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

Conditions:
Gradual snow melt off and daytime temperatures approaching the forties have kept the tribs high and nicely colored. This is the time of year that the tribs get that beautiful deep green color that seems to be so desirable (Between ice overs of course). Cold temperatures at night will yield ice and slush at day break but the late mornings and afternoons have produced great conditions in most areas. Upper stream areas are where to look for fish. Follies End, Streuchen, The Girard and Legion Park on Elk should all be opening up from the recent ice. Fish are up on Walnut on near the Millcreek Mall and some catches have been made at the McKean hole. High water levels should bring additional late staging fish into the tribs making lower Walnut and Elk worth a try. Crooked Creek has good flow and color with fish scattered throughout.

CENTRAL ERIE / WCO TOM EDWARDS & DWCO BRYAN BRENDLEY

A recent patrol around Presque Isle State Park showed ice all along the park side of the bay. Duck hunters were breaking ice to set out decoys. With a Warming trend this week it may be fishable in the upcoming days but that is up to mother nature.I spoke recently with a boro employee in Edinboro and they informed me that the repairs on the spillway were complete and that normal dam level will be regained once again pending mother nature and runoff. Since these repairs are complete Edinboro will be ready for ice fishing once the ice is favorable.

EASTERN ERIE/ WCO MARK KERR

Wednesday: Cloudy with a mixture of light rain and snow developing in the afternoon. High 38F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 30%.
Wednesday night: Cloudy with rain and snow showers in the evening. Remaining cloudy late. Low 31F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 30%.
Thursday: Partly cloudy skies. High 43F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday (24 hours): Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Friday (24 hours): Mostly cloudy. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the mid 30s.
Saturday (24 hours): Mix of rain and snow showers. Highs in the upper 30s and lows in the low 30s.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake- Ice season has started here at the lake with a few fishermen venturing out on the ice already. Several guys were spotted by the outboard motor club fishing just out from shore however I have to warn you that the ice is still not safe in several areas and with the snow covering the ice you wont know it is a bad area until you go through. They are predicting warmer weather with possible rain for the next couple of days so that will not help either. If you are going bring a buddy or let someone know where you will be in case you have problems. Another real good idea is a staff or walking stick, you can turn it sideways if you start going threw and prevent yourself from going all the way in. Ice hand augers are another life saver should you go threw to help you drag yourself out.
Conneaut Lake- The main body of the lake is still open water with only the back bays and most of the edges being iced in. This does limit being able to put a boat on though because you can't get to the open water right now.
2003 Fishing Licenses are on sale now and what a great Christmas gift they would make for your loved one. They are an entire year of fun at a very inexpensive price so buy them now before the beginning of the year rush.

The steelhead runs had a slow start on many of the southern shore Lake Erie tributary streams this fall due to a lack of precipitation. The exception was the Cattaraugus River in New York, which had excellent runs of fall chromers in late September and October due to its large watershed, and spring feed sources. Run-off conditions improved tremendously during November and many of the Pennsylvania tributaries like Elk, Walnut and 20 Mile Creeks got large runs of steelies and enough water to move them quite a distance upstream. The Ohio tributaries have had moderate runs of steelhead so far, primarily because of the Little Manistee strain steelhead implanted in those tributaries. This steelhead is primarily a late winter, early spring run fish, but some will begin their upstream migration as early as January. Ohio still gets a small number of stray steelies from Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan waters. Cold and snowy weather conditions have put the brakes on steelhead fishing right now on many of the tributaries. But this early freeze should be temporary, with a thaw expected soon. The freeze/thaw cycle is a normal occurrence on the tributaries during the winter months. The steelheader should watch the weather and stream conditions and plan his trips around open water conditions. During ice-over conditions there can still be a few open areas. Look for faster runs and pocket water in the bottom third of the tributaries near the lake. If worse comes to worse, steelheaders have been known to break surface ice in their favorite pool or run and come back later. Surprisingly, winter steelies settle down pretty quickly after this commotion and can become cooperative fly takers. Be careful though, broken ankles and sprained wrists are not worth the effort, especially in really thick ice conditions. When there are open water opportunities in the winter, the bulk of the steelhead will be wintering over in pool eddies and tail-outs, slower runs that have good depth, along shale ledges and in shale streambed troughs. These are prime areas for the steelheader to look for winter steelhead because they provide the slow current flows that lethargic winter steelies are seeking prior to their spawning in late winter. Classic winter steelhead water temperatures are considered at 38 degrees F or below.

____________________________________________________

... Stop Sign Hole in the Project Water Section

... Manchester Hole on Walnut

... Mouth of Trout Run

Ice Caution:
Anglers intent on breaking up ice, especially in the larger pools such as Manchester, can be putting themselves in danger and most often end up doing little more then spooking the fish they are after. If you must break up an icy pool, do so from the edge and work in small sections to avoid large ice flows. A good rule of thumb is that it takes a good solid 3 inches of ice to safely support one person. Anglers wading in ice water are urged to use felt bottom waders for good traction in ice and snow. Open top rubber chest waders can be a hazard this time of year as they will fill quickly with ice water upon falling. With harsh fishing conditions that winter brings it is a good idea to fish with a buddy or at least carry a cell phone, especially when fishing the more remote areas.
CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / DWCO BRYAN BRENDLEY
Erie Forecast 12/4/02:
Wednesday: Cloudy. High 28F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday night: Cloudy. Low 23F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Cloudy. Temperatures steady in the upper 20s. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday (24 hours): Overcast. Highs in the upper 20s and lows in the low 20s.
Friday (24 hours): Snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s and lows in the low 20s.
Saturday (24 hours): Overcast. Highs in the upper 30s and lows in the upper 20s.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR
(reprinted from the PFBC Website)
A Safety Checklist for Ice Anglers

See complete WCO report

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL
Pymatuning Lake- Unfortunately I have not been around for the last week to see if anyone has been catching fish.

Conneaut Lake-
I have not had any reports forwarded to me this week from here and as I said I was gone for the week so nothing to report from here.

WCO Tom Edwards / Central Erie County
Wednesday: Scattered flurries and snow showers. Temperatures steady in the low 30s. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy. Some flurries or snow showers are possible. Low 21F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Thursday: Off and on snow flurries are possible along with variably cloudy skies. High 32F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 20%.
Thursday (24 hours): Cloudy with flurries. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the upper 20s.
Friday (24 hours): Mostly cloudy with snow showers. Highs in the upper 30s and lows in the low 30s.
Saturday (24 hours): Snow showers. Highs in the upper 30s and lows in the low 30s.

EASTERN-ERIE/WESTERN-WARREN COUNTIES / WCO Mark Kerr...
UPPER 20-MILE ACCESS QUESTIONS:
Since last week's report regarding anglers' fishing the 'Snakehole'
area of Twentymile, I have received some questions on access... Hopefully,
this will answer the majority of those queries posed.
That area immediately to the south of the SR 20 railroad tracks is
still posted against trespass/fishing. However, this stretch of water
extends for only a short distance upstream of the 'tubes'. Anglers can
still access the 20-mile gorge by parking along the west berm immediately
after the second set of tracks on Gulf Road (please DON'T park in the
vineyard!). These tracks are approximately 1/4 mile south of the first
set, which are immediately south of SR 20. Trespass is forbidden over the
railroad trestle in this area; however, there is a path which extends south
along the west rim of the gorge. This path allows the 'careful' angler to
gain foot traffic access to the upper reaches of Twentymile, extending well
into the State of New York. It's a long way to the bottom of the gorge, so
watch your step!! Fishing pressure is generally light in this area, as the
walk to the bottom (or, more importantly, the walk back to the top!!) is
not for everybody. By this time of year, steelhead have, through the
convenience of several significant precipitation's, generally been able to
conquer the 'falls' under SR 20 and have moved well into New York.
Concentrations of steelhead will not be as numerous as those witnessed
between the lakeshore and the 'iron bridge' south of SR 5, but they are
there; and, more importantly, these fish haven't received quite the
'intense' angling pressure as their counterparts to the north. If you have
a New York fishing license take it with you, as some of the best holes for
steelhead activity, at this time of year, are more than a mile into our
neighboring state. Good luck and good fishin'!!

EAST COUNTY TRIBUTARY UPDATES:
Welcomed precipitation, taking the form of 'white-out' conditions, on
11-22-02 have substantially increased the volume occurring within the Erie
tribs. As of Sunday morning (11-24-02), most east county tributaries were
running high, swift and just a touch off-color. However, these streams
historically drop back to 'enjoyable' fishing conditions in relatively
short order. If we don't receive any more heavy precipitation, these
streams will be at 'peak' conditions by no later than the first of the
week. Additionally, this newest round of precipitation should increase the
level of steelhead activity within the east county tributaries.
Areas of steelhead concentrations:
20-mile-- Fish are scattered throughout the stream. Most
anglers concentrate on the stretch from the mouth through just south of SR 5; however, don't overlook the lesser hit sections at Hirtzel's, I-90, Gulf
Road and just over into New York State.
16-mile-- Heaviest concentrations occur from the mouth through the intersection of SR 5 & SR 89.
12-mile-- Historically, the falls immediately south of SR 5 keep all angling pressure confined from this area north to the lake shore.
8-mile-- Only ever see one, two or three anglers playing on this stream and 99.9% are within 50 yards +/- of the mouth.
7-mile-- Access is by 'walk-in-only', by parking on SR 5
and 'hoofing' it through the Glinodo Center property. Fall steelhead fishing activity is present; however, it appears that the best runs come in the Spring.
4-mile-- Biggest concentrations are present from the
footbridge at the Lawrence Park Golf Course through the mouth, with the best opportunity occurring at the large pool just south of the lake shore. DON'T scale the fence of the Lawrence Park Hunting/Fishing Club property. Access to the east side of the mouth hole can be attained by simply walking immediately to the south of the fence and following the east bank.

