Erie County Report by
DWCO Randy G. LeightonSteelhead
Anglers are doing very well at the Walnut Creek Basin with minnows and tipped jigs. Recent rain has brought additional fish into the tribs with good numbers holding in the Walnut Project waters and the Manchester Hole and falls area. A large number of smaller steelhead in the 18- to 24-inch range have moved into lower Elk. These smaller fish make fine table fare compared to some of the older, larger fish. (Remember, however, that the minimum size is 15 inches.) Single eggs, egg and spawn sacks, and minnows are bringing in these fish. The "Rockettes" have been lined up as far as the eye can see at Trout Run, weather and waves permitting. Also, fishing the lake shore at Trout Run will continue to be productive throughout the winter as long as there is flat, open water. The Trout Run Marina is still open and has been producing some nice fish. The Marina offers shelter, food and hot drinks as the temps continue to drop. The current lake temperature is 50 degrees and falling. Crappies...
Nice buckets of Crappies are reported being caught off of the docks in the Presque Isle Marina by jigging slowly directly under them. Walnut Creek Access ...
After December 9th, the Visitor's Center Building will only be open on the weekends. Now is the time to take advantage of your early Christmas shopping opportunity. Posters, 2002 Fishing Licenses, Fish or Reptile Identification Guides all make great presents for the outdoorsmen in your family. Winter's coming
With nighttime temperatures falling close to the freezing mark, fishing can be a challenge. However, some of the best fishing is to be had for the hearty souls who are willing to brave the elements. As the massive crowds start to subside, the fish are less spooked and more inclined to bite. Cold morning temperatures can bring icy lines and frozen drags, but, with a little preparation, all can go smooth. Try these tips:
1) Keep your reel dry, especially in cold weather. Water and ice can ruin the drag
function on your reel. 2) Using a little silicon on your line can help with line freeze and keep your line
relaxed. 3) Lip balm or Vaseline used sparingly can help prevent your rod eyes from icing up. 4) Neoprene or good insulation is a must as the water temperature drops. Loose
fitting rubber waders will fill with water quickly if you fall and they provide little
warmth. Getting out of the water and walking will help to take the "numbness"
out of your legs and feet and increase circulation. 5) Fishing with gloves is difficult, making it hard to keep your hands warm.
Disposable handwarmers work pretty well, but for my money, nothing beats a
good old fashioned Jon-E-Handwarmer in my pocket. 6) Early morning frost and skim ice makes for slippery walking. Felt-soled boot
bottoms work great on ice and the snow, but are not much good in the
mud. 7) Alcohol does little to keep one warm and is probably best left until returning
home. Burbot
Anglers are beginning to target Burbot along the North Pier. Many Burbot are hooked by unsuspecting Perch anglers with minnows being the bait of choice. Anglers specifically targeting Burbot will use the largest shiners they can get often using two on one hook and fish them on the bottom.
Burbot are a fresh water cod that enjoy the coldest depths of the lake. As water temperatures drop, Burbot will move into shallower water and can often be caught from the piers. Burbot has a mild taste and can be enjoyed fried, baked, broiled or as Officer Bowser prefers, fixed as a "mock lobster" and served up with drawn butter. Hunting Season Reminder
With the annual deer season upon us, new regulations, and anticipated large numbers of hunters, those anglers fishing the more remote areas of the tribs are reminded to wear at least some blaze orange or bright-colored clothing. Brown waders, a tan vest and camouflage hat could be easily mistaken as a target. Many of our prime hunting areas are adjacent to the tribs, especially along Elk and Crooked Creeks.
Crawford Report - WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake-The walleye are still biting but they have moved slightly
north. The fish seemed to be located around gum bay/ picnic area. The boats
were mainly launched out Jamestown. Guys were saying they were getting a lot
of fish on the monitors Saturday but very few strikes, however the weather
was beautiful and sunny and there was no wind. Three of the boats I checked
however had live wells full of 10"-12" crappie that they had caught on
minnies. I also spoke with six fishermen on the North end of the lake
wading (yes the warden in Crawford Co. wades out to check catches and
licenses) and they relayed to me that they had been doing very well over the
last several night (right at sundown) wading using a chartreuse shad-rap. I
also spoke with several MUSKY fishermen who said they had luck hooking into
36"-40" fish trolling right before this last cold front came through. They
tell me that the fall feeding run should be getting going real soon, so we
will have to see Conneaut Lake- The bass seemed to be going a lot deeper here and the feeding
has slowed down however the northern fishing has picked up somewhat with
Rapallas and minnies. Crappies and white bass are still being caught in
about 10-20 feet of water but the key to locating them seems to be a good
fish finder.
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