With water levels down, tributary fishing can be difficult but certainly not
impossible. The Legion Park area at both the upper and lower holes still
offers reasonable water levels and large schools of Steelhead. Fluorocarbon
line in 2 to 4# test is a must in these conditions. Low, clear water
necessitates approaching quietly and making minimum disturbance to the water.The Walnut Creek Project pools are still holding good numbers of fish as are
the pools near Folly's End Campground and the pools near the railroad tubes
on Elk Creek. When the weather cooperates, perch are still being caught off the lighthouse,
the first buoy out of the channel, and along the Ohio line near Conneaut. Large pike have been spotted in Cascade Creek. Fall Pike fishing in the bay
is often overlooked and is great fun for the hardy angler. Silver flatfish,
Bucktail spinners, Shad Raps and Rooster Tails will often trigger a vicious
strike from these predators. Many Pike have surprised the unexpecting perch
angler with a minnow and bobber. Also try Misery Bay and the West end of
Presque Isle Bay for these spectacular game fish. Fall Smallmouth fishing in the Bay can be productive as fish try to fatten up
for winter. Try salted 3 or 4" salted tube jigs, small spinners,
nightcrawlers and shiners. Officers were impressed this past weekend when a mother helped her young son
land his first Steelhead. The young angler was fishing the Walnut Creek
Project waters with his favorite plastic "Snoopy" rod and reel when a nice 8
# Steelhead took him by surprise. Mom went for the worn out net they brought
along and to their shock, the fish fell through the bottom of the net and
apparently all was to be lost. Undaunted, Mom went head first into the
stream, grabbed the still hooked fish, and soaked from head to toe exclaimed
"That's my son's first Steelhead and he ain't gettin away" Litter is still a major concern with a number of citations issued this past
week. Often litter is not intentionally left behind, but nonetheless, it it
still a violation. A quick glance around when you leave may be a good
reminder and help strengthen the reputation of our entire angling community. A reminder that wading or angling in any manner in Commonwealth nursery
waters is a serious violation. Trout Run is designated as nursery waters and
is so posted. This means angling, wading, or disturbing fish in any manner
in these or any other nursery waters can result in costly fines. In other
words, look and enjoy, but don't touch. Many of the fish that have stacked
up in Trout run will eventually be transported to other areas. As the cold weather and hunting season closes in, crowded conditions on the
streams have eased somewhat. (A few more wins by the Steelers may also
lighten the angling pressure) Remember, lanterns and small "Coleman type"
propane heaters are permitted along the creeks but building fires or open
flames are prohibited. Safety tip: Brown waders make a good target during deer season. Wearing
fluorescent orange or at least some brightly colored article of clothing
while fishing will make you a less likely accidental target. WCO John Bowser will be on medical leave for an anticipated 8 week period to
receive heart bypass surgery. Neighboring officers & his Deputy Force will
be providing coverage. Email fishing inquiries may be directed to me (Dwco
Randy Leighton) at rglerie@aol.com until John is back on his feet. His
presence in the field will be missed and his fellow officers and friends wish
him a speedy recovery. Randy Leighton
Deputy Water Conservation Officer
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Western Erie County
|