. Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 42 degrees. Current West County tributary conditions as of late Tuesday afternoon were high, muddy, and flowing hard. Walnut Creek Access Information: The Walnut Creek Access Office and restrooms will be open on a limited weekend schedule begin this Saturday, December 1st. Hours will be from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm for the next three weekends with the office closing for the season at 5:30 December 21st. Port a johns and dumpsters will remain throughout the winter for your convenience. Yellow Perch Size Limit Changes December 1st: The minimum size for yellow perch goes to 7" effective December 1st, 2007 until March 31st 2008 with daily creel limit remaining at 30. Catch and Release: |
| WCO Report for Erie County 11/21/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 15:09:39 11/26/07 |
| November 21st, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Off and on drizzle around the Erie area has been common, although as of Tuesday afternoon there had been little effect on the tribs. Although the weekends are still busy, the crowds have dropped a bit with the cold weather and hunting season upon us. Trib conditions are still up from the the last good rain we had a week or so ago, but in general, conditions are clear and on the low side. Flow has been moderate on Elk and Walnut. Patient anglers have been doing fair to good in the Walnut Creek marina basin. Catches along the Lake Shore at Trout and Godfrey Runs have been very good when the lake is calm. There has been enough precipitation to allow fish movement on Crooked Creek and anglers have been taking advantage of this. Perch and Crappie have been biting in the Bay and off the North and South Piers and few Steelhead have made their way into Cascade Creek. Current Lake Erie temperature as of this writing is 44 degrees. Current trib conditions as of late Tuesday afternoon were generally clear with slow to moderate flow. |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 15:44:23 11/23/07 |
| I got a couple pictures of the marina so you can see what the water looks like. It is up and has a chocolatey color to it. 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 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. to VIEW PICTURE |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 09:15:26 11/17/07 |
| STEELHEAD: 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!! to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 11/14/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 22:06:49 11/14/07 |
| November 14th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Steady drizzle conditions over the last week have kept the are tribs high and stained and good numbers of fresh steelhead moving. Steelhead have move as far as the Millcreek Mall on Walnut Creek and as far as Mckean on Elk Creek. Fishing has been good to excellent in most areas. Anglers were doing exceptionally well along the lakeshore at Trout Run this past weekend with steelhead hugging the shoreline and swimming among the anglers wading the shoreline. Anglers are beginning to pick up steelhead in Presque Isle Bay and Marina Bay along with perch and crappie. Current Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 46 degrees. Current West county trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were high and stained with good flow. Access Along Crooked Creek Opened: Anglers are now able to fish Crooked Creek between Happy Valley Road and the railroad tracks in West County. They can park and access the creek from the landowner's property on the south or west side of the creek where the empty grass lot is located. this is the area on Crooked Creek where the PA Steelhead Association did the bank stabilization project a few years ago. This area was open to fishing in the past has been re opened on a temporary basis. It can be shut down immediately if it is abused. The landowner strongly encourages catch & release on his property and again any access must be from the south/west side of the creek. Please respect the landowners rights and stay clear of his house and yard on the north/east side of the creek. |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 12:43:49 11/10/07 |
| STEELHEAD: Eleven year old Connor Nace and his brother fifteen year old Austin Nace came up from Littlestown, Pa to catch some Steelhead. They caught two fish each. Connor’s total fish weight was 9 ½ pounds for both and Austin’s two fish total weight was 10 ½ pounds. They caught them in Walnut Creek in the channel on Skein and minnows. Thomas Redlinger from Coraopolis, PA caught this nice Angler Award sized fish. It was 10 pounds 2 ounces, was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 ¾ inches. He caught it up in the Stop Sign hole in Walnut Creek on a wax worm while fly fishing. Brad Dickey of Mechanicsburg, PA caught his first Steelhead. He received and Angler Award for First Fish. It was 8 pounds 1 ounce, was 28 inches long and had a girth of 15 ¼ inches. He caught it on a hair jig in Walnut Creek. MARINA OPEN: First fish was caught at 1 min. 10 sec. after the whistle. The man who caught it was Dick Mosbacher of Erie. He threw it back in after I got the picture. He caught the first fish but it took him a while to bring it in. First fish brought in was from Lou Fritch of Cheswick, PA. He