NY Lake Erie Stream & Lake Fishing Reports!

We’re still on a jig fishing program here aboard “The Trophy” and we limited out or have come very close to limiting on each of our outings. We spent a couple of days hopping around on the reefs and a couple of days fishing the beach areas near shore. The Walleyes seem to be everywhere but the slightly deeper water, the 14 – 16 ft. range, seems to be the best. The trollers seemed to struggle from what I heard on the radio but I attribute that to the very choppy lake conditions making trolling challenging to say the least. Perch fishing around Kelleys sounds absolutely awesome from what I am gathering on the radio. We continued to catch some beautiful Smallmouth Bass on most all of our trips last week as well. The Walleye limit goes from the conservative spring limit of 4 per man to the regular summer limit of 6 per man starting on May 1st! I guess we’re going to have to “work” a little bit hard each day!

I don’t know what’s going on this year but once again I have taken another cancellation for a prime Saturday. We have next Saturday, May 6th open for anyone that may be interested. With fishing as good as it is and the limit going to 6 per man, I hope someone jumps on this day. I really hope to fill this date. If anyone is interested, I can be reached as always on my mobile number 216-387-2656 any time day or night.

Well, the inevitable has happened! The price of fuel at the marina pumps has reached the disturbing cost of $3.249 per gallon this week. Regretfully, we have put into affect a surcharge of $5.00 per man to help offset some of the cost of fuel; although I am absorbing the bulk of this myself. This change will take effect immediately.

The water temperature off of Toledo is 54 degrees. Looking ahead, the weather looks very nice indeed for all of this coming week. Hopefully, a lot of you will be able to get up here and enjoy the excellent Walleye fishing that is going on this spring!

Pymatuning Lake:
Perch and Crappies are starting to be picked up off of Tuttle point in deeper water. Fish the channel just to the west of the campground on the edge of the drop off in 10 to 15 feet of water. Not much action on the south end as of yet and no walleyes to speak of however now that the other species have started the walleye should start picking up.

Conneaut Lake:
Only one ice hut was observed over the weekend out here and I was on my way to the Erie sportshow to work so I didn't get a chance to stop and see how they were doing. I haven't gotten any E-mails from anglers with any success stories either.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO Mark Kerr:

East Erie County:
'Slightly chilled', to reference the comment of a deputy while on patrol. Seven mile through Twelve mile are frozen, yet they show pockets of open and/or almost open water. Sixteen mile shows the most signs of fishing action; and, Twenty mile... well, what should we say about Twenty mile? How about this... really high & really frozen. Ice jamming on Twenty mile had, by Monday, settled to only 5'+/- below the SR 5 bridge. In that area immediately to the south of this bridge, rising water had already begun to swell into the flood plain adjacent to the west bank. Anglers beware!!... Given this stream's current conditions, it is a bad situation just waiting to happen. My advice is to give this one a pass for the time being.

Future Pennsyvlania boater

Manning the booth at the Erie Outdoor Show

Nice catch off the Pennisula on Presque Isle Bay

A couple of winter worn steelhead

Some fresh steelhead are being taken

Taken nearshore on the ice at Trout Run

Ice fishing the Lake Erie at Trout Run

Conditions:
Daytime temperatures hovering just above freezing and night time temperatures in the teens have kept most areas ice covered. Ice jams still exist at the tributary mouths on Elk and Walnut Creeks with the Manchester Hole still jammed up. A considerable amount of open water can be found up stream in and around the Struechen Flats, Girard park and near the Legion Park areas. Fish are scattered, although reports of some fresh fish have been reported so apparently a few are getting through. The majority of fish caught are dark in color and many are battle scarred from all the ice.

Anglers were doing very well this past weekend on the ice just off shore at Trout Run. Again most fish were dark and scarred but a few were fresh and silver. The mouth at Trout Run was open water this past weekend with anglers standing on the edge of the ice and fishing the mouth. One unlucky individual got a little too close to the edge and fell in. Fortunately the water was only 2 or 3 feet deep and he was able to quickly get out and get to the warmth of his truck. Micro jigs and skein were bringing them in. A few bold anglers that had ventured several hundred yards off shore reported having to drill through several feet of ice. Anglers are advised that ice on the lake can be very unstable and can shift quickly. Any fishing on the Lake should be close to shore. A reminder that the Trout Run tributary stream is nursery waters and is off limits to fishing or even disturbing the fish in any manner.

It seems that the best Perch catches continue to be along the Peninsula side of Presque Isle Bay with in 200 yards of shore. Ice is still over a foot thick and smooth. Jigs and shiners are still the ticket. Anglers are beginning to pick up a few crappie along with the perch.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY WCO Tom Edwards / DWCO Bryan Brendely:

Boating Class:
As promised in last weeks report here is the info on the upcoming boating class in the city. Dates: April 7th and 9th. Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. both nights. Place: Commodore Perry Yacht Club. You can pre-register with Sherri Towell (814) 877-6035. Hope to see you there.

Presque Isle Bay:
Although I was at the sports show for the weekend, I did manage to get a few DWCO's out on patrol and away from the booth. This weekend saw a huge number of persons ice fishing the bay. One estimate puts the number over a thousand. Unfortunately the catch rate was not as good as the number of persons fishing. Misery Bay is being targeted for crappie and vista #3 and just before the Park Office seem to be the place to target the Perch. One local bait shop owner said it has been a phenomenal year as far as numbers of persons fishing the bay. If you have any interesting info you don't mind sharing send me an email.

