WCO Report for Erie and Crawford County 8/21//01: Erie area, PA,
Fishing Report Posted: August 21, 2001

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[ Lake Erie & Tributaries Fishing Report ]

Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on August 21, 2001 at 21:16:38:

Perch
Perch continue to school in 46' to 48' of water due north of the Walnut Creek
access area. Limits are still common. The bait of choice is emerald shiners
(minnows) although this time of year minnows can be in short supply. Anglers
have been using pieces of nightcrawlers and fathead minnows with good
success. Shiners are fragile and difficult to keep alive in the bucket.
Dead minnows will work fine with a little jigging motion and cutting minnows
in half will work fine when the fish are feeding well. If no minnows are to
be found, salted minnows are worth a try and can found at most of the local
bait shops.

Walleye
Walleye action has been scattered. Charter captains continue to do well but
finding the fish for the average weekend angler can be a challenge. Walleye
are being caught in shallow water as well as the trench areas. One officer
observed an individual with several nice walleye caught off the wall at
Walnut. With the warm water temperatures, deeper water is generally where to
look. The most popular area is "in the corner" near the Ohio line out to the
Canadian line. Crawler harnesses are working as well as spoons in the
blueberry muffin and black and chartreuse striped patterns. Anglers are
finding that the smaller spoon sizes are often working well with the clearer
water. Trolling smaller stick baits off the boards should be tried as well.
The key is locating the fish and changing presentations until a successful
pattern is found.

Wont be long
Steelhead season is just around the corner with fish already beginning to
"stage" off the tributary mouths. Water levels in the tribs are currently
very low. With some needed rainfall and a drop in water temperature, the
movement into the tribs should start. Its probably not too early to be
checking your gear and outfitting the vests and tackle boxes. A number of
lanterns are already lighting up the wall at the Walnut Creek access.

Fish Fry
There will be a fish fry at the Walnut Creek Access Area on Sunday, September
9th at 5:30 PM. Come taste the delicious fish of Lake Erie as the summer
fishing season winds down. Bring some fillets, a covered dish, snacks, or
soda and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers and PA. Fish and Boat
Commission personnel. This was a great event last year with everyone pitching
in. Call Marilyn at the Walnut Creek Access Area at (814)833-2464 on Sunday
6-4 PM. or Monday 8-6 PM for the list of needed items.

Law Enforcement
Erie boaters are once again to be commended for their courtesy and
cooperation with the recent Erie Days fireworks display over Presque Isle
Bay. There were little to no problems or complaints (other then a nasty
brief pre-display downpour). This year it was clearly evident that the
perimeter around Dobbin's Landing was necessary as we watched the fireworks
repeatedly hit the water. A cooperative effort by the PFBC, the Erie
Coastguard, and the Coastguard Auxiliary help to keep this spectacular event
safe each year for all to enjoy. September can bring rapid changes in Lake
conditions and wind direction. Anglers are advised to listen to weather
reports carefully and be up to date before venturing out. Wind and wave
conditions this time of year can change quickly and easily catch uniformed
boaters off guard. Be sure that PFD's are easily accessable and in good
condition.

Randy Leighton, Deputy Water Conservation Officer,
John Bowser, Water Conservation Officer
PA. Fish and Boat Commission
West Erie County
Rglerie@aol.com
Jwb014@aol.com

Crawford County
Pymatuning lake has still been slow this week even with the recent rain we
have had. Lake levels are still extremely low and the water is still very
warm. Some bluegills were caught today by anglers but that seemed to be the
only fish taken from the lake. Fishermen in boats told me they fished all
day today and used everything in their box and still had no luck. The
outflow to the lake was producing for some though, with a pail full of
crappies being taken down at the weir(headwaters for the Shenango river)by
one lucky fishermen.

Conneaut Lake is still slow as well but was producing a little better today
with some Bluegill and bass being taken by fishermen. Variety seems to be
the key to catching them right now, just keep throwing bait and lures at
them until you find what they are hitting on.

Fireworks are to be launched again on Conneaut lake on the first of
September and I would like to ask all boaters to be especially careful this
time, give yourself plenty of time and go slow so we don't have another boat
accident (I do not need another weekend like the last fireworks).

Joe Russell, Water Conservation Officer
Western Crawford County
fishcop16@hotmail.comFi





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