and Dick Mosbacher were close in their catches but he netted his before Dick could. He was the second one to catch a fish but the first one to net it and bring it to shore. The water in the creek is up and running. The fish are on their way to the Millcreek Mall. The snow we had on Tuesday and the rain that has been coming down slowly has made the creeks rise so the fish can finally come in and do what they have to do. The lake is supposed to be nice tomorrow and then it is supposed to kick up. PUBLIC MEETING There is a meeting on this Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the Tom Ridge Center on Peninsula Drive from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It is about the renovation and expansion of Walnut Creek Access. It is given by the Urban Engineers in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Please come so you will know what is going on. It is open to the public so everyone please come. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report Plus Photo for Erie County 11/07/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 22:30:45 11/06/07 |
| November 7th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert: Conditions: Erie was caught a bit off guard on Tuesday with significant snow and a freezing rainstorm. Heavy wet snow pounded the Erie area leaving up to a half foot of the sloppy white stuff. The storm downed trees and power lines and reeked havoc with the I 79 / I 90 corridor. A good number of vehicles came to rest along side the interstates. The storm continued throughout Tuesday evening. On the bright side, the heavy wet stuff brought trib levels up significantly and with the residual runoff and additional expected rain and snow, trib levels should be high and rolling for a few days allowing fish to move freely up stream. Current Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 50 degrees. Current West County tributary conditions as of late Tuesday afternoon are high and muddy and rolling hard. Public Meeting on Renovation of the Walnut Creek Marina: So often we here "nobody listens", "I have a great idea", "why don't they", or "I'd like to know what's going on".....Well, here is an opportunity to express your concerns and hear ideas on possible further development of the Walnut Creek Access area. Those that visit the facility regularly, particularly during the peak fishing and boating seasons, understand that the area is used to capacity and perhaps additional development and more efficient use of the facility is needed. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is inviting public participation in a meeting to discuss a planning study for renovations and expansion at the Walnut Creek Marina in Erie County. The meeting, hosted by Urban Engineers, will be held November 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle. Representatives from Urban Engineers of Erie and the Commission will be on hand to provide a project description, explain the project goals and to gain comment from participants on the benefits and drawbacks of the existing facilities. Participants will also be asked to provide comment on the future needs of the facility. "The Walnut Creek Marina is one of the most important public assets the Commission manages. Our goal is to provide a high level of customer service to the many different users who visit the site. We want to consult with a variety of users from marina slip-holders, boat owners who launch at the public ramp, shore-line anglers and area residents as we plan for the future of Walnut Creek," said Fish and Boat Commissioner Sam Concilla of Northeast, whose district includes Erie, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties. The meeting is designed to allow participants to visit presentation booths, engage in discussions, and to hear a brief presentation by engineers and others involved in the project. For directions to the Tom Ridge Center, visit www.trecpi.org. to VIEW PICTURE |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 13:58:25 11/03/07 |
| STEELHEAD: Gerald Rotz II of New Castle, PA brought in a nice 11 pound 11 ounce Steelhead. He was 29 ¾ inches and had a girth of 20 inches. Gerald caught him in the Walnut Creek channel on a Little Cleo color was fluorescent blue and white. Ken George of Vandergrift, PA brought in both of these fish. They didn’t make Angler Award but the both together weighed 15 pounds. He caught them on Elk Creek with Red Magnum Power Egg. Carolyn Crehan of Erie, PA brought in this nice one which weighed 5 pounds 11 ounces. She caught it on the North end of Walnut Creek channel wall on a Cleo. The color was Green and White. Ralph Pettit Jr. of Harrisonburg, VA brought in this nice 10 pound Steel head for an Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it above Manchester Hole on Walnut Creek using eggs from the fish he caught. Five year old Mitchell Angelo of Monaca, PA caught his first Steelhead. He received an Angler Award for First Fish. It was 5 pounds 3 ounces and was 25 inches long with a girth of 14 ¼ inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek using a minnow. Thirteen year old Logan Cook of Houtzdale, PA caught his first fish too. His was 5 pounds 1 ounce and was 23 inches long. His girth was 15 inches. He caught his using Power Bait on the channel wall at the mouth of Walnut Creek. The color was Red for his power bait.