FOREST COUNTY / WCO Eric P. Shellgren:

Mark your calender:
Sunday June 01, 2003 the Children's Fishing Derby will be held at Cook
Forest State Park, Cooksburg, PA. Registration will be located at shelter
#1. The derby begins at 1:00pm and ends at 4:00pm. Every child that
registers receives a prize. The derby is sponsored by the Marienville Rod
and Gun Club.

Tionesta Creek preseason stocking has been changed:
The section from Barnes
to Mayburg will be stocked on March 14, 2003. The meeting place will be in
Barnes at 12:30. The second part of Tionesta Creek from Mayburg to
Kelletville will be stocked on March 20, 2003 meeting place will also be in
Barnes at 12:30.
There is open water on Tionesta Creek below Tionesta Dam which could provide
good musky and walleye fishing in open water. Tionesta Lake is still
producing some good ice fishing opportunity, however be careful if ice
fishing Tionesta Lake as the ice on the shoreline can be unsafe.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WARREN COUNTY / WCO Mark Kerr:

Going to be some good eating

Another nice catch

A good father and son day

Conditions:
A short warming trend this past week was enough to break up much of the ice on the West County tribs causing spectacular ice jams at the mouths of Walnut and Elk Creeks. There is some open water in the upper parts of the tribs as of this writing, and with predicted daytime temperatures hovering above freezing we may see soon see some open water on the tribs. Fish will be scattered during the melting conditions. The ice jams at the mouths will take some time to melt down. We have had some sunny days and along with the day time temperatures we may begin to start to see some melting on the bay and along the lakeshore. Anglers fishing the Bay and the Lakeshore have had plenty of ice, up to 18" thick in many areas. Areas near shore have had some melting with anglers having to walk through considerable slush before reaching solid surface ice. Good catches of perch abound along the Peninsula with the best catchesare coming off the second parking lot about 150 yards off shore. Anglers are reminded that a maximum of 5 tip ups are permitted. If rods are used, a maximum of 2 rods in combination with 3 tip ups are permitted. Holes drilled larger than 10" have been reported on the Bay which can be hazardous to an unsuspecting person walking the ice. Maximum ice hole diameter by regulation is 10".

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards / DWCO Bryan Brendley

Presque Isle Bay:
Ice continues to be very thick and the catches seem to be there for the patient angler. Popular areas remain to be Vista 3 on Presque Isle State Park and Chestnut St launch on the City side.

Stocking Information:
Fairview Gravel Pits was stocked last week but I caution anglers that the ice is not in my opinion, "safe ice". Some 1300 trout were stocked in the gravel pits and those who were daring enough to venture out onto 3 inches were doing pretty good. These fish all looked excellent.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell:

Pymatuning Lake:
Fishing has still been slow but that hasn't kept guys from trying. I checked over 40 guys on Saturday and saw one Walleye. It was 18 � inches caught off of main beach about 500 yards out. The gentleman that caught him told me he had caught a 37�-inch musky the day before. He was using a phoebe jig (very small one) and sonar�s. The ice is still averaging around 10 to 12 inches in most spots on the lake. Conneaut Lake-There was several fishermen that I checked just south of our access area with tip ups and jigs and no fish to be seen. They informed me that they had been there all day and had only had one on and he got off when they got it up near the hole. I informed them that is why it�s called fishing and not catching. They were using large minnows and had Swedish pimple jigs. Crystal lake- Guys are still catching panfish here quite regularly on minnows. I checked a guy over the weekend that had 49 and was just waiting to catch that last one before heading home, he had been there the entire day. Most of the action appears to be on the eastern and northern sides of the lake.

Boating Course:
This course is now required by law for anyone under 21 to operate a motorboat in excess of 25 horsepower. The course will be held March 15th from 8 am to 4 PM with a lunch provided by the Jamestown fire departments ladies auxiliary. There is a $10.00 processing fee to be mailed in with your completed test and a $3.00 donation for lunch. Pre registration is required so we can determine the meal size. You can email WCO Joe Russell at fishcop@alltel.net and let him know or stop in West Bay Boat Sales (on rt. 322 just west of Jamestown) and sign up in person. There are only a few openings left for this class. Now is the time to take this course before the boating season starts.

Pymatuning Causeway Closing:
I was informed over the weekend that the causeway will be closing from March 10 to May 15 for repairs to the Ohio Bridge. Ohio department of transportation will be shutting down the causeway and taking the existing bridge completely out and replacing it. Unfortunately this will be during most of the prime Walleye run for this spring so fishermen need to make other arrangements to get around the lake. Penndot will also be doing work on the causeway this fall, roughly from August to November, but they will not have the road closed only narrowed down to one lane.

Perch are hiting in the Bay rgl

Dressed for the cold condtions rgl

Steelcicle caught along the shore at Trout Run rgl

Another from the Lake at Trout Run rgl

Nice catch on Lake Erie rgl

(great pic) Pulling a big one (steelhead) through the ice rgl

Braving the cold on icy Lake Erie rgl

Is it the South Pole or Lake Erie rgl

Conditions:
In spite of sometimes blizzard conditions, more akin to the Arctic, anglers are still managing to get out and get their fair share of steelhead. This past weekend we had frigid temperatures and high winds, yet a good number of hardy anglers were pulling steelhead through the ice just off shore at Trout Run. No problem keeping the fish cold once they were caught. In fact, most of the caught fish lying on the ice were frozen solid. Could have nailed them to a board a put them on the game room wall as is. Success rate was good with micro jigs tipped with grubs or waxworms and skein being the bait of choice. Anglers were fishing within 25 or 30 yards of shore between the ice dunes in 3 to 5 feet of water. Remember that climbing or walking on the dunes can be dangerous and extreme caution should be used when ice fishing the lake shore. Any rise in ambient temperatures can make this area unstable.

