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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