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October 3rd, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: The lack of any significant rainfall has left the Erie tributaries at extremely low levels inhibiting little to no upstream steelhead migration. Steelhead are holding at the lower areas of Walnut and Elk Creeks but have been difficult to catch given the conditions. Fishing has been good near the mouths and along the lakeshore at the mouths, although these areas have been extremely crowded. Significant numbers of fish have moved into Trout Run and many fish are holding close to shore in that area. Suffice it to say that yes, the steelhead are here with no where to go. If you plan to fish the access areas of Walnut and Elk Creek or along the shoreline at Trout and Godfrey runs, plan on making many new friends. Perch fishing is still good north of Walnut Creek with Walleye fishing on the decline. Forecasts through the weekend are calling for temperatures in the 80's with not a great chance of rain. Current lake Erie Water temperature as of this writing is still a warm 68 degrees. Current West County Tributary conditions are extremely low and clear with little to no flow as of this writing. Lampery Eels: One of this weeks picture shows our friend "Nick" proudly holding a lamprey eel that was accidentally caught along the shore at Trout Run. Lampreys are actually a fish that was first discovered in Lake Erie as early as 1921. They are one of the most ancient fish we know of dating back over 325 years since its discovery. they are typically 12 to 21 inches in length and will weigh an average of 8 to 13 ounces. Lamprey eels use their disc-shaped mouth, full of teeth, to bit onto fish. They make holes in the sides of their victims and feed on blood and body fluids. They can stay attached for hours, days, or even weeks on one fish. Large fish will most likely survive a lamprey attack with just a circular scar left on the fish's side. Small fish may die immediately from the attack or mat slowly die of infection. Lampreys can hatch over 100,000 eggs at at time. Fishing the Wall at the Walnut Creek Access: Anglers are again advised when fishing the Wall along the channel at the Walnut Creek Access, boaters coming in and out of the channel have the absolute right of way over angler's lines. Anger's are required to yield to the boaters by completing pulling their lines out of the water as the boats pass to avoid tangles in the boater's lower units and out drives. Anglers not yielding their line are subject to citation. Tangled lines can destroy out drive seals and in some cases cause thousands of dollars in damages. An angler causing such damage to a boaters outdrive can also be exposed to the cost of repairs. It should be considered that the Walnut Creek Marina Channel was designed as a pathway for boaters in and out of the Marina. The fishing opportunities along the Wall were a bi product of the original design. Although not a law, boaters exiting the channel are asked to sound there horns to alert anglers that a boat is coming throught the channel. Law Enforcement: With Steelhead season somewhat underway, officers have already been involved in a number of high profile cases included a number of individuals caught netting fish out of the Trout Run Nursery waters. Litter has been a problem especially along lower Elk Creek. Area officers will typically have a zero tolerance policy on any type of litter problems. Anglers are strongly encourage to always leave with everything the came with. New signage has been posted at the Walnut Creek Access area defining many of the regulations that apply to that area. Take a moment and read them, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Pennsylvania Steelhead Association Meeting Reminder: The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be holding their monthly meeting on Wednesday October 10th at the American Legion Post on West 12th street (route 5 near the Airport) at 7:00 PM. The public is welcome. Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Thursday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds less than 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Thursday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. East winds around 5 mph. Friday...Mostly sunny in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Warm with highs in the lower 80s. Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. Saturday...Mostly sunny and warm. Highs in the lower 80s. Saturday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. Sunday...Partly cloudy and continued warm. Highs in the lower 80s. Sunday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. Columbus Day...Partly sunny. Highs around 80. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
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