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August 9th, 2006 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Walleye are still hitting well with the smaller fish closer to shore in 25 to 40 feet and the larger "hawgs" being brought in from the trenches at 55 to 65 feet of water. Its all about dipsey fishing at trolling speeds of 2 to 2.5 miles per hour. Smallmouth fishing from Walnut Creek to Crooked Creek in 25 to 45 feet of water has been good with many in the 4 to 6 LB. range. Perch fishing is still a bit spotty with catches sporadic and the schools smaller than previous years making them harder to locate. A good number are being caught in 62 feet of water due North of the lighthouse on Presque Isle. Current Lake Erie water temperatures as this writing is 78 degrees off Toledo, 77 degrees off Cleveland, and 79 degrees off Erie. Last Reminder for Important Sportsmen's Club Meeting: The first meeting of the year for the PA Steelhead Association will be held Wednesday August 9th at the American Legion Post on Route 5 just East of the Airport. This should be a great kickoff meeting for the club and it is a "must attend" meeting for those concerned about future angling access along the Erie Tributaries. John Simmons, and Scott Bollinger of the PFBC, Harrisburg, are scheduled to be in attendance to discuss progress on the easement program and other important issues. Tickets will be available at the meeting for the annual "Big Run Banquet". Your support at this meeting will be appreciated and as always, the public is welcome. This should be a great meeting with a solid agenda and an opportunity for questions. Law Enforcement: Officers continue to find larger numbers of safety violations. This late in the season boaters should be well aware of the equipment needed for their particular vessel and the "rules of the road". The most common violations are lack of required PFDs as well as PFDs that are unserviceable. Badly torn PFDS, broken buckles and straps, and those with the stuffing coming out are all considered unserviceable. Regulations state that PFDs are to be "readily accessible". PFDs stowed in a cuddy cabin or storage hatch especially in the wrapper they came in are not considered readily accessible. Fire extinguishers must be on board any motorized boat with enclosed compartments that can accumulate fumes. Many checks this season have revealed discharged extinguishers. Regulations state that extinguishers must be fully charged. Day/night visual distress signals are required on boats over 16 feet on Lake Erie and must be serviceable. Flares or cartridges used with a gun are considered unserviceable if they have passed their expiration date. One of the most important regulations is that all children 12 and under must be wearing a PFD on boats 20 feet and under while underway and on canoes and kayaks. The PFD must be suitable in size for the child. Officers normally will have a zero tolerance police with regard to violations that affect the safety of children. For further information on equipment required for your particular vessel, check your boaters hand book available at most any boat store Copies are also available at the Walnut Creek Access area. Boating Safety Tip of the Week: Always carry spare bulbs for you boats lights and always check you lights to assure they are in working order when going out. On Lake Erie you never know how long you might be out there Local Weather: Wednesday Night Thursday Thursday Night Friday Friday Night Saturday Saturday Night Sunday Sunday Night Monday |
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