A few ice huts were observed on the Walnut Creek basin. Success rates there were questionable. A number of anglers were observed ice fishing the Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview with a few trout being taken The Basin and the Gravel Pit are a good safe haven from the bitter winds of Lake Erie and the Bay.

Anglers are still having better than average success on the Pennisula side of the Bay in 8 to 10 feet of water. Although I did not see limits of fish, the catches were worth the effort according to most anglers. (It's not always about the fish) Shiners are the choicest baits, although keeping them from freezing can be a challenge forcing many anglers to switch to tipped jigs.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards and DWCO Bryan Brendley

Presque Isle Bay:
With the frigid temps this past week the number of active anglers were down and the catch continues to be modest. Anglers who ventured out to the cribs stated that they had one really good day and then everything just shut down. One angler reported taking a decent walleye in the bay. East Ave Launch continues to produce good numbers of steelhead through the ice.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake:
Fishing has slowed down a bit in the last week. Ice isn't the problem now it is all these low pressure systems pushing through the area. Even still I am spotting guys usually every day trying their hand at it and not giving up. The most successful to date seem to be down around the pines on the South end where the gravel beds were put in. Live bait continues to be the primary attractant however some jigging of Sonar's has been productive.

Conneaut Lake:
The ice seems to be good here as well and the northern end is starting to pop up with more and more ice shanties. My best suggestion for here would definitely be out from our launch ramp and just slightly to the left. There is a drop off here and in the summer months a significant weed bed. String your tip ups out along this edge at varying depths and you should do real well. This is probably one of the best spots in this lake for Northerns through the ice. I haven't heard of any large catches here this last week either however the sign of fishermen is encouraging.

Crystal Lake:
This lake continues to be hit hard and still continues to produce an ever abundant supply of Panfish. The key to this seems to be mobility, if they are not biting after a half an hour or so move and punch a new hole. Jigging with maggots or meal worms continues to produce here as well.

EAST ERIE COUNTY / WARREN COUNTY / WCO Mark Kerr

Anglers are doing fair to good on Lake Pleasant.

Thursday:
Mostly sunny. Highs near 40
Thursday night:
Increasing cloudiness with a chance of rain. Lows in the lower 30s.
Chance of rain 50 percent.
Friday:
Rain likely. Highs in the mid 40s. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Friday night:
Rain likely. Lows in the mid 30s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Saturday:
Snow or rain likely. Breezy. Daytime temperatures steady in the mid 30s.
Sunday:
Snow likely. Lows in the upper teens and highs in the mid 20s.
Monday:
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid teens and highs in the upper 20s.
Tuesday:
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid teens and highs 20 to 25.

The lower stream was open and continues to be packed full of trout in the no fishing area.

Presque Isle bay has good ice.

Good catches of perch can be found in the main bay. Although a lot of the perch have been small. The bigger perch caught have been in the deeper waters of the bay. Minnows work well.

Horseshoe Pond has been good for blue gills. Maggots is a good choice of bait here.

The warmer days to come should make for some great stream steelhead fishing well into March

A nice catch off the Pennisula in Presque Isle Bay, rgl

Another satisfied Bay Angler, rgl

Said he was going back out for more, rgl

Nice catch, rgl

A good number of jumbo perch have been taken, rgl

Conditions:
West county tribs are all nearly frozen over again with very little open water. The Walnut Basin is full of large chunk ice with only a few small areas smooth enough to fish on.
Anglers targeting steelhead have been doing fair on the ice near shore at Trout Run. Again, use caution around ice dunes. They are typically hollow, and upon falling through can trap an unsuspecting angler.

Reports from anglers ice fishing Presque Isle Bay this past weekend indicated fair to spectacular success. As is so often, it is a matter of the right place at the right time. The most success has been on the Peninsula side of the bay off the second and third parking lots in 8 to 10 feet of water. Successful anglers indicated that patience, moving around when they weren't biting, and carefully watching for those subtle strikes will bring them through the ice. Once you find a school, minnows, jigs, grubs and waxworms all seemed to be working well. A good number of 12" plus perch have been brought in. One individual indicated success with plastic trout worms. Ice thickness this past weekend was reported anywhere from 8" along the edges of the bay to as thick as 14" in many areas.

A good number of ice boats were observed over the weekend. Typically they will run along the Southwest end of Presque Isle Bay. Anglers are again advised to be on the lookout. These speedsters can move as fast a s 5 or 6 times the speed of the wind and although a good operator can control his ice boat well, they do occasionally tip and go out of control. Ice boaters are again reminded that their vessels are treated as boats and require that a PFD be on board (or preferably worn)

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards and DWCO Bryan Brendley

Bay perch fishing is marching along with the continued cold weather and the catch rates seem to be the same as they have been the last couple of weeks. Recent checks at East Ave. boat launch has seen catches of Steelhead through the ice.

A late winter stocking of Fairview Gravel Pits will be completed the week of February 17, 2003.

NORTHWEST REGION OFFICE / WCO Robert Nestor

Open House:
The Linesville Fish Culture Station OPEN HOUSE is scheduled for Sunday April
5, 2003 1pm to 4pm

Area News:
The Walnut Creek Access is tentatively scheduled to be dredged on or about
April 1, 2003 weather permitting. Dredging should take approximately three
weeks.

When fishing on the ice at Pymatuning Reservoir either PA or OH fishing
license is valid. This is similar to fishing from a boat on the reservoir.

