April 19th, 2006WEST ERIE COUNTY, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions:
Area anglers are quickly moving into the spring crappie and perch bite with many
anglers spotted around the Bay and along the North and South Piers. Perch fishing in
the Bay has been fair to good with anglers doing best at the West End. Bay
temperatures are now hovering in the low 50s and have warmed enough to spark the
Spring panfish spawn. Some steelhead remain in the Bay but will soon migrate to the
Lake as the water warms. Stocked trout will remain in the tribs for another week or
two giving anglers additional opportunities and there are still plenty of trout to
be landed at the Gravel Pit Pond, Lake Pleasant and the Basin Ponds at Presque Isle.
The water temperature off Toledo is 51 degrees, off Cleveland 43, and off shored of
Erie, 44 degrees. Clean Up Volunteers Needed:
Its no secret that keeping public access areas open along the Erie tributaries goes
hand in hand with keeping these areas clean. PA Cleanways in cooperation with the
Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program will be sponsoring a registered stream side
cleanup along Dutch Road at the CSX railroad crossing. The meeting time is
Saturday, May 13th, 2006 at 9:00 AM with a rain date scheduled for the following
Saturday at the same time if necessary. If you would like to help out, the clean up
will begin at the CSX railroad crossing on Dutch Road (section of Dutch Road that is
south of Route 5). It is suggested that you wear long pants and sleeves, gloves and
sturdy boots or shoes. Lunch and drinks will be provided. To register contact
Michelle Dunn, PA. Cleanways at 877-772-3673. For more information go to
www.pacleanways.com Walnut Creek Access Update:
Dredging is complete for now at the Walnut Creek channel and basin, although a few
heavy storms have as usual left the west side of the channel pretty shallow.
Boaters exiting the channel should still stay close to the wall and turn towards the
East as they enter the lake. Launch ramps are scheduled to be installed this week
with the docks being in place in a few weeks. Upon placement of the launch ramps
and docks, the basin will be closed to fishing. The offices and restrooms are
currently open on weekends with full time hours beginning in the middle of May. The
office offers licenses and ice as well as information and a variety of printed
information and display items. Elk Valley Sportsmen's Club Kids Fishing Derby:
The Elk Valley Sportsmen's Association will be holding its annual fishing derby for
kids 12 and under at the Girard Boro Park pond on Saturday, April 29th. Kickoff is
at 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM with great prizes and refreshments for the kids. This is a
terrific event for the kids (and great entertainment for the parents) and is always
well attended. This is a great introduction to fishing for the youngsters. Get there
early for that "hot spot". Any child 12 years of age or younger is welcome to join
in the fun. Fishing gear and help is available for those kids in need. Club members
and PFBC officers are always on hand to help out. (Hint: shiners or meal worms are
generally the best bait) Support Your Local Sportsmens' Clubs:
The SONS of Lake Erie will have their monthly meeting on Monday April 2006 .
Meetings begin at 7:30 PM and are held at the Moniuszko Club, 1209 Reed Street,
Erie, PA. Chuck Murray, Biologist for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will
be presenting information on perch and walleye catches and the prospects for this
fishing season, a must see if you fish Lake Erie and the Bay. Some Changes in the Minimum Age Requirements for Boaters:
a.. Persons 11 years of age and younger may not operate a boat 25 horsepower and
greater.
b.. Persons born on or after January 1, 1982 may not operate a boat greater than
25 horsepower unless they have obtained and have in their possession a Boating
Safety Education
Certificate
c.. There are no operating age restrictions for boats less than 25 horsepower.
d.. Persons 11 years of age an younger may NOT operate a personal watercraft
e.. Persons 12 through 15 years of age may NOT operate with any passengers on
board 15 years of age or younger or rent a PWC
f.. All PWC operators must obtain and have in their possession a Boating Safety
Education Certificate
Local Weather:
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear in the evening. Then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. East
winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s. Friday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s.
Chance of rain 40 percent. Friday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 40s.
Chance of rain 50 percent. Saturday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 60. Chance of
rain 40 percent. Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the mid 40s. Sunday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 50s.
Chance of rain 40 percent. Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy in the evening...Then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s. Monday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 50s.
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