WESTERN CRAWFORD / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake- Walleye and perch are still being caught from boats on the South end by jigging sonar's. The numbers are not all that great but the sizes have been averaging 16" to 20". Chanteuse seems to be the color of choice and late afternoon to early evening seems to be the best time frame. Lake levels are still extremely low so if you are boating be extra careful and take a little extra time to get there safe.Conneaut Lake- a fisherman E-mailed me this week to let me know he caught a 44" Muskie while trolling out here this week. I have reports that white bass are still doing well also. This is the time of year to fish this lake because you will probably have the entire lake to yourself.
Public Meeting - A public meeting on the possible increase of horsepower on Pymatuning Lake was held on 11/21/2002 with 145 people in attendance. People were given 2 to 3 minutes to stand up and give their opinion on the proposed increase. Open for discussion was the possibility of 25 horsepower, 18 horsepower, or leaving it as it was. The people that stood up and commented numbered 46 with 33 being against any increase at all and 13 for an increase to 25 horsepower. Several individuals represented large groups. West Bay boat sales, Navigation Company boat sales, Keystone Bass Buddies Circuit (600 members), all spoke in favor of the increase. Opposed to the increase were groups such as Muskies Inc. Cleveland chapter (1500 members), Pymatuning Yacht club, Pymatuning Lake association, Shenango boat club, Pymatuning Outboard Motor club, and Century boat club. Several issues were cited for reasons why opinions were formed, people opposed to the increase were worried about increased accidents on the lake, another increase if this one is to go threw, increased erosion, increased noise, and deterioration of the general aesthetics of the lake. People for the increase cited increased safety to get off the lake in a storm, increased revenue to the lake from a wider user group, increased economy in sales, changes in the dynamics of the lake from fishing boats to pontoon boats. Issues raised during the meeting were an inability to contact a ranger (or officer) if a violation is occurring, a need for increased boater safety and education classes, a need for more officers and patrols, and not enforcing current laws by checking for violations of the 10 horsepower limit that currently exist by pulling peoples motors and seeing who has changed their stickers. A question was raised as to how many deaths and accidents had occurred on the lake last year and I reported that there were no deaths and 12 accidents or swampings most of which occurred due to improper loading or overloading. Written comments are being taken up to 11/29/2002 and then all the material will be compiled along with the written transcript from this meeting and that in turn will be presented to the legislators if they are going forward with an increase. If you want to comment you can send me your message and I will print them and take them to the park. My E-mail is fishcop@alltel.net

CENTRAL ERIE / WCO TOM EDWARDS & DWCO BRYAN BRENDLEY
Perch: Still spotty on the Bayfront at the public dock and S. Pier have patience and determination.

Crappie: Finally saw some crappie caught at the Viking/Landsdowne area.

Steelhead: Nice run in 4-mile behind the Lawrence Park Fishing Club.

EASTERN ERIE / WCO MARK KERR
EAST COUNTY TRIBUTARIES:
Due to this past weekend's rain and snow, both Sixteen & Twentymile
Creek(s) are running a bit high, however color hasn't been too awful bad.
Twentymile has begun to receive more Steelhead, after their almost
'magical' disappearance act of the last week or so. Good concentrations of
fish were present this weekend near the mouth and, given the attention that
anglers have been paying to its southern reaches (I-90 through
'Snakehole'), it would appear as if these little critters are finally
making a concerted move towards the New York State Line. We observed no
less than 12 anglers playing last weekend through this southern stretch;
only one fish was seen on a stringer, but the folks sure seemed to be
having fun. Two of the majority choices of this week seem to be live
minnows and egg sacs. Throughout today, 11-19-02, we received light to
moderate ... well, let's say 'drizzle'. If things calm down over the next
day or so, conditions should be quite pleasant by this next weekend.

FRENCH CREEK WALLEYE:
Glad to be off that heavy subject above. Guess what?... Seems the're
starting to catch Walleye again along many reaches of French Creek. As
usual, the hotter spots seem to be at the mouth(s) of Woodcock and the
Conneauttee (Crawford County); and, in addition, north and adjacent along
SR 19 from the Crawford Line through the junction with LeBoeuf Creek. Also
you may want to try just south of the bridge on Himrod Road; seems there's
a 'monster' of sorts lurking thereabouts. I've had numerous reports of
many lines being taken clean through. No sightings yet, but we'll keep you
posted.

Forecast:
Wednesday: Cloudy. High near 50F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday night: Cloudy skies. Low 42F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers developing later in the day. High 49F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Thursday (24 hours): Showers developing by evening. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the low 30s.
Friday (24 hours): Rain and snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s and lows in the low 30s.
Saturday (24 hours): Overcast. Highs in the upper 30s and lows in the mid 30s.

Anglers enjoyed tons of hookups and harvested many Angler Award Steelhead

Trophy Steelhead

A gun carried by a juvenile weekend suspect caused some tense moments along the stream. It was discovered in a pat-down after the four suspects denied having any weapons on them. Prior surveillance caused officers to suspect the presence of a weapon which luckily turned out to be a CO2 Beebee gun.

The Steelhead fishery is in full swing now. Fresh fish came in with the Sunday rains. Officers have been busy round the clock with several over-limit & netting violations as well as the usual landowner requests, snagging, littering, and parking violations. Even though it has been rather hectic and patience sometimes runs a bit thin, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many anglers that have voiced words of appreciation for our efforts either in person or via email. I guess it would be best compared to getting in that good nap in the middle of the day that erases the tiredness and allows you to continue your efforts refreshed. Thanks from all the Erie officers.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards & DWCO Bryan Brendley
Perch: A recent walk of the S. Pier checking perch anglers showed very poor catches. No person was even close to a limit and all were under 5 in the creel. Public dock was showing small catches also but the perch were definitely larger in size. If you want to catch perch and you have a boat head down towards the East side of the Erie Yacht Club for good results.

Bass: The bay is wide open for those willing to put the boat in. Recent weather has given us a couple of decent days with calm conditions and the catches seem to be pretty fair.

Crappie: I keep hearing rumors but nothing certain, people were observed fishing across from Cascade condos but they had just started when I had gotten there. If you have any good crappie spots and you don't mind sharing give me an email.

Steelhead: Cascade still shows no activity but that may have changed with the recent rains. 4-mile has good fish behind the Lawrence Park Fish Club and the pressure is fairly light.

Edinboro Lake: Still in the draw down mode for dam repairs.

Western Erie County / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake- Walleye are being caught with regularity now on the south end of the lake especially around the handicap point where we placed all the gravel beds this year. Almost all the activity has been limited to the south west side of the lake but fishermen tell me they are catching fish just about every time they go out. Jigs and minis are still the bait of choice and some sonar's are being productive as well. I have also checked fishermen at the spillway who informed me that they have been having limited success at the wall just outside the spillway using jigs. Perch are also being caught here and closer to the wire using jigs as well. Most of the activity here is taking place at night. Tipping your jig with a mini also seems to be a favorite trick of the trade for these guys who are having luck.
Conneaut Lake- White bass are hitting well now and they are running in fairly big schools. Luck for the sea gulls to flock to a certain area and start diving on the baitfish and that is were you want to be. The bait fish will be jumping out of the water as the white bass are under them looking for a meal. Cast into them with a shiny silver spoon or silver lure that represents a fish and you should have pretty good luck. You will need a boat though as they seem to migrate throughout the lake.

Conditions:
Very low and clear water conditions on all the tribs have provided a real challenge to area anglers. Many areas along the West side tribs are only knee deep with some sections only ankle deep. Fish are holding in the pools along Walnut, the Manchester Hole and up to the bridge on Millfair road. Fish are scattered throughout Elk Creek up to the Legion Hole in Girard and small numbers can be found up to Folly's End. Water levels are low enough to allow casting from shore in most areas to avoid spooking fish. 4 lb., and as light as 2 lb. line along with hooks no larger than the 14 to 18 range are all but a necessity to land fish. Anglers were having good success on lower Elk Creek on Saturday with shiners and single eggs. The Walnut Creek Access basin is very low but has been producing some great fish for the patient anglers with success coming in time blocks. The basin opening has thinned the upstream crowds considerably leaving nice elbow room. We have had a number of calm lake days, allowing anglers good fishing opportunities along the lakeshore at Trout and Godfrey runs.

Eastern Erie County / WCO Mark Kerr

Wednesday: Rain showers in the morning becoming more intermittent in the afternoon. Temperatures steady in the mid 40s. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Wednesday night: Cloudy with a few showers. Low 36F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday: Showers during the morning, followed by partly cloudy skies in the afternoon. High 43F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday (24 hours): A few morning showers. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 30s.
Friday (24 hours): Cloudy. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the upper 30s.
Saturday (24 hours): Cloudy. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the mid 40s.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards_& DWCO Bryan W. Brendley

Perch: Moderate catches taken from Public Dock on the Bayfront. N. Pier on Presque Isle State Park and Waterworks on the Park.
Crappie: Catches being reported from Marina Lake on Presque Isle State Park.
Steelhead: Nothing to report in Cascade walked it down to the Bay and not a single fish was seen.

4 - Mile has decent numbers behind the LP Fish Club.

Edinboro Lake has been drawndown apx 6 feet, haven't seen anyone attempt to fish.

Western Crawford County / Joe Russell

All east county tributaries are now showing signs of Steelhead presence. Best color of choice this week has been white, regardless of what you choose to use; followed by anything in black. Egg sacs, single eggs, wooly-buggers & fly sucker spawn have been producing well; additionally, good results have been obtained by using 4-6# test, with small hooks and a flouro-carbon leader.

SIXTEENMILE FISH KILL REPORTED:
Reports have been received regarding numerous dead Steelhead on Sixteenmile Creek. Although the causes of this kill are, at present, unknown, investigations are underway in attempts to determine its origins. More information is to follow as it is received.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS & DWCO BRYAN BRENDLEY
Perch: Lights catches being taken from the N. Pier on minnows and some small ones at waterworks. Bay should be heating up good for perch in the next few weeks.
Crappie: Some catches being taken at the marina on Presque Isle State Park. If you have the time check the lagoons, but be advised I don't have anything solid to report from that area.
Steelhead: Being taken from the N. pier and East and West pier in Presque Isle State Park. Still good number of fish up 4-mile behind the Lawrence Park Fish Club. Respect the clubs property by cleaning up your litter and others. A special thanx to Bill Blackman for providing the, "crappie" info.

WESTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO JOHN BOWSER

***Walnut Creek Boat Basin Opens for fishing this Thursday***
October 31 @ 4:00 PM

Erie Forecast:
Wednesday: Cloudy with a few showers. Temperatures steady in the low 40s. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Wednesday night: Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 36F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a mixture of light rain and snow developing in the afternoon. High around 45F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 30%.
Thursday (24 hours): Late day rain and snow showers. Highs in the mid 40s and lows in the upper 30s.
Friday (24 hours): Snow showers. Highs in the low 40s and lows in the upper 30s.
Saturday (24 hours): Mostly cloudy and windy with snow showers. Highs in the upper 30s and lows in the low 30s.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake- With the onset of cold weather this week and snow today the Walleye fishing has started to pick up again. Several boaters could be seen fishing the south end down by the dam and they are reportedly having luck. Bait of choice seems to be minnies drifting but I have also heard good results are being had using sonar's and hot-n-tots. Average sizes seem to be between 16" and 20". Don't expect the number of fish that you would get in the spring time but the fish are still there to be had if you can spend the time and go after them.
Conneaut Lake- Not much activity to be seen here this week as a matter of fact in a weeks time I have only seen one boat out there fishing, and I didn't get a chance to find out if they were doing any good. Definitely a good time to come try this lake now that the recreational boating is pretty much over for the year. If you do any good let me know so I can include you in future reports.

The cooler water of Lake Erie has made for some fantastic steelhead fishing near shore the end of October.

Friday the 25th was, as another boat put it "PHENOMENAL". The frosty morning began off Trout Run with each pass yielding two to three fish. We were 5 for 5 before we lost one. Red was hot and these tackle-busting steelies were hitting hard and dancing on the water.

Many places were good from Trout to Walnut. The day ended 20+ for 35+ Shore anglers were also having a super day.

Saturday morning light rain and north west rollers started another great day. Action started slower but finished as Friday began. The silver bullets fought hard and continued to dance on the waters.

Friday was all steelies but Saturday some Coho made the cooler.

Another day of 20+ for 35+ makes for another fantastic day.

Lure colors Saturday were green, red and black.

Each passing cold front just makes the fishing better.

It's a shame the docks will be removed in a few days!!!!

Catching the fish by boat is super in it self enjoying the free space to fight your tackle-busting steelie.
Limit catches are very common.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS & DWCO BRYAN BRENDLEY
Presque Isle Bay:
Perch action is starting to pick up in the bay, these past few days have shown good catches coming from the East and West Pier in the park. Also off of the N. Pier they are starting to pick up a few Steelhead.

4 Mile Creek through 8 Mile:
4 Mile has fish up to the falls and 6 has a good number of fish 7 and 8 don't bother with. Rains should have helped with the extreme Eastern tribs.

Edinboro Lake:
Bass still producing at a decent catch rate and if you can get on the perch you should do fair.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR
Erie Forecast"
Wednesday: Partly cloudy skies. High 48F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy skies. Low 33F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 47F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday (24 hours): More clouds than sun. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the low 40s.
Friday (24 hours): Showers possible. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the low 40s.
Saturday (24 hours): Few showers. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the low 40s.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL
Pymatuning Lake:
The walleye fishing is starting to pick up again with the water cooling off. The last measurement taken I believe it was at 59 degrees. Sonar's are supposedly what is working best right now in the deeper water and sizes have ranged from 17" to 23." The fall run is usually a lot less active than the spring run but after such a long stretch with no activity anything seems good right now. Water levels are still extremely low so boaters should beware of where they are boating to avoid hidden obstacles.

Conneaut Lake:
has been slow so far this week with very little or no activity to speak of so not much to report from there.

Conditions:
The tribs remain very low and very clear with the lack of rainfall. Forecasts over the next week are indicating several days of rain which should help. In the mean time, the best fishing remains close to the mouths mainly north of route 5. The Walnut Project holes are full of fish and anglers are doing well off the wall. White Maribou jigs twitched while floated under a bobber has been the hottest fish catching method. Elk Creek north of the access area to the mouth has been very productive with decent water levels. The lake shore at Trout and Godfrey runs is producing fish when the lake is calm. A few Steelhead are being caught in Presque Isle Bay..probably by accident this early in the season. The Bay is a great place to target Steelhead in the winter months, both by boat and on the ice. The Legion Park and the areas by the water treatment plant on Elk creek in Girard are holding some fish, but water levels are very low.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR

As East County tributaries go, TWENTYMILE Creek is the primary producer. All tributaries are quite low and clear; and, just as the remainder of the county goes, rain would certainly be a blessing.
Crocodiles and Cleo's are still the best producers, with Power Bait and egg sacs following close behind. With calmer lake conditions, stream mouths' are producing the most catches. TWENTYMILE has fish dispersed from the mouth to approximately I-90; however, they are widely scattered.

EAST COUNTY LAKE UPDATE:
Perch are still being taken, during calm days, on the New York/PA Line in approximately 62 feet of water.

EATON RESERVOIR:
Walleye are occasionally being taken along the North shore, in the cove area about midpoint of the reservoir.

FRENCH CREEK:
With cooler temperatures arriving, French Creek is starting to produce more walleye catches. That area from French Creek's junction with the South Branch south through the Crawford County Line would be one section worth checking out.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / DWCO Bryan W. Brendley

Forecast:
Wednesday: Periods of rain. Temperatures steady in the low 50s. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Wednesday night: Cloudy with a few showers. Low 41F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday: Cloudy with a few showers. High near 50F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday (24 hours): Occasional showers. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the upper 30s.
Friday (24 hours): Mix of rain and snow. Highs in the upper 30s with temperatures nearly steady overnight.
Saturday (24 hours): Partial sunshine. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the mid 40s.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake-The Lake is still 2 feet low at this time do to lack of any sizable rain and quite a few of the boats moored around the edge of the lake are sitting high and dry on land. Duck hunting pressure after the first day has been really light with only the occasional hunter launching a boat and taking to the islands to test their luck. Remember if you are hunting on the lake all safety equipment has to be present and you have to be on the on the proper side of the lake for where your license is for. Unlike fishing where you are allowed to use a Pa. license to fish from an island, while hunting you have to have the correct state license. Fishing pressure has been extremely light on the lake this week possibly do to all the wind and cold fronts that have come through. The spillway seems to be picking up though with fishermen but I haven't been able to check any fish there yet.

Conneaut Lake- I received an E-mail from Roy this week who told me he thoroughly enjoyed fishing at Conneaut Lake and it was an interesting lake he wanted to find out more about, he also stated he got into some Bluegills around 35' and saw some Crappies taken by other fishermen. This is definitely the time of year to start hitting this lake, do to the decrease in boat traffic. Let me know how you do and I will mention you in future reports.

Steelhead are plentiful throughout the area although bigger runs and more fish are expected with additional rainfall. Overnight temperatures in the 40's and reasonable water levels, considering the lack of precipitation, have sparked additional incoming fish. The Project Waters at Walnut Creek have been producing lunker fish with 8 LB to 12 LB being common. Anglers are finding that light line and small hooks are a necessity to landing fish with any consistency. Steelhead are up as far as Route 20 on Walnut Creek and at least as far as the Legion Park Hole on Elk Creek. Lake shore anglers continue to have great success at Trout and Godfrey Runs. The Trout Run Marina is now holding a fair number of fish for anglers looking for shelter from the wind and waves.

Perch fishing should continue to be good weather and waves permitting off of Walnut Creek and the Peninsula Lighthouse.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards & DWCO Bryan Brendley

Perch: Still productive when the wind and wave action is cooperative. Try all the usual hot spots.

Bass: I checked some fishermen on the Bayfront and they said that everyone can fish the Steelhead because the bass are biting and they like the room.

Steelhead: Eastside tribs are running low and clear. Four Mile has some fish behind the LP Fish Club but not in the numbers that I had originally expected since the last rain. Six and Eight Mile are low and clear also with very few fish in Six and none in Eight.

A reminder to all Steelhead anglers, foul hooking fish and placing them on a stringer is an illegal act which will result in a fine if observed. Giving fish to fellow anglers counts against both anglers creels.

Rain is forecast in the upcoming seven day forecast. Hopefully this will bring up the East side tribs to a level which will sustain a decent run. Good luck.

Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake- With the opening of duck season on Saturday we saw an increase in small boat traffic. I wound up patrolling with a game officer using a small boat and checking the islands up north and I am very happy to report that out of the 20 or so boats that were checked only 2 minor violations were noted, it would appear that the message is getting out about the required safety equipment needed to boat on Commonwealth waters. Thank you all this makes our job much easier. Fishing activity has started to pick up and the water is cooling off, last night we had frost warnings so the fall run for walleyes though not as active as the spring run should be starting any day now. This is definitely the season for short notice on storms though so please keep your eyes to the sky and watch for them, also bring extra clothes and dress in layers to guard against HYPOTHERMIA. Wool works the best and even when wet it will still retain your body heat. I was also asked this week who monitors the marine radio for Pymatuning Lake and my answer is no one. If you have a problem the best bet is a cell phone and 911. Next month there will be a public meeting on the horsepower increase in Pymatuning held somewhere in this area, I will put the date, time, and place in future reports when I get them. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns or opinions over this issue and will be attended by myself, my boss, Ohio division of Watercraft, Ohio Parks and Pa. Parks management. No one has set anything in stone or made up their minds yet so I would strongly urge you to be there if you have an opinion on the matter because once it is changed it will be to late to do anything about it.
Conneaut Lake- Northerns continue to hit just about anything that is thrown in the water and are really being active around the weed beds in the back bays and on the North end. Bluegills are still being caught with regularity as well as crappies in the 10 to 12 inch range. Fish either the weed beds or around structure for best results and try tipping your jigs with a piece of live bait, worm, maggot, or anything that they can taste or smell seems to increase your chances

Eastern Erie County / WCO Mark Kerr

Sunday most were Male Coho.

The group caught the limit before 11:00 as the wind switched from the south to the northeast. These tackle-busting steelies were full of energy this day. Breaking lines, ripping the hooks off the lures and jumping for freedom was all part of it this day. Many doubles were battled but never more than one made the net each time.

