WCO Report and Photo for Erie County 11/10/2010: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: November 09, 2010

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on November 09, 2010 at 19:40:03:

November 10th, 2010

West Erie County

DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com
Conditions:

Fishing conditions have been very challenging. With little rain over the last week, conditions have been low and clear in all areas although good numbers of fish are easy to find. Putting it all into perspective, many anglers may remember that a number of years ago we had conditions that put literally put Walnut Creek at barely a trickle. When the fish can be seen, they can see you and inducing strikes can be tough but definitely not impossible. Four, and at times two pound line or tippets is almost a necessity. Anglers getting the strikes are using hooks no larger then a #14 and as small as a #18. Pale colored sucker spawn patterns, single eggs, small woolly buggers and micro jigs are all good choices now. Often times working a small jig can trigger a reactionary strike when the fish aren't biting. With the water levels we have had, fish have moved throughout the tribs at will and we do not have the huge backlog of fish at the mouths that we have had in the past few years. The marina basin at Walnut Creek is not packed with fish this year for the same reason. Anglers have been doing well at Crooked Creek and the upper stretches of Walnut and Elk Creeks. Current lake temperature is 49 degrees as of this writing.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday November 10th, at the American Legion on West 12th street (route 5 just east of the Tom Ridge Field) at 7:00 PM. The public is invited

Night Time Temps Will Be Hitting the Freezing Mark All Too Soon:
Freezing temperatures at night can make day break fishing tough, but with a little preparation all can go smoothly. The most common problem is rod eyes freezing up. There are many tricks and products to prevent this, however I have found that a small amount of Blistex or a similar petroleum jelly product (found in small tubes, usually at the check out counter in any drugstore) applied sparingly to each eyelet does a good job of repelling water on the eyelets and hence stopping ice build up. A few dry heat packs in the pockets can help keep the hands warm however, they are useless if they get wet. Gloves and most of all a good warm hat to prevent heat loss should be worn. I have a preference for the rag wool fingerless gloves. They are in inexpensive and work well. Waders that fit like spandex often do not provide the desired warmth (and for the fashion conscious really don't look all that good ). Some air space in the legs and boots will normally keep you warmer than an overly tight fit. Keeping your hands, face, and equipment as dry as possible will prevent ice build up and keep the wind chill down.

Hunting Season: Once again, hunting season upon us and deer season right around the corner, anglers are reminded that wearing some type of bright clothing especially in the remote areas of the tribs will help keep you out of hunters sights. There is no special rule or regulation on this but a little blaze orange makes good sense in any wooded area this time of year. Many of the upper areas of Elk and Crooked Creeks run through prime hunting areas.

Winterizing Your Boat: Harrisburg, PA - Now that the recreational boating season is over and the cold weather is approaching, the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding boaters to take the time to properly winterize their boats. Boat winterization is essential to maintaining the life and longevity of a boat.

Regardless of whether a boat is stored inside or outside, there are several important steps that have to be done to prepare a boat for winter storage:

Fill the fuel tanks and add the appropriate amount of stabilizer. Run the engine long enough to get the treated gas into the fuel line and engine. Most fuel now contains ethanol and if your fuel is left untreated over the winter it will deteriorate and cause engine problems.
Flush the cooling system and drain all the water from inboard and from inboard/outboard (I/O) engines.
Spray the engine with fogging oil to prevent rust. Check the spark plugs and replace them as necessary.
Replace the oil and oil filter on inboard and I/O engines. Be sure to dispose of the used oil at an authorized recycling center.
Change the lubricant on the lower unit gear case on outboards and I/O engines. Even a little water trapped in the gear case can cause damage, especially if allowed to freeze.
Check the props for nicks. Even slight damage can hinder performance and cause vibration, damaging other engine parts and the drive system. Some damaged props can be repaired by marine dealers for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Store outboard engines in an upright position. Consider having the water pump impeller replaced every two or three years. The rubber legs can get stiff, reducing water circulation, or they may break off, eliminating coolant flow completely.
Spray a moisture-displacing lubricant such as a silicone product onto electrical terminals and the fuse panel. Read the label to make sure the spray is safe for use on electrical components.
Inspect steering systems, including tiller steering friction fittings on outboard engines.
Clean the backfire flame arrester on inboard and I/O engines with carburetor cleaner.
Clean boats and cover when stored, even if boat will be indoors. Allow for air circulation under the cover to prevent mildew.
Drain water from the bilges and leave the transom drain plug out.
Hang life jackets up where they can air out.
Examine trailer tires and grease the wheel bearings, replacing them as necessary. Check bulbs and electrical contacts on the plugs as well as sockets where the bulbs screw in.
Check the owner's manual for instructions that are particular to your own boat, engine and trailer.
Quality maintenance will increase the life span of your boat and investment. Proper winterization will keep your boat in top operating condition and make the transition from winter storage to an enjoyable summer on the water much easier and less expensive.

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. East winds 10 to 15 mph.

Veterans Day...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night...Mostly clear. Lows around 40. East winds 5 to 10 mph...becoming southeast after midnight.

Friday...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60.

Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.

Saturday...Partly sunny. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the mid 40s.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Cooler with highs in the lower 50s.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 30s.

Monday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 40s.

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

Tuesday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 40s.




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