WCO Report for Erie and Crawford County 10/09/02: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: October 08, 2002

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Posted by WCO John Bowser on October 08, 2002 at 21:04:12:

Western Erie County / DWCO Randy Leighton
Steelhead are plentiful throughout the area although bigger runs and more fish are expected with additional rainfall. Overnight temperatures in the 40's and reasonable water levels, considering the lack of precipitation, have sparked additional incoming fish. The Project Waters at Walnut Creek have been producing lunker fish with 8 LB to 12 LB being common. Anglers are finding that light line and small hooks are a necessity to landing fish with any consistency. Steelhead are up as far as Route 20 on Walnut Creek and at least as far as the Legion Park Hole on Elk Creek. Lake shore anglers continue to have great success at Trout and Godfrey Runs. The Trout Run Marina is now holding a fair number of fish for anglers looking for shelter from the wind and waves.

Perch fishing should continue to be good weather and waves permitting off of Walnut Creek and the Peninsula Lighthouse.

Law enforcement:
Early season Steelhead crowds at Walnut Creek have brought litter and fishing violations. Common violations have been for snagging, keeping fish in excess of the legal limit and improper disposal of fish entrails. Snagging and or using illegal devices to catch fish will carry a zero tolerance policy by officers. Litter violations of any kind will carry the stiffest penalties allowed. It is often the case that an angler is ignorant of the laws and the specific regulations to our area. Anglers are encouraged, especially the first timers to our area, to read their Fishing Summary Booklet carefully and to ask an officer if they are not sure or do not understand the regulations. Anglers fishing at the mouth of Trout Run are reminded that vehicles blocking the road on RT. 98 or blocking any landowners driveways are subject to fines and having their vehicle towed.

Remember that it is illegal to sell, offer to sell, buy, or offer to buy any fish not taken by a commercial fisherman, The sale of any sport angler caught fish carries very stiff penalties.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards & DWCO Bryan Brendley

On your way to your favorite stream, please be aware
that there are certain plants that could cause some
serious problems. One such plant is the giant
hogweed. This plant starts out small and can
eventually reach heights of ten feet or more after
flowering. Hogweed contains a chemical that can cause
second-degree burns on human skin. Children
especially like to play with hogweed due to the fact
that they have hollow stalks. Kids like to play


Perch: Still productive when the wind and wave action is cooperative. Try all the usual hot spots.

Bass: I checked some fishermen on the Bayfront and they said that everyone can fish the Steelhead because the bass are biting and they like the room.

Steelhead: Eastside tribs are running low and clear. Four Mile has some fish behind the LP Fish Club but not in the numbers that I had originally expected since the last rain. Six and Eight Mile are low and clear also with very few fish in Six and none in Eight.

A reminder to all Steelhead anglers, foul hooking fish and placing them on a stringer is an illegal act which will result in a fine if observed. Giving fish to fellow anglers counts against both anglers creels.

Rain is forecast in the upcoming seven day forecast. Hopefully this will bring up the East side tribs to a level which will sustain a decent run. Good luck.


Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake- With the opening of duck season on Saturday we saw an increase in small boat traffic. I wound up patrolling with a game officer using a small boat and checking the islands up north and I am very happy to report that out of the 20 or so boats that were checked only 2 minor violations were noted, it would appear that the message is getting out about the required safety equipment needed to boat on Commonwealth waters. Thank you all this makes our job much easier. Fishing activity has started to pick up and the water is cooling off, last night we had frost warnings so the fall run for walleyes though not as active as the spring run should be starting any day now. This is definitely the season for short notice on storms though so please keep your eyes to the sky and watch for them, also bring extra clothes and dress in layers to guard against HYPOTHERMIA. Wool works the best and even when wet it will still retain your body heat. I was also asked this week who monitors the marine radio for Pymatuning Lake and my answer is no one. If you have a problem the best bet is a cell phone and 911. Next month there will be a public meeting on the horsepower increase in Pymatuning held somewhere in this area, I will put the date, time, and place in future reports when I get them. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns or opinions over this issue and will be attended by myself, my boss, Ohio division of Watercraft, Ohio Parks and Pa. Parks management. No one has set anything in stone or made up their minds yet so I would strongly urge you to be there if you have an opinion on the matter because once it is changed it will be to late to do anything about it.
Conneaut Lake- Northerns continue to hit just about anything that is thrown in the water and are really being active around the weed beds in the back bays and on the North end. Bluegills are still being caught with regularity as well as crappies in the 10 to 12 inch range. Fish either the weed beds or around structure for best results and try tipping your jigs with a piece of live bait, worm, maggot, or anything that they can taste or smell seems to increase your chances

Eastern Erie County / WCO Mark Kerr

Erie Weather Forecast:
Wednesday: Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy skies. Low near 50F. Winds light and variable.
Thursday: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by mostly cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 66F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday (24 hours): Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 50s.
Friday (24 hours): Considerable cloudiness. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 50s.
Saturday (24 hours): More clouds than sun. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid 50s.




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