The group had an excellent catch to loss rate this Sunday (11 for 16). Catching their limit was easy before lunch on red and black lures. The limit was just too heavy for all to be held in the picture. Fished the usually 5 to 10 feet depth.

The stream are low, water clear, lots of fish and a good many being caught.

Mouth of Trout Run was crowed Sunday with lots of fish caught from shore. An angler fishing out of a tube caught many fish.

Action on Sunday the 29th of September was fantastic. The nine fish pictured were only a small amount of the many hooked. The steelies are full of fight, reels sing and the fish jump in search of freedom trying to spit the hook.

Black and red shallow running lures do the trick trolled in front of the many streams. Walnut Creek and Trout Run have been the recent hot spots. Fished 5 to 10 feet depth all day.

The Steelhead runs continue with fresh rainfall urging them farther upstream. Elk has fish present at Legion Park while Walnut has them at least to Rt. 20. East side streams have little angling pressure and smaller amount of fish. Forecasted rains this week should make for a prime weekend.

Yellow Perch catches continue off of the point and northeast of Walnut. Best catches for all species are taking place in the mornings as a rule.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards
Forecast:
Wednesday: Scattered showers in the morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with scattered thunderstorms. High 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 63F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Thursday: Variable clouds with a chance of thunderstorms, especially in the morning. High around 70F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Thursday (24 hours): A few thunderstorms possible. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 60s.
Friday (24 hours): Showers possible. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 60s.
Saturday (24 hours): Few showers. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the low 50s.

Eastern Erie & Western Warren Counties / WCO Mark Kerr
STEELHEAD:
East county waters are beginning to show signs of increased Steelhead presence; however, water conditions continue at levels that are both low and clear. Twelvemile has minimal numbers present around the mouth, Sixteenmile is absent of activity & Twentymile has moderate numbers in that area from the lakeshore south through the iron bridge upstream of State Route 5. Reports indicate that your best opportunity for catches arise from fishing into the lake at the stream mouths� and using spoons; best color combinations are blue/silver, green/silver and fluorescent orange/silver. Highest activity, at this time, is early morning as well as in the evening just before dusk.

Additional catches have been made using �power bait� and egg sacs are occasionally producing results. One report indicates that a gentleman landed a Steelhead weighing in at 13# +/� while using �power bait�; additionally, that same report stated that a pink salmon, weighing 4 lb. 4 oz., was landed on Twentymile�this just misses that state record.

EAST COUNTY LAKE UPDATE:
Walleye, Perch, Steelhead & Lake Trout are still being taken in East County waters. Earlier in the week, charters reported catches on the South side of the mountain while trolling with spoons. Perch are still present in the Freeport area, taken at a depth of 49� through 55� of water.

Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake- The good news is the water is starting to cool off, the bad news is it still isn't cool enough for the fish to be biting really well yet. There was some electrofishing done by DEP over the last several days up around the stumps on the North end and some fantastic warm water species were taken including Bass and Crappie. The word they gave me is the only place they were able to find fish was right on the structure and after several days of shocking no Walleye were taken. Best guess is that most of the Walleye are in deeper water, primarily on the South end or in the channel off of Manning were it is cooler. I haven't been able to speak to anyone this week who has any luck here from a boat or land but I don't think it will be long if the cooler nights continue. The lake level remains at approximately 2 feet below normal pool despite the little rain we received at the end of last week.

Conneaut Lake- Northerns continue to plague fishermen here hitting just about anything that moves according to one fisherman I talked to today. Although most of them were sublegal some were in the keeper range however they were just fishing for fun. Panfish continue to do very well here as well with fishermen limiting out in about an hour on average. Check the weed beds and back bays for these guys if you are looking for a lot of action. Bass are also biting well this week primarily on the weed beds but along any structure as well.

Best fishing in the tribs west of Erie was by fisherman wading offshore by Trout Run.

Fly Fishing for Fall Steelhead in the Lake Erie
Tributary Streams

By John Nagy

As the water temperatures drop to 68 degrees F along the southern shoreline of Lake Erie and the days become shorter (in mid to late September), mint-silver steelhead begin congregating along the Erie tributary mouths. This initial steelhead movement is the beginning of a spawning run which closely mimics the migratory behavior of steelhead in the Pacific Northwest (the original range of Lake Erie steelhead).
When cool fall rains create silty run-off (that dumps into a relatively warm Lake Erie) it triggers a steelhead movement up the tributaries in the fall and the opportunity for the fly fisherman to catch one freshwaters most elusive and magnificent game fish.
Since most of the southern shore Lake Erie tributaries are normally low and clear, it is critical that they get run-off (from either rain or snow-melt) to both facilitate movement of migratory steelhead upstream and create more fishable water for the fly fisherman.
In recent years, consistent, early fall rains have been more a rarity than the norm on the Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York tributary streams. This has limited steelhead movements upstream in the tributaries with most action in the lower large, deep pools (and along the lakeshore). The exception has been the Cattaraugus River in New York which fish�s exceptionally well in the fall. This is due to a good water flow a result of a power plant dam release and substantial spring sources in a huge watershed that encompasses 436 sq. miles.
When heavy fall rains due occur, Pennsylvania tributaries like Elk, Walnut, Crooked, 20 mile, 16 mile and 12 mile Creeks are the place to be for great action for fresh run fall �chromers�. After peak run-off from rainfall or snowmelt these tributaries can quickly clear to fishable levels in a day or two depending on the tributary.
The Ohio steelhead tributaries of the Rocky River, Chagrin River, Grand River and Conneaut Creek can provide good action also in the fall, but are primarily a winter and spring run steelhead fishery (although they get there share of fall running Pennsylvania steelhead). This is due to the late running Little Manistee strain steelhead that is almost exclusively stocked in these waters by the Ohio Division of Wildlife (a small number of London strain rainbows are stocked also by the ODW).
During the fall, Lake Erie tributary streams are relatively warm (in the 45 degrees F plus range) making the steelhead very active and aggressive. They enter the tributaries looking for holding water prior to their spawning. In warm water run-off flows this means the heads of pools, pocket water, fast runs and chutes as well as the lower ends of pool tail-outs where the current flow picks up speed.
Steelhead will use these locations until the water drops below 40 to 45 degrees F (late October to early November) which forces them to seek slower current areas. Many steelhead at this time lose their bright coloration�s and begin to darken up which is a sure sign that they are maturing sexually and getting close to spawning.
Fly fisherman will find that a more dynamic approach in his presentation (as opposed to just strictly dead-drifting flies) can result in a surprising number of hook-ups in the fall. Stripping and jerking wooly buggers and streamers (on the drift and retrieve) through pools and runs can result in some incredibly hard-hitting strikes at this time.
Aggressive fall steelhead will actively move out of holding locations to chase and strike these flies with seeming abandon. These fish not only strike flies hard, but also fight hard; with drag screaming runs and cartwheel jumps not out of the norm.
A traditional downstream fly swinging technique (with either a sink tip or floating line) also works well at this time of year. This method is effective at covering large amounts of water such as the long, wide pools and runs of the Cattaraugus River in New York and the Grand River in Ohio. Popular swinging flies include wooly buggers, streamers and traditional wet flies and spey fly patterns.
As water flows cool down in late October to early November steelhead become more lethargic and less able to hold in strong currents. They seek slower current areas at this time and also seem to key in on drag-free presentations such as achieved with floating indicators and long leaders or strictly bottom-bouncing without a float. Effective dead-drift flies include egg patterns such as sucker spawns, glow balls, scrambled eggs and blood dots as well as bead-head nymphs such as princes, pheasant tails, lightning bugs and copper johns.
Fly equipment for the steelheading fly fisherman includes both traditional fly rods (stiffer, shorter blanks) for stripping and swinging flies and long, soft action fly rods. The latter fly rods allow for maximum line and leader control and mending when dead-drifting flies as well as big fish playing ability when using light tippets.
Fly reel selection includes finding a reel that has both a light-end setting with multiple fine adjustments and slow initial start-up inertia. Both these features help to protect light tippets from the surges and runs of fall steelhead. Large arbor fly reels are ideal for quick line pick-up (which comes in handy when a �hot� fall steelhead decides to come straight toward you after being hooked!)
______________________________________________________

Steelhead:
The tribs have dropped to very low clear conditions with long range weather forecasts predicting cooler temps for the end of the month. Fish will be moving mostly at night with the best chances for success at dawn or dusk. Fish are scattered throughout the Walnut Project waters and the Manchester Hole as well as lower Elk Creek although the biggest runs are still yet to come. The Lakeshore at Trout and Godfrey Runs are producing fish at night and at dawn. Low clear water and very line shy fish will dictate the lightest of presentations. Fly anglers should do well with fluorocarbon tippets. Conventional anglers will do best reducing line strength to 4 lb. and even 2 lb. fluorocarbon line at times. Very light floats and small baits such as sucker spawn flies and single eggs may be the ticket. Anglers are reminded again that fishing from the East bank of the Manchester Hole is not permitted nor is fishing the West side of Walnut Creek from the end of the wall North to the mouth.

Walnut Creek Boating:
Boaters have had success trolling and casting just off the mouths of Walnut Creek and Trout Run. Boaters are again reminded to "hug the wall" due to shallow gravel bars near the basin exit. Boaters do have the right of way over wall fishermen but very few are sounding their horns to alert anglers to retrieve lines. This jetty is the favorite of elderly & handicapped anglers and some cooperation on both sides will assure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Trout Run Marina:
The Trout Run (Avonia) Marina will be open for business as usual on Thursday, September 26th. This is a great place to introduce youngsters to Steelhead fishing and is very convenient for the handicapped and elderly. Fishing the Marina (for a small fee) can provide sanctuary from rough wind and wave conditions. Food and hot beverages can be purchased at the Marina as well.

Perch:
Anglers are still slamming perch in big numbers weather permitting off of Walnut Creek and the Presque Isle light house in 50' to 55' of water. Perch fishing was good into November last year and this year appears that conditions will be as good.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS
Perch: Still good in all of the hotspots, get in on the action before the weather gets too bad.

Bass: Picking up in the bay, fish early.

Catfish: Still good in the early evening at the S. Pier.

Steelhead: Cascade has nothing to report. four-mile has some fish up behind the Lawrence Park Fish Club but no great numbers yet, check it out after another blast of rain. 8-mile unknown.