Don’t forget the marina will be open on November 8, at 2 PM for fishing TENTATIVELY. That means that if the docks are not all out there will be no fishing. These are new docks and it will take longer to get them out then it did the old ones. So be courteous and watch for the signs in the building or call here to find out if it is open. I will blow the whistle at 2 PM if the docks are out and I also will take a picture of the first fish and put it on this web site. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 10/31/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 21:41:46 10/30/07 |
| October 31st, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Last week's rainfall has was quickly absorbed and the area tributaries are again very low and clear. The short lived rainfall did allow some steelhead movement up as far a Route 5 on Walnut Creek and up as far as Route 20 on Elk Creek and to some extent on Crooked Creek. Steelhead are heavily backed up on the Walnut Creek Project waters and through out the channel and heavily scattered south to Route 5 on Elk Creek. Crowds at the access areas on Elk And Walnut have been extremely heavy. Rough lake conditions have slowed shoreline fishing at Trout and Godfrey Runs, but weather permitting, good catches can be had in those areas. Wind and waves have also slowed the boating down dramatically although weather permitting, there seems to be large numbers of steel head staging in the shallow water off the tributary mouths. Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 56 degrees off the port of Erie Tributary conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were very low and crystal clear with very little flow. Trout Run: |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 13:17:56 10/27/07 |
| STEELHEAD: Seventy year old Freeman Rathfon of Mifflinburg, PA came in with this nice 10 pound Steelhead. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it North of Manchester Falls on Walnut Creek on Salmon egg sack. He said he has been coming up here for a long time and finally got an Angler Award for one. He was very excited. Tom Kuhar of Niles, OH brought this nice Angler Award sized Steelhead in. It was 12 pounds 12 ¾ ounces, was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 ¾ inches. He caught it above the Manchester Hole on white sucker spawn. Nineteen year old Maurice Booker Jr. came up with his dad from New Kensington. They came in yesterday and didn’t quite make the size for an Angler Award. Today he came back in and showed me this nice 11 pound 6 ounce female Steelhead. She was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 ¼ inches. Maurice caught her at the Stop Sign hole in Walnut Creek on a yellow jig. Dad is really proud. The rain that we got on Tuesday and then again yesterday seemed to bring some more fish in. They almost are up to Rt. 20 on Walnut and to the Legion Hole on Elk Creek. Down here at the mouth the people seem to be having loads of fun catching and releasing. The Creek is still low but not as low as it was previously. The lake is supposed to be pretty rough for the next couple days so there are not and probably won’t be any boats going out. I had five go out earlier today but they were all back in by 12 noon. Please, if you are going to fish the Channel Wall, Please bring in your lines for the boaters. It can do hundreds of dollars worth of damage to the boats let alone be a danger to them out on the water if they get line wrapped on their props. MARINA OPEN: NOVEMBER 8 at 2 PM TENTATIVELY. Don’t forget the marina will be open on November 8, at 2 PM for fishing TENTATIVELY. That means that if the docks are not all out there will be no fishing. These are new docks and it will take longer to get them out then it did the old ones. So be courteous and watch for the signs in the building or call here to find out if it is open. I will blow the whistle at 2 PM if the docks are out and I also will take a picture of the first fish and put it on the web site. to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report Photos for Erie County 10/23/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 11:25:59 10/24/07 |
| Seized Steelhead Seized Snagging Hooks Great catch for this youngster to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 10/23/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 11:10:40 10/24/07 |
