WCO Report for Erie and Crawford County 9/26//01: Erie area, PA,
Fishing Report Posted: September 26, 2001

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[ Lake Erie & Tributaries Fishing Report ]

Posted by WCO John Bowser on September 26, 2001 at 11:10:14:

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
Yes, they are still schooled in about 58' to 62' of water north of Walnut Creek. Weather and waves permitting, there is still time left to get your share and stock up for the winter.

Refresher on local rules
1) Fishing is not permitted within 50 yards of the mouth of Trout Run or Godfrey between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

2) Boats have the "absolute" right of way over angler lines in the Walnut Channel.
Anglers must pull lines in when boats are entering or exiting the Channel

3) There are stop signs posted at the entrance to and throughout the Walnut Creek
Access area. These signs become especially important this time of year with the large crowd of anglers and small children. It is amazing the number of people that ignore or miss these clearly placed signs and wind up paying a costly fine. Officers will continue to monitor these signs and issue the appropriate citations until the message gets through.

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
Jwb014@aol.com
DWCO Randy G. Leighton
Rglerie@aol.com

Eastern Erie County, WCO Mark Kerr
Low clear conditions exist on the East tide tributaries. A few fish have worked their way in but not enough to get excited about yet. A reminder that the East side of 20 mile creek from Route 5 to the Iron Bridge is posted and closed to fishing. The Landowner has requested that fishing the mouth at 20 mile stop at sunset. Anglers should abide by this request if they want to fish this area in the future.

WCO Mark Kerr
Office (814) 796-1378
Cell (814) 673-4670

Western Crawford County - WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake as of today the fishing hadn't started picking up yet but
there weren't many people out in the 50 degree rain. The lake is starting
to cool down though at 68 degrees today it shouldn't be long before the
fishing picks back up. I also spoke with the State Park personnel this
afternoon and they assured me that the lake was not being lowered for the
renovation to the Jamestown Marina currently underway. The lake is at
present 2 feet below normal pool for this time of year and even the rain we
had over the last couple of days only managed to raise it .02 inches. They
are only letting out the amount of water required by the Army Corp. of
Engineers to supply water downstream. Construction is scheduled to be done
by the end of the year on the marina so ice fishing shouldn't be affected
much and it will be much better after completion.

Conneaut Lake fishing has picked up with the onset of cooler weather and
catches of bass and Bluegills are being reported around structures and weed
beds. Variation in bait seems to be the key but if you have a well stocked
tackle box then you should do well. Persistence is the important and now that the
major boating season is over you should be able to stay out there longer
without the boats and jet skis bothering you.

Joe Russell
fishcop16@hotmail.com





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