Edinboro: Recent reports are that the crappie are hitting fair on minnows but you have to find them, Perch are being caught but head for Lake Erie if possible. Bass anglers stated that they were having good results.

SEPTEMBER 28 DESIGNATED AS FISH FOR FREE DAY

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY/ WCO JOE RUSSELL
Pymatuning Lake- The lake is still low right, 2 Feet below normal pool, now do to lack of any rain and water temps remain high but some walleye are still being caught on the southern end by fishermen late at night, fishing from shore. Rappallas and lures that imitate minnows seem to be working the best. Bluegill and Crappie are still being caught along the edges and if you can find any structure to fish around. Live bait and small jigs are the hot ticket for these guys.
Conneaut Lake- A bass tournament was held here this last weekend by western Penn bassmasters and I was lucky enough to get there right at weigh in to get a chance to talk to some of the anglers from the competition. The big winner was Keith Kristoff with an impressive lbs. 7 oz. lunker that measured 21 inches. He said the secret to his success was in fishing the weed beds using lures that you could work the top 1 foot of water. His impressive fish was caught on a pumpkin seed rubber worm, but all the anglers were telling me worms and lizards on top was the way to go. They also mentioned that a "BOAT LOAD" of pike were caught during the day and they couldn't keep the pike off the lines. Some of the pike were legal but most were sublegal but that just means there will be plenty for next year. The water temp on Saturday was 71 degrees and the 18 fishermen that registered for this tournament told me they had a great day after the bad weather in the morning cleared out. Bluegills are also being caught in droves right now with fishermen telling me that they are catching there fifty in an hour just by fishing the weed beds. Small jigs and live bait are what they are hitting on here as well.

Thank you, I would appreciate this information

WALNUT CREEK ACCESS RULES & NEWS...

The recent high water has deposited debris at the exit from the boat basin and the end of the East Jetty near the creek mouth. Boaters should trim up the outdrives as much as possible and exercise caution exiting straight out into the lake.

Steelheadpalooza:
The 5" plus of rain this past weekend swelled the tribs enough to get the Steelhead season off to a great start. A good numbers of fish are in the Manchester hole and up to Rt. 5. Fish are also scattered throughout out the Project waters and throughout the channel. Fish are also up to at least the bend by the Access area at Elk Creek. The Walnut Access Area was jammed on Tuesday of this week with anglers weighing in a fair number of fish. Fish are also being caught at mouth of Elk Creek in the "Mudhole" area as well as along the Lake Shore at Trout and Godfrey Runs. All the local news stations were on hand through out the day on Tuesday to capture the fishing frenzy. Additional rain and cooler temperatures will be necessary to keep the fish in the tribs but for now they are here and the fun has started. With the tribs being heavily stained by the recent rain, anglers have been successful with the powerbaits and micro jigs. The tribs should be pretty clear by the weekend based on the long term weather forecast

Perch continue with record catches. Boaters hitting the school due North of Walnut had 3 anglers limiting out in 90 minutes.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO Tom Edwards
Weather Forecast:
Sep 18 Mostly Cloudy 82�/66� 10 %
Sep 19 Partly Cloudy 81�/66� 20 %
Sep 20 Scattered T-Storms 79�/58� 40 %
Sep 21 Mostly Sunny 77�/60� 10 %
Sep 22 Partly Cloudy 75�/57� 30 %
Sep 23 Mostly Cloudy 74�/58� 20 %
Sep 24 Mostly Cloudy 75�/56� 10 %

EASTERN-ERIE/WESTERN-WARREN / WCO Mark Kerr

TWENTYMILE STEELHEAD:
As of Saturday, 09-14-02, Steelhead, as well as a few anglers, were present at the mouth of Twentymile Creek. The rains we received on Sunday the 15th should certainly boost not only the activity but their numbers as well.

EAST ERIE LAKE UPDATE:
Perch�McCord�s Point through the W�s in 53� of water

Walleye�Due north of North East Marina in 85� through 105� of water

Smallmouth Bass�Along the entire eastern lakeshore in 25� through 40� of water

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning lake-The water is about 3 feet below normal pool right now so it is making for difficult boating if you don't know where you are going. The good news is I have seen Walleye being caught after dark down off the dam from shore fishermen on rappallas. The key seems to be to wait till after dark when the water starts cooling down. Water temps are still up there during the day right now but hopefully that will change when we start getting colder nights. Jamestown/Turnersville boat access is open once again and what a great job they did. The dock is much nicer and easier to get in and out of your boat and they now have more ramp, I believe three wide. Stop in and let the park know what you think they appreciate good news once and a while.

Conneaut Lake-The white bass are feeding in schools and guys are having really good luck targeting them. I heard from one fisherman this week that if you watch the gulls and see were they are diving for the bait fish that is where you want to be. Just cast under them with something shiny that resembles a minnow and you will have luck. Perch, Crappie and Bluegills are also going crazy right now with several of the fishermen that I checked over the weekend telling me they could only stay out for about an hour before they limited out.

Steelhead:
Steelhead have been moving closer to shore as evident by the number of fish caught from the wall at Walnut and at the mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs. A "few" Steelhead have moved into the tribs (no big numbers yet) and have worked their way up to the Walnut Project waters. The Project waters clean out is complete and the holes look great. Even with the low water conditions the pools look deep and green. Needed rainfall and a week of cold nights should help make the Project waters a prime area. Long term forecasts for the next week indicate the possibility of rain and cooler temperatures.

Walleye:
Walleye have begun to scatter with limited numbers of fish being brought in. Charter captains familiar with the walleye patterns are still bringing in a few, but no big numbers. Best action was observed by the Ohio Line in 65'-70' of water.

Perch:
I think we've said it all. Fish are holding in 50' of water due north of Walnut Creek and north of the Presque Isle light house. Action has also been good just over the Ohio line (80.31.10 on the Loran) in 62' of water.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / (provided by North East Marina's Pam & Tim Truitt)

Perch: 55' of water 2-3 miles west of the marina. Minnows or nightcrawlers.

Walleye: 85' of water due north of the marina. 65' down.

Steelhead: 85' - 110' of water due north of the marina along the edge of the mountain. 75' - 90' down.

Lake trout: 130'-135' of water 85' - 110' down.

Bass: 25'-40' of water, suspended.

( WCO's Mark & Joe were experiencing computer problems & unable to submit a report this week)

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS

Perch: Continues to be a very good year in the previously reported areas N. of the Lighthouse. We should start seeing catches increase in the Bay in the upcoming weeks.

Bass: Nothing of note in the past week but that doesn't mean that they weren't being caught.

Catfish: S. pier is really producing some nice Bullheads and the occasional Channel Cat in the early evening (7-10 P.M.)

Walleye: Catches are modest 2-3 per boat but still worth a shot, if your luck is faltering go after perch.

Edinboro Lake: Some questions regarding the jelly fish like creatures can be answered with this response from Andy Shiels PA Fish and Boat Commission Biologist:
"Bryozoans are animals related to jellyfish and other primitive invertebrates. The animal itself is actually a colony of many individual bryozoans. The green color is due to the algae that also colonize the bryozoans. In fact just the name itself gives a clue as to the relationship between these two organisms; "bryo" refers to plant and "zoan" refers to animal. Bryozoans are usually attached to the substrate, often around submerged twigs or sticks. Sometimes they break away and then may settle wherever they come to rest. Breaking the colony up can result in new budding and growth and result in new colonies forming. They eat microscopic plankton and protozoans."

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR

Smallmouth Bass... From Archer's Field through the New York Line, in depths from
8' through 22'

Perch... In that area north of North East Marina in 50' of water.
WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake- The Lake is in sad shape right now for fishing, at nearly 40" down from normal we need some rain bad. A lot of damage has been reported lately by the liveries on the lake because people are tearing up lower units from not knowing where they are going. If you are unsure go easy it might save you some serious money in the long run. Some small perch and Bluegill have been caught from shore this week and Carp at the spillway but until the water cools off I am afraid that might be it for a while.

Conneaut Lake-The white bass have been being caught here lately and I have a tip from a fishermen, if you are targeting them look for the schools of minnows jumping out of the water and throw into that area, (they are jumping out for a reason they are being chased). Anything that resembles a minnow will work using this tactic and should help you in gain a few more fish for the creel. Bluegills are supposedly doing real well right now as well and they have been catching some with nice size.

Steelhead:
Signs of Steelhead season have been evident with high winds and waves and cool nights. Tributary levels are at all time lows and apparently adversely affecting the early exploratory runs of late August. Anglers have started fishing the trib mouths, especially at Trout Run, hooking an occasional jack or two but nothing of any size. Those that just can't wait might try the "Wall" at night at Walnut Creek. Glow in dark Cleos and the Power baits are good night choices. A lighted float can help detect those subtle strikes. Anglers trolling the East end of the First Trench have been nailing 10#'ers on N/K Spoons but nothing like the numbers last year. With a little cooperation from Mother Nature it won't be long.

Perch:
Wind and waves permitting, perch fishing just seems to get better and better. This past weekend saw countless anglers bringing in limits in only a few hours. The perch packs off the light house beach and Walnut creek numbered in the hundreds this past Sunday.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS
Bass: Good catches taken off of the public dock and Chestnut fishing pier.

Perch: Limits being taken daily at the usual hot spots N. of Lighthouse.

Walleye: Same story as last week spotty at best go for the perch.

Crappie: Fishing pier at Chestnut still producing some good size fish but not many.

Musky: 5,500 fingerlings were recently stocked in Presque Isle Bay.

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL

Pymatuning Lake-The water is still really warm this week so warm water species are still doing well, Bass Bluegills and carp are being caught in abundance if you work the edges and any available structure. Light tackle and jigs or live bait is definitely the way to go and don't fish during the heat of the day and get upset because nothing is biting, fish in the evening just before sun down and you will have much better luck. Manning boat ramp is once again open and operational with an all new A. D. A. accessible dock that is far better and much more stable than what was there before. Jamestown/Turnersville should be getting close to completion and will be open very soon.
Conneaut Lake-Bluegills and Bow fin are being caught like crazy here. Fish the edges of the weed beds and you will do well for Bluegills (nice size ones are being caught as well) using a small jig or live bait under a bobber. Bass are also getting caught but at a much lower rate than the rest of the fish. work rubber worms and lures deep around structure for these guys right now. Night fishing has picked up quite a bit with a lot of fishermen hitting the water and shores after sundown when the boat traffic has subsided and they are having luck.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards
Perch: Nice catches are still being taken when the lake is cooperating. Prime spots are north of the lighthouse, east of the cribs.