I had report of a walleye being taken at Tamarack after dark. Three anglers
caught 17 walleyes ranging from 24'-28'. For some reason they would not
disclose their location. Walleyes are also being caught at Kinzua Reservoir
near Devils Elbow along shore, this is a long walk though.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell:

Pymatuning Lake:
The fishing around the lake has slowed down considerably in the last few days with all of these low pressure systems coming through. Guys are reporting only sporadic catches off of the pines on the south end where we put the gravel beds in last year. For those of you that do not know this is just south of the new marina in Jamestown and on the western side of the lake just north of the park office. The best luck has been had straight out off the point about 20 yards. Live minnies and sonar's still seem to be the hot ticket when they are biting but don't plan on any fast and furious action this week as we are supposed to be getting several more storm fronts all week. I haven't heard any reports of anyone doing any good off the north end lately.

Conneaut Lake:
I have seen some huts out on the southern end but unfortunately I was on my way to a meeting and was unable to stop and see how they were doing. By the time I got back they were gone. Most of the huts seem to be down on the south end by Silver Shores restaurant and on the edge of the weed bed just out from Nyes Marina. If anyone has done any good hear let me hear from you.

Crystal Lake:
This lake is still getting hit pretty hard and it is still producing Bluegills. The best hours seem to be just before dark and minnies and jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms seem to be the hot ticket.

Flukes:
As I reported last week several fishermen have reported seeing worms in their catches of Bluegills, Crappies, and Bass. I had an opportunity to speak with our biologist this week from the hatchery and was informed they are called FLUKES. They are a normal occurrence that happens in fish as part of their life cycle. There are no reported cases of them being harmful to humans however most people will not eat them and wind up throwing the fish away. This is not necessary, if you take your fillet knife and use the point they can easily be removed and you can finish cleaning your catch. They are a normal occurrence that usually only appear in warmer waters during the summer, and the biologist were surprised to hear they were showing up now. With proper care and cleaning of you catch they should not be a problem

EASTERN ERIE / WESTERN WARREN COUNTIES / WCO Mark Kerr:

The Freeze is on:
Since the return of the winter-like conditions, streams have once again frozen over in all but the faintest spots. Since the fishing activity, with the exception of you die-hard ice anglers, has been curtailed for the time being, here are some bits of 'Cliff Clavin' trivia for you:

Walnut Creek Project waters, open for now

Walnut Creek Channel entering Lake Erie

Conditions:

Temperatures reaching the forties over the past few days have caused a rapid meldown of the tributaries. As of this writing Elk, Crooked, and Walnut Creeks are high and raging. The Walnut Creek Access Basin has swelled and broken up all the ice. With the amount of snow we had on the ground the runoff should have the tribs swelled and running hard for several days. Cold temperatures are coming again, however we may have some open water fishing as the tribs subside. Temperatures were warm enough to break up much of the ice on the lake. Open water has been observed along the lake shore and some areas along the shore around Presque Isle Bay. Ice on Presque Isle Bay should be treated as unstable for a few days anglers are advise to use caution and check thickness. Below freezing temperatures should bring solid conditions back quickly. Several nice catches of perch and panfish were observed this past weekend with the hottest area off the first boat launche on Presque Isle in 8 to 9 feet of water. Minnows were the ticket. A number of chrome steelhead were caught off of the Chestnut street launch in the trench running East to West through the Bay. (Approximately 25' of water)

NORTHWEST REGION OFFICE / Assistant Region Manager Robert Nestor

Conditions:
Ice Fishing in some of the other lakes outside of Erie County has been slow. The best results have been on Lake Wilhelm with nice perch off Launch #1 using minnows, panfish just west of Launch #3 using a jigging spoon tipped w/maggots and Tamarack Lake outside of Meadville with walleye, panfish and smaller muskies caught near the fishing pier and off Spring St. ramp.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards and DWCO Brian Bredley:

The nice cold weather responsible for making this a very good year to get out on the ice for some fishing lasted until approximately today. With rain in the forecast yesterday and today be careful when venturing out on the ice. The thickness of ice on Presque Isle Bay should be enough to keep it safe for the ice angler. Most of the pressure seen has of course been out from the Chestnut St. Launch and the numbers of shanties on the weekends are unbelievable. Some light pressure has been noted on Misery Bay with most anglers catching small numbers of perch and panfish. Although the ice has been very good this year the catches have only been fair by my estimate. I have yet to come across a limit of perch while checking ice fisherpersons but some of those perch that were caught are of nice size. Bait of choice seems to be a jig tipped with a minnie or maggots.

EASTERN ERIE / WESTERN CRAWFORD WCO Mark Kerr:
As of this last weekend, the tributaries were beginning to open up. Sixteen mile, especially, was open from approximately Route 5 through the mouth. If the warming trend continues to hold, we should have significant amounts of open water by the beginning of the week (02-03-03). Many of the open pools are showing pleasant mixtures of fresh runs with continuing amounts of holdovers. Weather forecasters are calling for a return to 'old man winter' conditions by Wednesday (lows around +/- 10 and highs +/- 17) and continuing at least through the end of the work week. We'll keep you posted.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake:
The lake was hit hard this weekend with the great weather and thick ice. Fishermen and shed could be seen up and down the lake as far as the eye could see, unfortunately while I was out I was unable to witness any flags going up. I spent the weekend fishing the South end by the pines were we put the gravel beds in demonstrating ice fishing for the winter festival and was not able to get a single nibble. I was not alone though because no one else was hauling anything in either. Where we were there was about 8" of good black ice and several inches of slush on top. I have gotten reports from guys that said they fished out from Tuttle and only had about 4" though. The fishermen I talked to said they had been picking up a few Walleye there during the week but nothing over the weekend. Crappies and a few perch have been taken up at the North end as well but not in great numbers.

