|
Decemember 15th, 2010 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com Conditions: Winter has pounded Northwest Pennsylvania with high winds, frigid temperatures and plenty of snow. Although the Lake Erie shoreline again dodged the heaviest snow, areas to the West and South East got over 6 feet in some areas. Area tribs have significant ice cover with open areas left only in faster moving sections. Although some open, fishable waters remain, the tribs are seemingly on the way to full freeze. Those hearty anglers in relentless pursuit of soft water are best suited to mid day when the infrequent sunshine provides some burn off. The open water on the tribs is flowing well and is quite clear for the most part making light presentations a must. Light line fishing in the wintry ice and slush conditions can be a challenge for most and many anglers have hung up their poles in anticipation of the winter ice fishing season or a partial melting. Presque Isle Bay has begun to freeze over with a combination of thin ice, drifting ice and slush as of Tuesday afternoon. Area ice conditions are in no way safe yet, but temperatures over the next few weeks look cold enough that ice over should continue. The Walnut Creek Marina is frozen over, but pretty thin at this point. The Marina is often one of the first areas targeted for ice fishing. Wind and waves along with the early build up of ice dunes has made shoreline virtually impossible to fish for now. Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs: In 2011, the SONS of Lake Erie are celebrating 30 years of supporting fishing and the fishery of Lake Erie. During the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie regular monthly meeting on January 24th, 2011, there will be a raffle of 5 individual $100.00 cash prizes. If you would like a chance to win or would like to just help out this great organization, tickets are available at FishUSA (901 W. 12th St. in Erie), at the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie December 27th meeting or by contacting the group at 814-453-2270 or sonlakeri@aol.com. The SONS are an active organization of nearly 2000 members. Established in 1981, dedicated to the improvement of fishing on Lake Erie and its Pennsylvania tributaries. The organization has acted as a lobbyist for regulations supporting the growth of the Lake Erie fishery. They are a member of the Cooperative Nursery Branch of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Through this alliance they have established a fish hatchery that annually produces and stocks approximately 1 million Walleye and 2 million Yellow Perch into Presque Isle Bay. Steelhead and Brown Trout are also produced in the hatchery. The S.O.N.S. also participate in the P.F.B.C. adopt-a-stream program. They were active in the clean up and stocking of Cascade creek, a previously polluted stream which was a receptor of industrial out fall. The Club, partnered with the P.F.B.C., has annually built and placed appropriate structures in the waters of Presque Isle Bay which provide habitat for the fish that call these waters their home. The S.O.N.S. have stood in the forefront to support free public access to the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. As a result of the clubs encouragement, ordinances and regulations have been enacted in the City of Erie that provide for free public access in all new developments on Presque Isle Bay. The S.O.N.S. are always looking for more members and support. Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Brisk with lows around 15. West winds 15 to 25 mph. Thursday...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the morning. Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 19. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Friday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s. Friday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20. Saturday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 20s. Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20. Sunday...Cloudy. Highs in the upper 20s. Sunday Night...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the lower 20s. Monday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the lower 20s. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Breezy with highs in the upper 20s.
|
(71.116.20.204)