Steelhead Steelhead numbers in the tribs are increasing daily with the cooler temperatures and rainfall we have experienced. This past weekend drew large crowds to the Walnut and Elk Creek Access Areas. Catch rates have been good to excellent at Elk from the boat launch north to the Lake with anglers having the most success from day break to late morning and also in early evening. Recent rainfall should help the fish move further up stream at least to Rt. 5. Fish will continue to move in and out of the tribs until the temperatures drop and additional precipitation triggers the instinct to move upstream. Anglers have had good success along the shore at Trout run, as well as from boats and float tubes Powerbait has certainly been the popular bait with many anglers, but real success has been realized by those anglers using the lightest of line and the smallest presentations. This takes some skill to master but typically will be the key to success with the low, clear conditions we are experiencing. Small hooks in the 16 to 18 size range with a single egg or a minifoo or marabou jig in a size 10 to 14 along with fluorocarbon lines or leaders is nearly a necessity. Balance the rig out with some fine split shot and you are set to catch fish. A loose drag setting and playing the fish just enough to land him is the ticket. Noodle rods 9 to 12 feet in length will help to take the stress off the light lines and can help the tire the fish quickly. If you plan to keep your catch, ice it down as soon as possible. If you practice catch and release, play the fish no longer than necessary. If possible, use forceps to dislodge the hook without removing the fish from the water. If the hook is swallowed, cut the line (the fish will have a better chance of survival) If you must handle the fish avoid touching the gills or lifting the fish by the gill plates. Perch Refresher on local rules 2) Boats have the "absolute" right of way over angler lines in the Walnut Channel. 3) There are stop signs posted at the entrance to and throughout the Walnut Creek 4) The sale or bartering of fish eggs is prohibited. 5) Godfrey and Trout run tributaries are nursery waters and carry stiff fines for fishing, wading or tampering with fish in these areas. 6) Limit on trout in Lake Erie and the PA tributaries is 3 fish with a minimum size of 15". The 3 fish limit includes Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Coho Salmon or any combination thereof. 7) Fishing is only permitted on the West bank of the Manchester Hole. Fishing on the "island" is prohibited. 8) Snagging fish, attempted snagging, possessing foul hooked fish, using illegal fishing devices such as weighted treble hooks or using nets to catch fish are all illegal activities. 9) Camping on PFBC property (Walnut Creek Access, Elk Creek Access-East Bank near the Lake, Gravel Pit Pond) is prohibited as are open fires. Fires on private land require landowner permission. WCO John W. Bowser Eastern Erie County, WCO Mark Kerr WCO Mark Kerr Western Crawford County - WCO Joe Russell Conneaut Lake fishing has picked up with the onset of cooler weather and Joe Russell |
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