Conneaut Lake:
I haven't seen anyone on the lake this week so I am not sure how the fishing is. I do know that it is frozen over completely but I am not sure how thick the ice is yet.

Crystal Lake:
This lake continues to be a Bluegill and bass heaven and guys are taking advantage of it. Today was the first day in a long time that I have not seen fishermen out there but that could be do to all the warm weather yesterday and all the rain we got last night. Don't worry though as I am typing this the temperature has dropped below freezing and the high for the rest of the week is only supposed to be in the 20's.

I have received numerous reports from fishermen that the panfish they are catching are full of worms in the meat and are inedible. I have not seen any of these though so I have no idea yet what they are. If someone happens to run across this and can get the fish to me or to our hatchery at Linesville so we can find out about it, it would be greatly appreciated. All the reports I have received have been about Crystal Lake and Pymatuning Lake only. Thanks for your help in this so we can get the word out to the other fishermen as to what exactly is causing it.

Caught off the Waterworks launch on the south side of the Bay

Another nice catch near the Erie Yacht Club

Brought in at the 3rd parking lot on Presque Isle

Conditions:
Ice conditions around the area are good with most area reports indicating 8 to 10" of solid ice. Long term forcasts indicate we will have good ice for a while. Presque Isle Bay has been covered with ice huts and schools of fish are being located. The hottest spots on the Bay have been at the West end near the Erie Yacht Club (again, watch out for ice boats in this area), off the waterworks launch on the south side of the Bay and off the Condos on the South side of the Bay. Shiners are the bait of choice, although jigs tipped with waxworms or maggots have also done well. Good catches of perch were observed this past weekend with a good number in the 10" plus size. Anglers targeting steelhead at the Walnut Creek Marina basin are having some success, mostly on the West end of the basin near the entrance to Walnut Creek. Minnows and tipped jigs are the bait of choice in the basin. Reports have been fair to good for steelhead along the shore ice at Trout Run. Several ice huts were observed at the Fairview gravel pit pond, but there are no reports on the success rate at this time.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake:
People are showing up more and more frequently on the lake now that we have better ice. Tuttle point has been opened for your convenience. The main concentration of fishermen seems to be off of the main beach area on the south west side of the lake, around the handicap point where we put all the gravel bars in this year for fish habitat, at Tuttle point southwest of the boat ramp in the camp area, and off of red cross. I have heard of some sporadic walleye caught off of the main beach and perch being caught at just about all of the areas. Live bait seems to be working the best right now but most guys are also jigging.

Conneaut Lake:
The ice here is thick enough to hold fishermen and shed as was witnessed this weekend. I saw several huts late in the day on the south end behind Nye's Marina and scattered huts throughout the rest of the lake. Watch were you walk here though because this lake has numerous springs that feed it especially on the northeast side and the ice can become very thin in no time at all.

Crystal Lake:
Bass and Bluegill continue to be caught here on a regular basis and guys are still hitting it daily. The key here seems to be mobility though. Drill a couple of holes and jig for a while then if you don't catch anything move to a different area of the lake. Live bait is also the preferred method here.

Don't forget this weekend is the Pymatuning Winter Festival.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards

Skillful anglers have been doing well on Presque Isle and in and around Misery Bay near the end of the Peninsula. Those that are successful indicate that minnows are the most successful bait for perch under the ice. Many novice anglers have trouble detecting the subtle ice water strikes and miss many fish as a result. Patience and paying close attention to the rod, float and line are critical to limiting out. There is good ice on Edinboro Lake with panfish and perch being taken in the headwaters of the lake. Many anglers have taken to four wheelers on Presque Isle Bay. Please use caution and common sense, especially with the crowded weekend condtions.

FOREST COUNTY / WCO Erik P. Shellgren

Tionesta Lake :
Ice fishing on Tionesta Lake is picking up. Anglers are catching crappie,
perch and bluegill. The best area to currently fish seems to be around the
main U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launch area. Ice thickness is about 10
inches however the lake is rising causing the shore line ice to break, use
caution.

Tionesta Creek:
The water is open on Tionesta Creek below the dam which could produce some
walleye, pike and an occasional musky.

EAST ERIE COUNTY / WESTERN WARREN COUNTY / WCO Mark Kerr

Misery Bay

Pretty cold without a hut

Steelheading on the ice at the Walnut Basin

Conditions:
The nations cold snap is no more evident than in Erie right now. Night time temperatures in the single digits and day time temperatures in the teens have the tribs frozen over with little to no open water fishing access. Snow fall this season is already nearly 90". Lake Erie has begun to ice over. The Walnut Creek marina basin is frozen and anglers have been trying their luck through the ice for steelhead with some success. Ice there as of the writing is 6 to 7" thick. Ice season on Presque Isle Bay is in full swing with the ice thickness varying from 5 to 8" and cities of ice huts scattered everywhere. Anglers on the Bay are picking up perch and some crappie with trial and error on location. Shiners are the bait of choice as well as the small ice jigs. Anglers have also been trying their luck on the ice along the shoreline at Trout Run. This can be very successful, although anglers are advised to use extreme caution. Ice along the lake shore can be very unstable at times and "hollow areas" especially on the ice dunes, can be dangerous. Be sure to carry a set of hand ice picks, wear a floatation device, wear ice cleats for slippery ice and dress warm.

