WCO Report for Erie County 03/05/2008: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: March 04, 2008

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on March 04, 2008 at 22:39:39:

March 5th, 2008

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Monday was as Spring like as it gets in Erie with temperatures climbing into the sixties. This, combined with a fair amount of rain Monday night put the area back in to meltdown. By Tuesday afternoon, we were enjoying freezing rain and slick roads and fishing conditions for only the hardiest of souls. The tribs were ice free by Tuesday and flowing hard and muddy. There is now open water on Lake Erie and the ice on Presque Isle has opened on spots, should be considered unstable for now. As we head into another freezing period, the heavy run off may slow down and bring the tribs down to more fishable levels and perhaps even ideal later in the week and into the weekend.

Cabin Fever?, Basic Boating Class, Only a Few Spots Left:
Area officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will be conducting a safe boating class on Tuesday and Thursday, 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 Certificate (card) if desired.
Do You or Your Family Need a Boating Safety Certificate?:
Boating Safety Certificates (Actually a plastic card) are required for anyone operating a personal watercraft (jet ski) and anyone born on or after January 1st 1982 operating a boat powered by motors greater than 25 Horsepower.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The PA Steelhead Association will have its monthly meeting beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12th, 2008 at the American Legion Post 773 at 4109 West 12th Street in Erie. This is on the south side of West 12th Street (State Route 5), just east of the Erie Airport. Officer elections will be held at this meeting.

Walleye Regulation Reminder: Walleye season on Lake Erie closes on March 15 and reopens on May 3rd. This regulation was instituted several years ago to curtail walleye fishing on the Lake during the spring spawning period.

Select Trout Stocked Lake Program Opportunities for the Erie Area:
The Fairview Gravel Pit Pond, Lake Pleasant, and the East and West Basin Ponds at Presque Isle State Park are open at this time to fishing under the Select Trout Stocked Lake Program until March 31, 2008. These areas are closed to fishing from April 1st, 2008 until April 12th, 2008 at 8:00 AM. (The opening day of Trout Season) Minimum size is 7" with a creel limit of 3 fish during this period.

Take Care Of Stocked Steelhead Smolts:
Steelhead stocking will begin in a few weeks throughout the Erie Tribs. Steelhead smolts look like small rainbows and are often mistaken for stocked trout. They are typically smaller then the "stockies" and should be carefully released. They hold the future of Steelhead fishing in our area. If a Steelhead smolt is hooked, reel it in quickly without overstressing the fish. Gently release the smolt as quickly as you can preferably with little to no handling. If the hook is swallowed it is generally best to just cut the line and release the fish for the best chance of survival.

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
of Trout Season. Anglers should be aware that this now an enforceable regulation

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday...Cloudy with a chance of rain and snow showers. Highs around 40. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.

Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday...Snow likely. Colder with highs in the upper 20s. Chance of snow 60 percent.

Friday Night...Snow likely. Cold with lows 15 to 20. Chance of snow 60 percent.

Saturday...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with lows 10 to 15.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Highs in the upper 20s.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Lows in the lower 20s.

Monday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the upper 30s.

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

Tuesday...Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.




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