Crappie: First nice ones I've seen in a while off of the fishing pier at Cherry St. marina.

Walleye: Nothing good to report so I will not say anything.

Catfish: Still being taken off of the S. Pier in the early evening.

Smallies: Nice catches taken in the Bay.

Forecast:
Wednesday: Mostly sunny early, then becoming partly cloudy later in the day. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy skies early then becoming mostly cloudy later at night. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Thursday (24 hours): Afternoon thunderstorms. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
Friday (24 hours): Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 60s.
Saturday (24 hours): Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low 60s.

Eastern Erie County / WCO Mark Kerr
Lake conditions have been pretty rough throughout much of the last week; however, here's a quick look at what we've got going on...

Perch:
Well, looks like they're back again! Anglers have been catching Perch again in approximately 46' of water from McCord's Point through Freeport. Many catches have been averaging 10"-12" in length.

Bass:
Try for these, suspended, in 25' - 40' of water in that same area as Perch as well as north of North East Marina.

Walleye:
'schools'... Give them a try in 45' - 50' of water throughout East County waters.
Many anglers have reported catches in the 18" - 22" range.
'deep water'... Look for these catches in 105' - 110' of water.

Steelhead:
Reports are beginning to come in referencing catches in 118' of water and at a depth of 65' below the surface. Baits of choice appear to be black/purple spoons as well as those which are chartreuse and chrome.

This morning the south west wind was stiff with three foot rollers out of the west. The first half hour was dead. Nothing! Very unusual after the past week or so.

The wind was slowly shifting to the west and increasing. A week cold front was minuets away. Rods were in hand, with a tight to the bottom jig, and then it happen with a light rain on the water.

Fish on!

One on !, Three on !, Four on ! , Three on !, Two on ! Four on ! ETC.

They just kept coming. Most were walleye, but the cats were big and full of fight along with those world class sheephead. Perch also were adding to the cooler. The usual junk fish of white bass, white perch, gobies and rockies were also on the hook.

Small mouth were also active adding to the excitement this morning on Lake
Erie.

The three ticket holders had their limit quick this morning of good size walleye!

Action on Saturday resulted in a good many walleye in the cooler and some of good size.

The early morning southwest wind brought Rory one of his best days on Lake Erie. This was also his fifth attempt to catch a walleye on a Lake Erie charter. The group was new to the "SEAWOLF" but caught on quick to the hands-on self fishing technique used aboard the "SEAWOLF" . Within minuets the jigging action paid off. The walleye started to bite and the rods were a bending. Crawler harnesses were the bait of choice tipped with a big crawler.

Rory not only caught his first walleye, but the biggest and also the most. This was one day he will never forget.

The hole group had quite a day on Lake Erie catching 24 walleye, smallmouth, perch, catfish and those world class sheephead.

The shoreline storms made for excellent weather conditions this day.

The week has seen many nice catches of walleye and smallmouth. Their is a lot of satisfaction in seeing youngsters catching their first walleye. The hole family had some good fishing.

First Trench Walleye

Good catch of walleye on the north side of the trench, These guys also caught 64 good size perch fishing for walleye. The perch just seem to be everywhere.

Yes mom, its my Walleye!

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY/ WCO TOM EDWARDS
Perch:
Nice jumbos have been taken over the last couple of days directly out from the lighthouse and west of the condos.& limits are the norm coming in to East Ave. launch. Nothing in the form of walleye seen taken in those areas.

Walleye: This year remains to be slow, but a few are being taken due north and deep, (85-95 ft.)

Bass:
The tournaments have really slowed down so I can't give good info on smallies but I would assume that east of the peninsula toward the cribs would be the place to go.

Catfish:
Nice cats being taken from the South Pier in the late evening, they are hitting about anything that is being thrown at them.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR
Forecast:
Wednesday: A mix of clouds and sun, then a slight chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 91F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy skies. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms possible. High 82F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Thursday (24 hours): Slight chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 60s.
Friday (24 hours): Plenty of sun. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
Saturday (24 hours): Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
West Nile Virus Info:
Pennsylvania Residents Should Report and Submit Dead Birds
1-877-PA-HEALTH

WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO JOE RUSSELL
Pymatuning Lake-
The walleye are hitting if you know how to get there attention. I checked several boats over the last couple of days and all had fish. The secret seems to be trolling Hot n Tots down deep, anywhere from 12 to 16 feet. The area straight across from the manning boat launch north of the causeway seems to be where all the action is. Bluegill and bass are still hitting and the water is still pretty warm, it was 84 as of Sunday the 11th. Jamestown/Turnersville ramp is closed now and is well under way with the much needed repairs and upgrades.

Conneaut Lake-
Bowfin have started picking up and are being caught more now. Bass and Blue gill are also being caught but not in great numbers. Just about anywhere on the lake is as good as any place else right now. The big thing right now is timing early or late before or after the boat traffic picks up.

The past week walleye fishing near shore has gotten much better.
Action on Monday was good near shore, Godfry area, all the way to the south side of the first trench.

Drifting around the perch fishermen in 50 feet yielded many nice size walleye.

The smallmouth were also present in the same area.

All my walleye trips continue to catch many nice size perch while walleye fishing. This day 33 made the cooler for a lake treat to go with all those walleye caught this day.

Fish were 40 feet and down.

WALLEYE

WALLEYE

BASS

WALLEYE

PERCH

BASS and JUMBO PERCH

WALLEYE

CROOKED CREEK STREAM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PHOTOS - DONE 8/2/02

Building the Crooked Creek diversion dams

One of many completed diversion dams

Dan Pastore pitching in on his tractor

A cooperative effort on Crooked Creek

Staking the logs at Crooked Creek

Conditions:
The past several days the lake has been more conducive to surfing than fishing with waves peaking at 6 feet or more. Not to fear, as there is plenty of summer left for perching and walleye chasing. Last reports indicated good walleye catches off Godfrey Run (halfway between Trout Run and Elk Creek) in 34 to 40 feet of water. Small dipseys 75 to 100 feet back or flatlining 150' back has been successful at these depths. Worm harnesses in a variety of colors have been successful with most anglers sticking to purple, chartreuse, and watermelon.
Perch fishing continues to thrive with schools holding in 50' off the light house, condos, and due north off Walnut Creek. As we round the corner of the summer season anglers and boaters are advised to pay close attention to marine weather reports and official USCG severe weather announcements on marine band channel 16. Most boaters are aware that our weather patterns come from the west and are officially forecast by the NOAA weather service out of Cleveland. Forecasting weather in our area is in fact rocket science and one should never rely of hearsay or second hand information as a reliable source. As Summer blends into the early fall season, wind and wave conditions can change dramatically in a short time placing an inexperienced boater in jeopardy. When in doubt, head for shore.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards

Weather Forecast:
Wednesday: Sunny. High 72F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Wednesday night: Starlit skies. Low 53F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny. High near 75F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday (24 hours): Abundant sunshine. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the upper 50s.
Friday (24 hours): Plenty of sun. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.
Saturday (24 hours): Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 60s.

EASTERN-ERIE/WESTERN-WARREN COUNTIES

Eastern Erie County /WCO Mark T. Kerr
(814) 796-1378 [office] - (814) 673-4650 [cell]

Walleye�reported catches in the area of the mountain [42-16.250N & 79-57.200W, give or take] in 60� of water. As well as just West of North East Marina in 95� of water.

Perch�The boat pack was set in pretty heavy, on Sunday morning, North of Freeport Beach (Sixteenmile) in approximately 52� of water. Of all the activity on the East-side this last week, Perch was the most sought after and most numerous catch.

Bass�Catch reports have been slower this week; primarily due, it is believed, to the recent abundance of Perch activity.

Kids enjoy winding these big walleye in as they twist and turn, dive and finally make the net.

The hump between the trenches has given up some nice walleye.

Steelhead have been present on the hump.

The western end of the hump was good early in the week for steelies and walleye.

Tuesday the 29th the fellows on the boat caught many walleye on the north side of the hump size here continues to be large. Following these big old walleye around is not easy but they are fun to catch and hunt down.

Tuesday evening right after the storm the shallow waters from Elk to Walnut were hot with action. The 30 foot level contained walleye and smallmouth danced on the calm waters when hooked. The smallies have been found in the shallows fairly often. The evening was cut short with another nasty storm.

Action on Wednesday: The guys on the boat caught a good many large walleye and lots of perch

Perch: good north of trout run in 50 feet many boats limited today.

Yellow Perch schools are hiding but a few are being picked up yet

Fishing Conditions:
This is the hardest time I ever had with this section... one boat brought in a limit of walleye and said they were in 90' of water. (guessing I would say they must have been about 20 miles out of Walnut at a 030 heading on the compass)
Yellow Perch are a bit spotty after the storm but 50' of water off of Trout Run is still probably the best bet to start fishing.
Steelhead were picked up with "Stingers" straight off of Elk heading north through the trench and up onto the "hump".
Unless you are strictly hunting for meat ... just enjoy the day & the challenge of finding them.

CENTRAL ERIE COUNTY / WCO TOM EDWARDS

Weather Forecast:
Wednesday: A few clouds from time to time. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday night: A few clouds from time to time. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.
Thursday: Partly cloudy skies. High near 90F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday (24 hours): Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the upper 60s.
Friday (24 hours): Partial sunshine. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
Saturday (24 hours): Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.

EASTERN-ERIE/WESTERN-WARREN COUNTIES / WCO Mark T. Kerr
(814) 796-1378 [office]
(814) 673-4650 [cell]

Fishing Update
Unfortunately, due to fickle East & Northeast winds as well as rough lake conditions and cooler lake temperatures, catches have been slow in coming since about Tuesday of last week. As the weather and lake conditions begin to improve we�ll be sure to keep you updated.

Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake-The lake is still pretty warm right now with temps in the low 80's so fishing is still real slow. I have had reports that some anglers are picking up walleye trolling "hot-n-tots" at the 14' to 16' depth at the south end of the lake but after checking numerous boats I have not seen any fish besides Bass and Bluegills. That's not to say they are not catching them I just haven't seen them. If you are going to have any luck at all you are definitely going to have to go deep. Jamestown/ Turnersville boat ramp is closed as of yesterday the 29th of July and will remain closed for repairs for the next 6 to 8 weeks. The good news is Manning boat ramp is almost done and should be opening soon.

Conneaut Lake- Bass and Bluegills are still doing well here and are being caught regularly. work the back bays and weed beds for the most luck and go with lighter tackle for the Bluegills to have the most success. Early morning or late at night is still your best time do to boat traffic so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Bass:
Smallmouth fishing is still very productive in the bay as well as from the channel to six-mile CK.

Perch:
Water depth is still about 45-55 feet off of Seagull Point and east of 4-mile.

Walleye:
Fishing is fairly consistent in apx 65-75 ft of water due north of the Lighthouse.

Channel Cats:
Are being caught off of the S. Pier in the evening hours. One angler reported 9 hook-ups in one evening with some very good sizes.

EASTERN ERIE COUNTY / WCO MARK KERR

Lake Trout:
Being caught in 135' of water at a depth of 65' due North of North East Marina

Walleye:
In 103' of water at a depth of 40' between McCord's Point & Freeport and in 130' of water to the northeast of the marina. Both places report black & purple worm harnesses are the best lure choice.

Yellow Perch:
The 45' water depth off of Charlie's Boat Livery are producing perch. Walleye are also being landed in this area ranging from 18" to 21".

Smallmouth Bass:
The hotspot is 18' of water from McCord's Point west to the "Triple W's"

WESTERN ERIE COUNTY / DWCO RANDY LEIGHTON

Conditions:
Perch fishing continues to be good although catches vary from day to day. The type and availability of minnows continue to be a factor in catch numbers. The largest school of perch remains just west off of Walnut creek in 48 to 50' of water. Average sizes are 8 to 14" and many are tipping the scales over a pound. Walleye action has begun to peak with good number of steelhead being brought in along with the walleye. Several nice "kings" were brought into the Walnut Creek Access Area this past weekend. Trolling spoons for walleye will often net the bonus steelhead or King.

Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake- The lake is getting very warm now with the lack of any consistent rain and the very warm days so walleye are all but shut down right now. If you do manage to find one it is going to be deep and probably towards sundown before it will hit. If however you are just looking for some fun fishing or action for the kids I would suggest Carp at the spillway with dough balls, or Bluegills at just about any place around the lake. The best time with these guys will be had on light tackle and with small jigs, and who knows if you get enough of them you can have some pretty good eating.

Conneaut Lake-The warm weather has not affected Conneaut lake as bad as pymatuning because it is spring fed and so much deeper but it has slowed fishing down. Bass and bluegill are still the fish of the hour here and guys are telling me they are still hitting if you catch them at the right time. Early morning and late evening after boat traffic has died down will work. fish just about everything you have until you find what work then keep using it. The fish this time of year are getting real picky so you have to find what works. Small jigs tipped with some bait for the bluegills was the hot ticket this last week and spinner baits seemed to work for a few of the bass fishermen but they even said it was slow.

Perch have been best targeted northeast of the light house on Presque Isle and north west of Walnut Creek in 45 - 50' of water. Good Walleye action has been reported in 60 to 65' of water north of the light house and along the South edge of the first trench west of the Walnut Creek Access Area.

Local tip:
Can't promise this works, but several local perch anglers swear that a white trout worm (yes the kind seen on the tribs during Steelhead season) cut in half will make and excellent substitute for a live shiner on a perch rig. It also eliminates constantly rebaiting the hooks.

EASTERN-ERIE/WESTERN-WARREN COUNTIES
WCO MARK T. KERR� (814) 796-1378 [OFFICE] & (814) 673-4650 [CELL PHONE]

WALLEYE & STEELHEAD: Both are being taken due north & North-North-East of North East Marina in 105 through 130 feet of water. Walleye seem to be located in the upper-30 feet and Steelhead are approximately 45 through 50 feet down.
Anglers are doing well on black/purple worm harnesses with �crawlers�, purple �Crystalina� Plugs- fished 130� back with purple �divers�.

LAKE TROUT: Throughout East County waters in approximately 130� of water and fished at a depth of 75� down.

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Contacts & reports indicate that the Smallmouth action has exploded in that area from approximately Twelvemile through North East Marina and within � mile from shore.

PERCH: They're still present within East County; however, the activity has begun to drop-off. Anglers may wish to try their luck in that area immediately surrounding North East Marina and, additionally, from Eightmile (Shade�s Beach) east towards Fourmile & in the general location of the �cribs�.

LAKE STRATIFICATION: At present, East County lake stratification appears to be setting in at 48 to 53 feet. Take it for what it's worth and use it to whatever advantage you can.

Western Crawford County ... WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake-The lake continues to warm up this week with hot sunny days and no rain in sight, the water temp is ranging from high 70's to low 80's. This is unfortunate for walleye fishermen however the Carp fishing has become fantastic. Just about any where on the lake if you have a dough ball you can find a carp, especially around the spillway area. Bullheads and Channel cats are also picking up with a lot being caught from the handicap pier on the north end of the lake near Linesville marina. The key to fishing these guys are very late at night and using a good bait (chicken livers seem to be a favorite). Bass and Bluegill are still being caught around the lake at just about any place you find shore line structure, the best time being early in the morning or late in the day. Manning boat ramp is also currently closed and under construction so if that is you ramp of choice you will need to make other plans. They should be done in 5 to 7 weeks and will then be moving to Jamestown to do upgrades there.
Conneaut Lake- Bass are hitting well here also with largemouth's and Smallmouth being taken around most of the docks. and some have been getting lucky fishing the edges of the weed beds at the north end of the lake near our access ramp. A large rubber worm or lizard seems to be working well fished with a weight in front of it will work really well. I am told that a slow retrieval and allowing it to sink to the deeper water where the fish are seem to be the key. Early morning and late evening are also the key to having any luck here at all. White bass have been hitting well this last week also so you may hook into one of them as well. Bowfin are starting to pick up again as well with a few fishermen telling me they caught them, just remember they need to be immediately released to the water unharmed. They are a candidate species in Pennsylvania for the Threatened and Endangered Species List and need to be protected.

Pictured above Lori caught a nice 8.75 pound 29 inch walleye. Felt good to set her own line and fight this big fish from the depths. Just after the picture
was taken, Then it happen the rod just bent over and Lori held on.

The fish pulled side to side and up and down. Then this 12.25 pound 30.5 inch monster showed its colors. Walleye!!! and what a walleye it was. Hitting a watermelon harness was its down fall with Lori on the other end of the line. The slow forward drift/troll allows for some real walleye fighting. Don't let anybody tell you a walleye don't fight.

The family had a good day on the water with lots of good memories.
Lori had the touch setting her lines and caught most of the fish.

Water temp today was 73 degrees

The past week fishing was exciting with good catches of walleye and perch.

Each day a good many big perch made the cooler while walleye fishing. They just seem to be everywhere. Just some places have more. It's not unusual to end up with 15 to 40 perch in the cooler to go with the walleye for appetizers.

Most of the early week fishing was 5 miles north of the condos. The mid week blow just moved the fish north.

Ladder added to Walnut Creek Basin

Great boating weather the past week.

Yellow Perch & giant Walleye are making for the start of a great year on Lake Erie

Nice giant walleye.

Perch:
Perch fishing has slowed up lately, but there are still limits being taken east of Presque Isle in about 55 feet of water and due north at about the same depth.

Walleye:
The pack still seems to be due north of the lighthouse off of Presque Isle in about 60 feet of water and not too far away off of the condos.

Western Erie County / DWCO Randy Leighton
Conditions:
Perch action continues to dominate the area fishing news. Four and one-half miles due north of Trout Run in 48 feet of water is the most recent hot spot. Area bait shops have been doing their best to keep up with the demand for shiners. Most of the shops have been running out by mid-morning on the weekends. Fathead minnows are readily available and will work nearly as well. Large shiners can be cut in half or even thirds to increase your bait supply. The eyes from the perch you have caught also make great bait. Many anglers from out of town are bringing their own shiners.

Walleye:
Walleye action has been increasing daily with more fish being brought in from the trenches. Willowleafs and stinger spoons are hooking them. Lake Erie water temperatures have finally reached the high 70's. This should continue to activate the eastern Walleye migration to our area.

Several nice catches of Rock Bass and Catfish have been noted off "the wall" at the Walnut Creek Access Area.

EASTERN-ERIE/WESTERN-WARREN COUNTIES / WCO MARK T. KERR
PHONE: [OFFICE -- (814) 796-1378/ CELL -- (814) 673-4650]

INLAND BASS OPPORTUNITIES:
Eastern-Erie County offers some excellent inland Bass fishing opportunities for anglers wishing to ply their luck. Many of these areas have been reported in the past, however, it never hurts to refresh your memories from time to time.

SEIGEL MARSH (SGL 218)- Those impoundments located in the southwestern portion of the Game Lands [East of Barton and North of Turner Road(s); Greene Township] offer excellent habitat in the form of aquatic vegetation and flooded timber.
These impoundments are located on Game Lands. Therefore, access is walk-in-only and regulations prohibit the use of motors (including electric). Additional regulations regarding the use of watercraft on SGL impoundments may be acquired by calling the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Regional Law Enforcement Headquarters at (814) 432-3187.
Top water lures, tube jigs and live bait appear to produce the best results.

UNION CITY RESERVOIR (PFBC ACCESS AREA)- This reservoir is located off SR 6 (Union Township), approximately two miles East of the junction of SR(s) 6/8 (borough of Union City).
Recent angler contacts have shown the best areas of attack to be along the eastern shoreline and within the East Cove. The majority of harvests are occurring in less than eight feet of water. Additionally, most catches are within the 14- to 16-inch range (Large-mouth).
Rubber worms are still producing catches, however, I wouldn't hesitate in using your favorite lure or live bait of choice.
This access is governed under PFBC property regulations; additionally, as this impoundment is a domestic water supply reservoir, the use of motorized watercraft (including electric motors) is prohibited.