This is also the season for the ice boaters on the Bay. These high speed wind sleds are typically found on the West end of Presque Isle Bay. Anglers are advised to watch out for them as they move fast and have limited maneuverability.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards:

Ice anglers are having success on the Southwest end of Presque Isle Bay, in front of the waterworks along the Bay front and at the east end of Presque Isle where the Presque Isle Bay meets Misery bay. Good numbers of steelhead are in the Bay now and can be caught through the ice. I have seen a few pike pulled out and fair numbers of perch and crappie are starting to be caught. Finding the schools this early in the ice season is the challenge.

Anglers are reminded that Presque Isle State Park opens at 5:00 AM and is closed to foot traffic at sunset. Anglers should be leaving the park by sunset.

Ice fishing on Edinboro Lake has been fair to good for panfish including some perch. The fingers or headwaters of the lake are a good area to target. The fingers are easily accessible from Lay road on the far west end of the Lake.

The Gravel Pit Pond on Fairview will have a late winter stocking on February 18th.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake:
The lake is frozen now and guys are hitting it hard. Most of the action is on the north end around Tuttle point, which is open now by the way. The south end is frozen as well now but the ice is a little thinner as it froze up last. Guys are telling me around 10" to 12" for the north end and 2" to 4" on the south. The best luck seems to be had between Tuttle and manning at the edges of the drop off for the old river bed. Be sure to dress warm as the wind howls across the open area of the ice.

Conneaut Lake:
The lake is frozen here as well but I have not seen anyone fishing it yet to be able to give you conditions or success stories.

Crystal Lake:
This small lake has been getting a lot of pressure lately and from what I understand guys are doing really well. I was informed of a 19" and a 17" largemouth taken through the ice using a large fat head minnow. there seems to be three or four fishermen here daily so they must be doing pretty good.

Walnut Basin frozen but not safe yet

Ice dunes are beautiful but dangerous

THANK YOU...

In my last "official" submission to the WCO report, I would like to thank the many people that have made these last 15 years so enjoyable. From the Law Enforcement staffs in Harrisburg & Meadville that have provided me the latitude to work within my sometimes flamboyant style to my great neighboring officers & deputies without whose support the many successes credited to me would not have occurred, and most of all, to the boating & angling public for their support and friendship over the years.

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL !!! ... John B.

Conditions:
Erie County has been pounded with old man winter over the last week. Temperatures have peaked only in the mid 20's resulting in ice over in most areas. The Elk Creek Access area, the Manchester Hole and the Walnut Creek basin are nearly all frozen over with only the fastest moving water remaining open. Anglers can still find some open water along the tribs but fishing is limited. Lake Erie has begun to freeze along the shoreline and Presque Isle bay is frozen over with a few brave individuals starting the hard water season. Anglers are to be advised that the Viking (the large black ferry boat that has been docked on the South side of Presque Isle bay) was being tugboated out of the bay breaking up the ice and resulting in very unstable ice conditions. The stateline ponds south of Interstate 90 near the Ohio boarder are frozen over. Anglers attempting to ice fish the stateline ponds are advised to fish with a buddy and carry mobile communication as this is a somewhat isolated area.

Ice Warnings:
As ice builds along the lake shore, so does the formation of "ice dunes". These beautiful formations occur as the waves pound the shoreline and gradually build up frozen mounds. As spectacular as they are to view, they are equally dangerous to walk on. Many of these dunes are hollow inside with open water underneath. A fall through a dune can leave an individual trapped with little chance of escape.

Ice is building on Presque Isle Bay and it looks like we will have a good ice fishing season. Some anglers are venturing out, but the ice is not fully stable yet. Anglers are advised to use caution. It was only a week ago that an unsuspecting angler fell through the ice on Edinboro Lake. Fortunately he escaped serious injury.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards

As with all the other streams in the County they are frozen and/or filled with slush.

Ice should be getting decent with the recent cold snap, please be safe while venturing out. Misery Bay, Marina Lake and Horseshoe Pond are the best bets right now with Edinboro probably picking up in the next couple of weeks.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake:
Even with the cold we have been experiencing here lately the lake is still not completely ice up yet. I still have open water on the south end however all the ramps are iced so you can't get a boat on. The average temperature around here for the last three days has been around 20 degrees but with the cold came the wind so it has been preventing up from forming good ice.

Conneaut Lake:
The ice has formed here however I believe right now it is mostly skim ice and there is no real thickness yet. I would certainly give it a few more days at least before venturing out.

Crystal Lake:
The ice is thick enough here to support fishing and I witnessed 3 fishing huts out there yesterday when I drove by. I am not sure anyone is doing any good yet but this is usually a good lake for panfish through the ice.

Walnut Creek Project waters

Conditions:
With night time temperatures in the high 20's and daytime temperatures just cracking the freezing mark, conditions have varied from very slushy to partially ice covered. The Manchester hole is about 50% iced over as of this writing and still loaded with fish. Good current and flow has kept a good bit of the Walnut Creek project waters open. Most of Crooked creek is still flowing at present. Elk Creek has been slushy with the riffles open and ice forming along the edges. Fishing is still good and there is plenty of elbow room. (I've always considered frozen toes and iced up lines to be an integral part of real steelhead angling). The Walnut basin is nearly frozen over, but not nearly strong enough for walking on yet. Generally, all areas are still a little thin for walking. Typically in our area, especially on Presque Isle Bay, it takes a number of nights and days in the teens to really produce safe, solid "blue" ice. Anglers braving the current conditions are having good luck with shiners, suckerspawn flies in cream, pink, and white, and egg sacs. (not to mention handwarmers and warm clothing)

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS

Well, the holidays are finally over and the weather is turning nice and cold again. Presque Isle Bay is starting to freeze over and there is even a little ice down in the fingers of Edinboro Lake as you will see in the current pictures. What a good time to write a little about ice fishing. The popular ice fishing spots in my district are easily accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. Locally the Marina in Presque Isle State Park and Misery Bay givens when is comes to ice fishing. Horseshoe pond where the house boats are located is a great area as well. On the downhill side of the County, check out the fingers of Edinboro lake in Washington Twp Park. Below are a few items related to Ice fishing I hope they help out the beginners and maybe inform the Veterans. Good luck and stay warm and safe.

