December 2nd, 2009 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Although the the weekend brought rain and sleet to the dismay of opening day hunters, steelhead anglers finally got a much needed rise in the trib levesl. Although we had significant rain, the trib levesl dropped down quickly with the long dry conditions we've had. The rain was enough to likely spur additional upstream movement and likely brought additional fish in from the lake. Additional precipitation is in the forecast perhaps bringing better fishing this weekend. A few good blankets of snow will also help keep the tribs up...and yes its in the forecastl. With the regular deer season upon us, and the less than favorable conditions, angling pressure has not been heavy with plenty of elbow room throughout most areas. The bottom line is, there are plenty of fish to be caught...its just a bit more effort and patience to trigger the strikes. Current west county tributary conditions as of late Tuesday afternoon were up some, with some color and flow. Walnut Creek Access Office Hours: The Walnut Creek Access office will be open from 430 PM to 1000 PM this Friday and from 700 PM to 530 PM on Saturday and Sunday the 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, and the 19th with the 20th of December being the last day open for the season. The office typically reopens the weekend before the opening of the regular trout season in April. The Walnut Creek Office Staff thanks you for a great season and wishes everyone a save and happy Holiday season. Support Your Local Sportsmens' Clubs: The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be holding their next meeting at 7 P.M. Wednesday December 9th, at the American Legion Post 773 at 4109 West 12th Street in Erie. This is on the south side of West 12th Street (State Route 5), just east of the Erie Airport. The public is welcome. Winter wading tips: 1) Felt bottom waders work well on ice and slippery trib beds, but snow will cling to them 2) A wading staff can assist even the most nimble footed angler in fast water. A wading staff can also be used to assist a fallen angler. 4) Snug fitting (neoprene) waders are normally warmer and are not prone to filling up with water in the event of a fall. A wading belt should always be worn with loose fitting waders. 5) Standing in ice water for hours can really numb the legs more than is felt making it difficult to walk. Take frequent warm up breaks and keep the hot beverages handy. 6) Winter angling along the tribs, especially in the more remote areas can be dangerous. Buddy fishing is always a good idea and always let someone at home know where you are going and when you plan to return. 7) If you do fall in fast moving water, try to position yourself with your feet downstream, spread your arms to keep you head above water, and ride it out till you gain firm footing. In most cases the ride will be short and you can get out of the water quickly to avoid hypothermia Simple Method for Curing Skein at Home: Thursday...Cloudy and breezy with a chance of showers. A chance of snow showers by late afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. West winds 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Thursday Night...Snow showers likely. Colder with lows around 30. West winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent. Friday...Snow showers likely. Cooler with highs in the mid 30s. Chance of snow 70 percent. Friday Night...Snow showers likely. Lows in the mid 20s. Chance of snow 70 percent. Saturday...Snow showers likely. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of snow 70 percent. Saturday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the upper 20s. Sunday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the lower 30s. Sunday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 30. Monday...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the lower 30s. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent. |
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