| October 23rd, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Tuesday morning brought an all day soaker to the area bringing the area tribs to rock and roll levels. As of late Tuesday, the tribs were flowing high and muddy. Enough rain has fallen to trigger steelhead movement. Just how far they move will remain to be seen as the rain subsides and the trib levels drop. Early weekend forecasts are calling for a good chance of additional rain all of which may be the catalyst we need to get the steelhead season really rolling. Walleye have essentially disappeared but Yellow Perch fishing may still be good at times as lake conditions permit. It will be scattered and slowly wind down as the lake temperatures drop. Trolling the mouths along the shoreline continues to produce steelhead. Be sure to check wind and weather reports before venturing out on the lake. Cold fronts often move quickly and conditions can change in the blink of an eye this time of year. Fall Smallmouth fishing in Presque Isle Bay can be productive as fish try to fatten up or winter. Try salted 3 or 4" salted tube jigs, small spinners, night crawlers and shiners. Current Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 59 degrees. Current tributary conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were high and flowing hard. Law Enforcement: |
| Perfect Day for Fishing: Walnut Creek Erie, PA
Posted by: Fisher of Men George Yates Date Posted: 20:17:09 10/22/7 |
| Date Fished: Monday October 22, 2007 Location: Boating out of Walnut Water Conditions: 1-2 ft Report: Near perfect day for fishing Steelhead - whether onshore or in a boat. Started at daybreak in front of Trout Run. 6-8 ft. Had 2 limits by 10:30. Jr Thundersticks and shallow Reef Runners 25ft back. 2.3 mph. Blakemore 35 ft back. Red/Black, Fire Tiger, Red/silver. Had to go deeper to get the last 3. Finished by 12:30 Pulled the boat today. Thanks to all the kind fisherman and boaters this season. Thanks to FishLakeErie.com for providing this great website. Lord willing we will see ya in the spring. |
| Rishing for Steelies Couple hours before dark: Walnut Creek Erie, PA
Posted by: Fisher of Men - George Yates Date Posted: 21:51:39 10/21/7 |
| Date Fished: Sunday October 21, 2007 Location: Boating out of Walnut Water Conditions: 1-3ft close to shore
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| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 14:44:46 10/20/07 |
| STEELHEAD: Nine year old Jacob Manley of Frederick, Maryland came in with a nice 7 pound 5 ounce Steelhead. It was his first big fish. It was 25 ¼ inches long. He caught it at Trout Run fishing the lake. It was caught using a “Blood Dot” and artificial egg. Fifteen year old Jeremy Cummins of Claysville, PA brought in this 7 pound 9 ½ ounce Steelhead. It was 26 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it trolling in front of Walnut Creek on a Blueberry Muffin stinger. Scott Dowlan of Shippenville, PA casting into the Lake at Walnut Creek caught this nice 9 pound 5 ½ ounce Steel head. It was 28 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it on Power Bait and the color was green. Six year old Noah Bloom of Clearfield, PA brought in his first Steelhead. It was 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 27 inches long with a girth of 16 inches. He caught it up in the creek just south of the channel at Walnut Creek on a white jig tipped with minnow. We haven’t had any rain for quite a while so the water is low and clear. The fish are coming in but they can’t make it up into the creek so they are stalled from Rt. 5 down. The fishing is good down this way if you can catch them coming or trying to make it back out to the lake. We haven’t had any rain worth mentioning in about 5 weeks. What drizzle we get, gets soaked up into the ground. The lake has not been very good either with high waves. So, the best place to fish is near the mouth of the creeks up to Rt. 5 until we get some rain. There are quite a few people catching at Elk Creek also. The favorite bait seems to be green power bait and the single egg. The Marina will be open Tentatively on November 8 at 2 PM ONLY if the docks are all out. If the docks aren’t out it will be posted in the building. You can also call our office at 814-899-2464. The Weather for the next week: Sunday – Sunny - Hi: 78 degrees – S/14k/2-4 ft waves. to VIEW PICTURE |
