|
February 9th, 2011 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com Conditions: Erie has been part of the arctic blast that has sent the mercury into the single digits over much of the last week. High winds and drifting snow have made travel difficult and many have been content to stay in the warmth and safety of their homes or workplaces. On the other hand the popularity of ice fishing our area, especially on Presque Isle Bay seems to grow every year. This past weekend found countless huts on the bay and many hardwater folks trying their luck on the Walnut channel and along the shore at Trout Run. Frigid temperatures have accelerated ice thickness around the area. Anglers coming off Presque Isle Bay Tuesday afternoon reported Ice as thick as 10 to 12 inches in many areas. Although there is plenty of thick ice, a heavy blanket of snow has slowed the formation of hard "black ice" in some areas. With the wind howling temperatures in the single digits, the shelter of a hut is a necessity. As always, ice fishing reports vary greatly, depending on who you talk to, but in general, fish are being caught. Lake Erie, although not quite completely frozen, seems to be well on its way. 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. This year the PFBC, in conjunction with the Expo, will be conducting Family Ice Fishing programs on Saturday the 5th, and Sunday the 6th at the Convention Center. Pre registration is necessary. For more information and to register, go to Family Ice Fishing Program See you there..... Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle, Still Tickets Left, Don't Miss It!
The annual Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle is just around the corner. Your ticket gives you a chance at the $1,500 Main Prize, dinner, drinks, music, games of chance, & dancing. It is being held on Feb. 19th @ St. John's Social Hall / Girard with Happy Hour starting at 5:30 ... Dinner @ 7:00 ... Dancing from 9:00 to Midnight. At a bargain price of $60.00/couple, it is one of the best buys out there. Your ticket for two covers dinner, entertainment, and all legal beverages. This is the only Fund Raiser held by the Elk Valley Sportsmen Club for the year. This helps to fund the Annual Kid's Fishing Derby & improvements at the Girard Boro Pond as well as Turkey Feeding, Hunter's Safety Courses, and many other community projects. Tickets are available at McDonald's Meats on Route 20 in Girard (near the Overlake Golf Course) or by calling Lee Weaver at 922-3412 (area code 814 if needed) or any Club Officer. This is the sportsmen's social event of the season in Northwest Erie County. Tickets are limited to 200 couples so get yours now !! Annual Sons Ice Fishing Clinic:
The SONS of Lake Erie will be conducting their annual ice fishing clinic at the Waterworks Pond at Presque Isle State Park on Saturday February 19th. This annual event is a great introduction to ice fishing with a chance to try your luck. The SONS provide the gear and bait with plenty of refreshments. If the long term forecasts hold up, conditions should be good for this event. For more information, email sonslakeeri@aol.com Pennsylvania Steelhead Association Meeting: The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday February 9th, at the American Legion on West 12th street (route 5 just east of the Tom Ridge Field) a t 7:00 PM. The public is invited. Ice Fishing Tackle Recap:
It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no more than three hooks attached to each line. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On Fish & Boat Commission lakes, shelters or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy in the evening...then clearing. A chance of flurries. Cold with lows around zero. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill values as low as 15 below. Thursday...Partly cloudy. Highs around 15. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill values as low as 15 below in the morning. Thursday Night...Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 4 above. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill values as low as 9 below. Friday...Partly sunny in the morning...then becoming mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s. Friday Night...Snow likely. Not as cold with lows 15 to 20. Chance of snow 60 percent. Saturday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s. Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 20. Sunday...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with highs in the upper 30s. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Monday...Partly sunny in the morning...then becoming mostly cloudy. A chance of rain and snow showers. Highs in the lower 40s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the upper 20s. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the upper 30s.
|