Perch:
When ice fishing for perch, use a small jig or spoon and fish near the bottom-usually no more than one foot off the bottom. 6" is preferred.
The key to catching perch under the ice is finding them. They tend to school together so if you find one, others should be nearby.
When the perch are biting well, you may not need to bring your bait all the way down to the bottom again, usually the aggressive ones will meet your bait on the way down.
During the early part of the season the perch should be in the flats.

Crappie:
They are easy to catch and provide a nice sporting fight. Finding them is another story. Crappie tend to school together and wander all over the lakes they inhabit.Tackle needed to ice fish crappies include:
small split shot
small shiner or fathead minnow
small bobber
small hook
light action ice fishing rod Hook your bait just behind the dorsal fin....and hang on!

You have to drill a lot of holes. Fish concentrate in holes, dips, along weedlines, and around cover and you have to find the spot where these fish are concentrated. Just drilling one or two holes won�t give you enough locations to check to increase your odds of finding fish.

Remember to be careful of ice thickness when attempting this sport, wear your PFD and carry a set of ice awls with you in case you need to pull yourself out. Good luck.

EASTERN ERIE/WESTERN WARREN COUNTIES, WCO MARK KERR

East County tributaries were reported as near perfect on Friday (01-03-03), with fresh fish entering the streams; however, this new snow (6+" had fallen at my place by the end of this last weekend) has put things on a bit of a hold. I had the weekend off, but by the start of patrol today (Monday) blowing snow was causing whiteouts and poor driving conditions throughout the southern-Erie area. Little activity is available to report, as anglers were in short supply throughout the evening hours and I had the last three days off. However, as this week continues, conditions should moderate, as forecasters are calling for clouds with temperatures in the mid-thirties by mid-week.

Reports are a might slim at this point; so, since some of you are trying your luck for walleye on French Creek, I thought that a historical review of the area might be appropriate�

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake- almost all of the southern end of the lake is open water with only the bays having some ice on them but only about an inch, and that isn�t good ice. I have heard reports of guys being seen going out from manning on the north end however I wouldn�t recommend it do to the terrible ice conditions. There is just enough ice to not be able to launch a boat but not enough to stand on.

Conneaut Lake- There is open water here to but if someone was so inclined I believe they could launch a boat here. Most of the lake is open still and the firemen�s beach ramp on the south end is still open but our access area at the north is iced in with skim ice. Warm temperatures, winds and snow have prevented the formation of any significant ice being made.

Tamarack- I have had reports that there is 4 to 5 inches of ice here and guys are doing well through the ice but I haven�t seen it myself, but it might be

Also Elk

Fresh Steelhead keep appearing in lower Walnut

Conditions:
As of this writing we have had significant rainfall and warmer temperatures melting all remaining snow and putting the tribs at extremely high and muddy conditions. Caution is advised to those anglers attempting to fish these conditions as changing bottom conditions and fast moving water can be a dangerous combination. Any fishing in these conditions is best done from shore. This heavy precipititation will help the low clear conditions that we have had over the last few weeks. As levels fall, the access areas at Walnut and Elk will be worth a try with the possibility of fresh fish. Fishing has been excellent at lower Elk just south of the boat launch with blood dots, sucker spawn and most egg patterns nailing them. Fish have been scattered in the upper stretches of the tribs but fishing still remains good. Crooked creek has been producing and should remain so as current water levels subside.

Burbot
Anglers are beginning to target Burbot along the North Pier. Most Burbot are accidentally hooked by unsuspecting Perch anglers using minnows and perch rigs. Anglers specifically targeting Burbot will typically 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 Great Lakes. As water temperatures drop, Burbot will move into shallower water and can often be caught from the North and South 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.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS

Erie Forecast:
Wednesday: Cloudy skies with wintry precipitation likely during the afternoon. High around 35F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 50%.
Wednesday night: Snow, sleet or freezing rain in the evening turning to all snow late. Low near 25F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Snowfall around one inch.
Thursday: Some snow flurries in the morning may become a bit heavier during the afternoon. Temperatures steady in the upper 20s. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Thursday (24 hours): Snow showers at times. Highs in the upper 20s and lows in the mid 20s.
Friday (24 hours): Occasional light snow. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low 20s.
Saturday (24 hours): A few snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s and lows in the low30s

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY, WARREN COUNTY / WCO Mark Kerr

Cliff Notes:

If you're just biding your time, the lengthy version can be read in its entirety below. However, if you want the quick and dirty ... here it is:

Increased temperatures + Heavy snow melt X +/- 48 hours of rain = BAD FISHING!

East County Tributaries:

Yeah right, not with Mother Nature being up to her old tricks again. The only thing that appears to be consistent about the weather is that it has not been consistent � and that�s all I�ve got to say about that!