| One hour Steelhead fishing toward dark: Walnut Creek Erie, PA
Posted by: George Yates Fisher of Men Date Posted: 23:03:48 10/18/7 |
| Date Fished: Thursday October 18th Location: Boating out of Walnut Water Conditions: 1-2ft Posted By: "Fisher of Men" george.yates@comcast.net Report: Could only fish an hour tonight. Real slow. Couple hits in 8ft of water. Moved into 5 ft of water just before dark. Pick up one steelie off - Jr Thunderstick Red/Black, 25ft back running 2.3 mph on mini inline board. The couple boaters I talked to said they had most hits between Walnut and Trout. |
| Good Day of Steelhead fishing: Walnut Creek Erie, PA
Posted by: George Yates Fisher of Men Date Posted: 11:57:55 10/17/7 |
| Date Fished: Monday October 15, 2007 Location: boating out of Walnut Creek Water Conditions: 1ft or less Posted By: "Fisher of Men" george.yates@comcast.net Report: Started at day break trolling in front of Walnut. Picked up most fish between Walnut and Trout in 7ft of water. Jr Thundersticks, Reefrunner and Blakemores. Colors Red/Black, Firetiger, and Black/White. Limited out by 11am. One close to 10lbs. |
| WCO Report Photos for Erie County 10/17/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 08:57:41 10/17/07 |
| Still a few walleye to be caught The "Other White Meat" A Beautiful Fresh Steelhead to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 10/17/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 08:48:38 10/17/07 |
| October 17th , 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The lack of any significant rainfall around the area has left little but a broken record on fishing conditions in the area tributaries. Although the nights have been cool, the lack of rain has left but a trickle in many areas and fish stacking up in the gin clear waters near the mouths. There has been some good steelhead fishing along the shoreline and Tuesday morning catches along the wall at Walnut Creek were spectacular with only minutes between hook ups. Perch schools seem to be moving west somewhat, with good catches reported north of the Conneaut, Ohio harbor in 50-60' of water. Current Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 60 degrees. Current tributary conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were extremely low with very little flow.
Walnut Creek Walnut Creek Marina Basin Information: |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 16:16:56 10/13/07 |
| BROWN TROUT: Twelve year old Austin Greathouse of Butler, PA brought in this 5 pound 9 ½ ounce Brown Trout for Angler Award. It was a male and he was 22 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 13 ¼ inches. He was caught on a Cleo off the North wall in Walnut Creek. The color was silver and blue. STEELHEAD: The creeks are low and clear as of today, Saturday, October 13. We were supposed to get some rain but it missed us. We got a few sprinkles yesterday but not enough for the fish to come in. The weather is cold enough for them to come in but with no water there is not enough to entice them to come in. Earlier this week a couple boats said they did pick up a couple in the mouth so they are starting to come in from the trenches. The next time we have a couple days of rain we should have a decent run. WALLEYE and PERCH: These fish seem to be going to some other section of the lake because they can’t seem to be found. I have heard some good reports of Perch off of Conneaut. The Walleye don’t seem so easy to locate. I had a boat get some out in the first trench close to the Ohio line. That is the only report I can give you on these fish. We have a Tentative Date and Time of November 8 at 2 PM for the marina to open for fishing. It is tentative because the docks are new and maintenance doesn't know how long it will take to get them out. Also, they have to wait till the weather permits and also when they all could get together as a crew. The boats are to be out by October 28 and there is no fishing until the docks are out. to VIEW PICTURE |
| What's Happening at Walnut Creek, PA: ,
Posted by: Sherry Date Posted: 14:57:26 10/06/07 |
