January 26th, 2011 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com Conditions: The arctic blast that hit the Northeast over the last week put the Erie area into deep freeze with temperatures in the low teens and at times dropping below zero. The frigid temperatures gave a good boost to ice conditions around the area. Most areas including Presque Isle Bay have been reported to be anywhere from 6 to 10" thick. The exceptions to this would be any ice on the faster moving areas of the tributaries. Ice fishing activity has been a good in the Erie area with anglers taking to the hard water in search of some action in spite of the cold snap. The most popular area on Presque Isle Bay has been just North of the Bayfront Convention Center near Dobbins Landing. Reports have been varied and widely scattered with reports of good catches of perch and gills to "tried everywhere, and came up short". Fishing in one stationary area certainly does stack the odds against the angler, and in winter conditions, moving around and drilling more holes often doesn’t seem worth it, however the patient angler and one who knows when to give up on a spot is more likely to score. Many anglers miss the subtle strikes that are common when ice fishing simply because they aren't paying attention as well as they could be. Watching for light strikes on five tip ups requires some concentration. Changing baits or jigs from time to time can also help. The noise factor certainly can come in to play as well, once the holes are drilled and you are settled in, its probably best to go into stealth mode. Temperature forecasts are predicted to be well below freezing over the next few week. Lake Erie is partially frozen, although there are still large areas of open water. Winter conditions can be tough in Erie and as such, anglers coming from out of town would be wise to check weather forecasts and road conditions. Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo: The 28th annual Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held March 4th through March 6th at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center along the Erie bay front just west of Dobbins landing. Hours are Noon to 9:00 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. With 28 years under its belt, this expo has developed into the definitive cabin fever event for area hunters and anglers. The expo is a fabulous mix of the latest in hunting and fishing information and gear blended with exhibits by local clubs, bait shops and sport and travel stores and outfitters from around the globe. Great buys, informative demonstrations, and noted guest speaker clinics round out the expo. Area PFBC officers and representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as always, will be on hand through out the weekend to answer questions and listen to your comments. See you there..... For more information go to Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle.. Local Weather: Thursday...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night...Cloudy. A chance of snow after midnight. Lows around 16. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40 percent. Friday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Highs in the upper 20s. Friday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Lows 15 to 20. Saturday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Highs in the upper 20s. Saturday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 15. Sunday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the lower 20s. Sunday Night...Cloudy with a chance of flurries. Cold with lows around 10 above. Monday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs 15 to 20. Monday Night...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Lows around 10 above. Tuesday...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the mid 20s.
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