Seems we had two or three good days (Friday through Sunday); then, all went downhill. Patrols today showed moderate to exceptionally high conditions with, still, increasing water levels, due to the, almost, continual rain we have been receiving since Sunday evening. Heavy concentrations of fog were present from I-90 northward. Weather forecasters are calling for a drop in temperatures starting this afternoon (12-31-02), with a continued chance of snow/flurries through Friday. Hopefully, the colder weather will slow up some of the run-off entering the streams, bringing them down to a more agreeable level in the days to come. However, looking at the "silver lining", the increased water levels may, perhaps, entice higher numbers of steelhead into the tributaries, during this next week.

Ice Conditions:
Not today, folks. Some of the local impoundments contained +/- 2" of the stuff, through this last weekend; however, since Sunday night that has been steadily decreasing. Most are now top covered by a couple inches of water, with exceptionally poor levels of �ice� (more like �slush�) underneath.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake and Conneaut Lake- I have not been in the district for the last week and a half to know what is biting right now, however driving back here tonight (12/31/2002) I drove through about 2 hours of rain and there is 4 to 6 inches of rain in my front ditch so I can�t imagine the ice is any good at this time. It is also very warm, probably mid 40�s. I will have more on fishing conditions next week I promise.

Fresh run male from the Project Waters

Lots of room on the North Jetty

Best of Holidays ... Western Erie County PFBC Officers wish all of you a great holiday season.

CENTRAL ERIE / WCO TOM EDWARDS & DWCO BRYAN BRENDLEY
Presque Isle State Park:
The waters are somewhat open in the marina and there have been some perch taken from the docks. Not a lot of action seen on the Bayfront.

Edinboro Lake:
The lake is now back up to normal pool level and is ready for the freeze.

Nothing much to report for the past week I've just been enjoying some leave around the holidays.

Best holiday wishes to all from the BLE officers in Central Erie!

EASTERN ERIE / WCO MARK KERR
Erie Forecast:
Wednesday: Snow likely. Temperatures steady in the upper 20s. ENE winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow may accumulate 2 to 4 inches.
Wednesday night: Cloudy with snow. Low around 25F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
Thursday: Flurries and some snow showers diminishing late in the day. Temperatures steady in the upper 20s. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Thursday (24 hours): Snow showers at times. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low 20s.
Friday (24 hours): A few snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s and lows in the low 20s.
Saturday (24 hours): Cloudy. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the mid 20s.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

WHOPPER WHITE BASS IS NEW STATE RECORD When Robert Hornstrom of Meadville headed out to nearby Conneaut Lake on November 8, he had high hopes for a good day of fishing. Considering that he came home with the new state record white bass, one could say: �mission accomplished.� Hornstrom was jigging with a quarter-ounce spoon when the fish struck. Once in hand, the fish measured just over 19 inches with a 15 �-inch girth. A trip to the meat department of a local grocery store to have the bass weighed on a certified scale revealed that not only was the fish big, it was actually the biggest on record for its species in Pennsylvania. The new record, 3 lbs, 15.7 oz, surpasses the previous white bass benchmark by a little more than an ounce and a half. David F. Hornstein, also of Meadville, caught that 3 lb, 14 oz fish - at Conneaut Lake. The state record white bass prior to Hornstein�s 1996 catch also came from Conneaut Lake. Pennsylvania certifies state records based on total body weight. Potential record fish must exceed the established mark by at least one ounce, as weighed on a certified scale. To be considered for state record certification, a fish must be caught using legal means, in season, from Pennsylvania waters open to the public without charge or fee. Fish taken from farm ponds, fee-fishing lakes, ponds or streams or in waters restricted to use by club members or their guests do not qualify. A biologist or Waterways Conservation Officer from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) must examine the fish. The PFBC is the only entity that can certify an official state record fish in the Commonwealth.

Conditions:
The tribs have begun to drop some after a heavy run off and we seem to have settle in to slushy mornings and nice conditions during the day. Much of the recent ice has melted and many areas are open as of this writing. Local reports have indicated a good number of fresh fish in many of the lower stretches of Elk and Walnut Creeks. The high water and the seasonal swings in temperatures seem to have stirred up some movement. Minnows and eggs have been popular with the bait crowd. The crowds have continued to thin with plenty of elbow room in most areas especially on weekdays. Fish are being caught although the numbers of fish in the tribs has thinned out some. Good fishing bets this time of year are typically the areas of the tribs south of route 20. With the high water levels we are experiencing fish will be coming in from the lake randomly and targeting the Walnut and Elk Creek Access areas may yield fresh fish for the smoker.

Walnut Creek Access Office:
Friday, December 20th will be the last day the WCAA office and restroom facilities will be open for the season. (Portable facilities will remain throughout the winter) The office has all of the popular PFBC publications, books and posters as well as 2003 licenses, all of which make great last minute stocking stuffers. Sherri, Beverly, & Marilyn (the office staff at Walnut) give their best wishes for a great holiday and thank everyone for a wonderful season.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR

As of yesterday (12-16-02), the majority of the tributaries had dropped a
little but were still running a bit high. Color has turned 'greenish', but
I have not noticed any large runs of fresh fish entering the streams.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS

ERIE FORECAST:
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with drizzle developing in the afternoon. High 44F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precip 30%.
Wednesday night: Cloudy during the evening. A few showers developing late. Low 39F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday: Rain showers, with increasing winds in the afternoon. High 51F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Thursday (24 hours): Windy with showers at times. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 40s.
Friday (24 hours): Showers possible. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 20s.
Saturday (24 hours): Chance of a few snow showers. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the mid 20s.

Legion Park area of Elk Creek

State Line Pond getting a covering of ice