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February 16th, 2011 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com Conditions: Mild temperatures early this week put a good dent in melting down much of the snow and ice that has piled up around the area. Although ice in most areas is still stable, there was considerable standing water and slush on the Bay and Tribs this past Monday. Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high 50's are later this week which may be enough to open the tribs and start the ice jams. Anglers are advised to use extreme caution in all areas as this warming trend approaches. Ice fishing on Presque Isle Bay for perch and steelhead has been sporadic although gill catches seem to be plentiful. Northwest Pennsylvania Region Annual Deputy Meeting:
This past weekend Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers from the Northwest Region met in Meadville, PA for their annual meeting. This is an opportunity for area DWCOs to meet as a large group as part of their comprehensive and on going training through out the year. Agenda items included regulation updates, comprehensive training schedules for the year, outstanding service recognition and awards, refresher training as well as continuing education in police and law enforcement skills. Officers are updated on the latest changes in the bureau regarding policies and procedures. Training for both DWCO's and WCO's is an ongoing process through out the year to keep officers on top of the latest law enforcement polices, tactics, and required annual certifications. All Deputies are recertified annually in CPR and every two years in First Aid. Training throughout 2011 is scheduled to include tactical shooting skills development in addition to required sidearm qualifications. Regulation and law are also included as part of regular refresher training and is on going throughout the year. A number of Deputies were recognized for their many years of dedicated service. A special honor was bestowed upon West Erie County's DWCO Duane English at this years meeting in recognition of 35 years of dedicated service to the Commission in West Erie County. Officer English is well respected among his fellow DWCOs and WCOs alike for his life long area experience, his dedication and commitment, and fair but firm approach to law enforcement. 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 Smelt are Plentiful:
Smelt are plentiful in Presque Ise Bay especially during the winter season. There is no limit on the number allowed and no minimum size when taken by hook and line. Targeting them through the ice can provide great fun for the kids not to mention some mouth watering table fair for the whole family.
Clean and dry the fish, roll them in beaten egg and then in finely grated breadcrumbs; dredging a little flour and salt over them. Put a good-sized lump of butter or shortening into a frying pan, and when hot put in the smelt and fry them quickly. Don’t over cook them. Drain the fish when golden browned. Some people will fry them whole, heads on. After frying the head and backbone can be pulled off the fish as you eat them eliminating the need to clean them before cooking. Add a little coleslaw, some fresh fries, and your favorite tasty beverage and you're all set. Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Partly cloudy with a chance of showers in the evening...then mostly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 30s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent. Thursday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs around 50. South winds 15 to 20 mph. Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Near steady temperatures in the mid 40s. South winds 15 to 20 mph. Friday...Showers likely. Highs in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 60 percent. Friday Night...Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain showers in the evening. A chance of snow showers overnight. Much colder with lows in the upper 20s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent. Saturday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Much colder with highs in the lower 30s. Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. A chance of flurries. Lows around 20. Sunday...Partly cloudy. Highs around 30. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s. Washingtons Birthday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the upper 20s. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.
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