EATON RESERVOIR (BULL DAM) [PFBC ACCESS AREA]- This reservoir is located adjacent to Black Road and straddles both North East & Greenfield townships. Easy access may be obtained by traveling SR 89 until reaching the recently built race track (South of I-90/North of I-86), then travel east on Rich Hill Road until reaching the 'T' intersection (approximately two miles). At this intersection turn left, onto Black Road, and head north for approximately � mile; the reservoir will be immediately to your right.
Recent angler contacts have shown harvests to be light. Don't be fooled, however, this impoundment holds good numbers of bass- many in the four and one-half to five pound range.
This access is governed under PFBC property regulations. Electric motors ARE PERMITTED.

LEBOEUF CREEK- This waterway, from its headwaters at the Lake LeBoeuf outlet until its junction with French Creek, over three miles to the south, holds respectable numbers of Small-mouth Bass.
Access is best gained by use of a canoe with the prime launching point being at the SR 19 bridge (South of the SR(s) 19/97 split, located just outside the southern limits of Waterford borough). Retrieval is best accomplished at the SR 6 bridge, which is located along French Creek approximately two miles south of its junction with LeBoeuf Creek. All totaled, this canoe excursion is approximately six miles in length. Rapids, in general, are not a problem; however, this area holds numerous deep pools and 'strainers' are to be expected.

FRENCH CREEK- SOUTH BRANCH (Trout & Walleye):
Reviews of the 'Fisherie' discussion board (Northwestern PA) have shown angler requests for both Trout and Walleye information regarding the South Branch of French Creek. Hopefully this snipit will help address those requests.
Having its source northeast of Spartansburg, approximately two miles inside the Erie County line, the South Branch of French Creek has an overall westerly course which meanders just outside the Corry limits and through Union City before joining with French Creek (proper) a little over three miles west of the latter's location.
His stream is listed by the PFBC as 'Approved Trout Waters' and is stocked with PFBC trout for over 12 miles [Washington Street (west of Corry) through the Union-LeBoeuf Road bridge (west of Union City)].
Numerous choice spots exist for the trout enthusiast, even into the 'dog days' of Summer. Those sections of stream adjacent to Riley-Siding and O'Neil Road(s)- extending downstream through Blystone Road [Eastern limit of Union City], generally, keep cooler temperatures and contain good numbers of hold-over trout.
As for Walleye� well, there are a few still around-primarily in that area extending West from the Union-LeBoeuf Road bridge through the junction with French Creek and then upstream along the latter's course. My local sources, all who have been fishing that area since before I was around and some even before my father came to be, say that both Walleye and Muskellunge were much more prevalent (in the area of the South Branch/French Creek junction) a generation ago. Additionally, if you're looking for Walleye and the like, you may want to try along French Creek (both upstream/downstream of the Flatt Road) through it's junction with LeBoeuf creek and then downstream along the former through SR6. Good luck!!

LAKE ERIE WATERS (EAST COUNTY)�
WALLEYE:
Walleye are being taken in all areas surrounding North East Marina. Hook-ups are occurring in 105 feet of water, with the upper 30 feet being the target zone. Planer boards and big dipsies are working well.

STEELHEAD:
Harvests are occurring NNW of North East Marina in 105-110 feet of water and approximately 52 feet down. NK's and Stinger Spoons (black/purple & chrome/blue in color) are producing well.
BASS:
Bass are being taken from Freeport (Sixteenmile) and the "W's" in approximately 18 feet of water. Tube jigs and live bait are choice at this time.
LAKE TROUT:
Lake trout are being taken in East County in 110 feet of water at 55-60 feet down. Chrome colored spoons appear to be producing the best results.

Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell

The first three days of last week Steelhead were on the line each day.

The steelies could be found along the south side of the first trench.

Walleye catches have been averaging in size of 20 to 26 inches with an occasional one up to 31 inches.

The smallmouth still can be found near shore with the majority of the big ones now in deeper water on the west side of town. East side still good fishing close to shore.

Perch fishing is fast with many limit catches daily north of walnut creek 49 feet. Many boats are limited by 9:00 am

The numbers of perch caught eash day while walleye fishing has been record breaking with most being jumbo size perch.

Central Erie County / WCO Tom Edwards
Perch:
Fishing for perch is still fair to good from East Avenue to 6 Mile Creek with daily limits being taken. The South Pier is producing fair numbers of perch for the patient angler.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing east of Presque Isle seems to be running a little deeper than the western portion of the shore. Depth is ranging from 60 feet due north of the lighthouse to 110 feet north of North East.

Bass:
Bass fishing is still very productive in the bay, mainly toward the entrance to Presque Isle State Park.

WCO Mark Kerr / East Erie County
Perch are being taken in 45 to 55 feet of water from Archer's Field to McCord's Point. Shiners are in short supply although most reports indicate that fish are hungry enough to take fat heads.

Walleye are being caught in 75 feet of water from McCord's Point east through due north of North East Marina. The walleye are being taken in the upper 30 feet of water. Anglers are also doing well for Steelhead in the same areas at a depth of 50 feet.

Bass... Best bet is in the Freeport area in 12 to 30 feet of water. Tube jigs in chartreuse, pumpkinseed and silver bounced off the bottom are working. Hot n' Tot crank baits are doing well in the shallower depths with spinners working in areas where the fish have cover available.

estern Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake: The water is warming up and the fishing has slowed down somewhat, at least for walleye anglers. The warmwater species, however, have gone mad with Bluegill, Bass and Crappie hitting well. I've been having good luck fishing a night crawler under a bobber just about sundown. That's managed to keep a 5- and a 9-year-old entertained,. (For those of you who have kids, you know what I am talking about -- if they aren't hitting, they are not interested.) If you want to have fun, just use lighter tackle and an ultralight, pound for pound the Bluegill has to be the best fighting fish there is. Perch have been hitting along with nice size Crappies near the mouth to the new marina in Jamestown. The dam is now open as well and construction has been completed. However, the bad news is the Manning boat ramp will be closed starting July 8 so alternate ramp choices should be made.

Conneaut Lake: It appears that the dead carp have slowed down and things are returning to normal. Bass have been doing exceptionally well here with one angler telling me he caught the biggest bass he had ever caught in his life this last week on a tube jig. The edges of the weed beds and any available structures are the place you are going to have luck and just keep throwing lures at them till you find what works that day. Bluegill also are being caught in large numbers on the edges of the weed beds and especially around Heudikuper Bay. Small jigs under a bobber that are tipped with a piece of worm or maggot are what seem to be producing. Accidents also have gone through the roof in the last two weeks with three serious boat accidents. The most recent was a jet ski running over the head of another jetskier after he had fallen in the water. Luckily, he only recieved minor lacerations and refused treatment, but it could have been worse. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion as to what a reportable boat accident is. Guideline may be obtained by contacting any WCO, regional office or on our Fish and Boat web site at www.fish.pa.us

Perch:
Perch fishing has been slow during the last couple of days but we expect it to pick up again due to the current weather conditions. The packs have moved to 25-30' of water east of the Sunoco cribs. Packs are also forming in about the same depth just North of the lighthouse.

Walleye:
Walleye packs are forming for the first time this year. Latest checks of boats have shown them in 50' of water apx. 2 miles due north of the Lighthouse. Success has come in the form of downrigging and planer boards with some decent catches of big eyes.

Northern Pike:
Pike are still being taken in the bay, mainly by those fishing for smallies, topwater lures are working best.

Many boat accidents occur from not maintaining a proper lookout. While operating a boat be aware of your surroundings including the area of operation and of course the operation of other vessels around you. Don't be a statistic.

There will be a team of local Department of Health persons sampling Bullheads in Presque Isle Bay this week, results will be posted as they come in.

Western Erie County / WCO John Bowser & DWCO Randy Leighton

Fish Kills ... have been observed the entire length of the lake this month. Post spawning stress, rapid temperature changes, oxygen depletion from plant growth, and more recently, botulism. Patrols have noted a large number of Mud Puppies floating on the Eastern side of Lake Erie. Lake Erie Research Unit & the Erie County Health Department are investigating.

Yellow Perch & Smallmouth fishing have been phenomenal and the Walleye & Steelhead are being landed by boaters as well. Looks like a great summer ahead. Be sure to take the time to check your safety equipment before you go out after these tasty fish. It's a lot cheaper if you do it than if you come in off the water & an officer does.

Western Crawford County / WCO Joe Russell

Pymatuning Lake-The fishing has slowed quite a bit now with the lake warming up but the smart angler have taken to targeting the fish later in the day to have a little success. Bass (white and Smallmouth) have been doing really well off the causeway towards sunset and right after dark. Minnie's and worms seem to be doing really well. The fish for the weekend though was all the muskies that were caught around the Jamestown beach area trolling with large lures. One fisherman stated when checked that this was by far the best year he had ever had and if we wanted to see one we should wait around only a couple of minutes because he would have another that quick. Crappies and Bluegills are still doing good in the shallows especially around structure however if you want to have fun catching them think light tackle and rods. Don't forget as reported earlier the Manning boat ramp closes this week for upgrades and will be closed for 5 to 6 weeks and after that the Jamestown launch will be done, if you use these ramps usually you need to make alternate plans.

Also to give the thrill of the catch was a large catfish. 29 inch 10+ pounds.

This is a good time to night fish for the cats in the first hole on Elk Creek. Some huge cats come in thru the 4th .

Water temp 61 degrees

Thursday action was mostly the same with some nice fish caught. Soft shelled crayfish worked best. 15 to 25 feet was the hottest.

The lake was mostly flat all day. The larger female were beginning to show signs that the spawn was on.

Saturday the 22nd a post spawn bite was on. The morning was flat and the fish were biting. Here again soft shells worked great catching the big ones.

Late morning the breeze began making a great drift but it seemed to shut the fish down.

Noon the lake went flat and the bite was on until we quite.
Depth was 25 to 9 feet.
Water temp 65 degrees