| STEELHEAD: Lynn Bell of Indiana, Pa brought in this nice 8 pound 6 ounce Steelhead. It was 28 inches long. He caught it at Trout Run on skein. The creeks are low and clear. We have had no rain for quite a while. The boats trolling in front of the creeks aren’t even having much luck. We are supposed to get some rain this coming week so maybe that will bring in some in. The weather forecast has rain on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 40% so hopefully we get it. BROWN TROUT: Dean Keffer of Claysville brought in a nice Brown Trout. It was 8 pounds 5 ½ ounces, 26 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it on the Southside of the marina in Walnut Creek on power bait. His color was green. WALLEYE: Twelve year old Megan McQuaid from Edinboro came in and received an Angler Award for her 9 pound Walleye. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. She caught it out in 70 ft of water off Trout Run on a Fire Tiger plug. Ten year old Aaron McQuaid from Edinboro received and Angler Award for his 7 pound 7 ounce Walleye. It was 27 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. He caught his in 70 ft of water off Elk Creek on a Fire Tiger plug. The Walleye are hard to find anymore. I have some boaters say they think they are returning to Ohio. You can still find a couple here and there but I haven’t heard of anyone finding a big school. PERCH: The Perch seem to be out in 50-60 ft of water off Trout Run, Elk Creek and out of Walnut Creek. They are slow picking though. I heard they are nice sized too but no one brought any in for Citation. to VIEW PICTURE |
| Fishing for Steelies and Perch: Lake Erie Erie, PA
Posted by: Fisher of Men - George Yates Date Posted: 21:08:44 10/04/7 |
| Date Fished: October 4, 2007 Location: Boating out of Walnut Water Conditions: 2 ft or less 10/4/2007 8:39:00 PM Report: Started trolling this morning off of Walnut. Picked up one Steelie with a fire tiger Jr Thungerstick about 35ft back and trolling 2.4 mph and with mini in line board. Trolled in front of Trout Run. Lots of hits for the shore fisherman. Quit trolling about 10:30am. Perch fished in 68ft off Elk. Picked up a few. Then moved to 62ft, picked up a few, then 58ft a few more and then 55ft . Ended up with 25 nice size perch. The largest was 13 inch. |
| WCO Report Pictures for Erie County 10/03/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 09:50:17 10/03/07 |
| Early catch at the Walnut Access Fishing the "Wall" Steelhead are backed up at the Walnut Project Waters Nick lands a Lampery Eel Quiet camaraderie at Trout Run By shore, By tube, by boat to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report Pictures for Erie County 10/03/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 09:49:12 10/03/07 |
| Early catch at the Walnut Access Fishing the "Wall" Steelhead are backed up at the Walnut Project Waters Nick lands a Lampery Eel Quiet camaraderie at Trout Run By shore, By tube, by boat to VIEW PICTURE |
| WCO Report for Erie County 10/03/2007: Erie area Erie, PA
Posted by: DWCO Randy Leighton Date Posted: 09:32:01 10/03/07 |
| October 3rd, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The lack of any significant rainfall has left the Erie tributaries at extremely low levels inhibiting little to no upstream steelhead migration. Steelhead are holding at the lower areas of Walnut and Elk Creeks but have been difficult to catch given the conditions. Fishing has been good near the mouths and along the lakeshore at the mouths, although these areas have been extremely crowded. Significant numbers of fish have moved into Trout Run and many fish are holding close to shore in that area. Suffice it to say that yes, the steelhead are here with no where to go. If you plan to fish the access areas of Walnut and Elk Creek or along the shoreline at Trout and Godfrey runs, plan on making many new friends. Perch fishing is still good north of Walnut Creek with Walleye fishing on the decline. Forecasts through the weekend are calling for temperatures in the 80's with not a great chance of rain. Current lake Erie Water temperature as of this writing is still a warm 68 degrees. Current West County Tributary conditions are extremely low and clear with little to no flow as of this writing. Lampery Eels: |