March 3rd, 2010
West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton
Note: There will be no DWCO report for March 9th and March 16th. Reports will resume on March 23rd
Conditions:
Area temperatures have melted off some ice. There is are fishable areas of open water on Elk and Walnut Creeks in the upper areas as well as part of the Project waters and the Manchester Hole. Reports from the tribs have been varied, however there seems to be enough fish to keep anglers busy. Fishing pressure on the tribs is very light for now and if elbow room is what you want, now is the time. Most of the fish have been in the tribs for a while, and are weather worn, with fresh fish numbers low. Anglers on the tribs have been having the best success with eggs and egg patterns as well as shiners and streamer patterns.
Presque Isle bay was busy this past weekend with a good number of anglers out enjoying overcast, but generally good ice fishing weather. The largest crowds were fishing off the second, and third parking lots on Presque Isle and north and northwest of Dobbins landing. The pan fish were biting and a number of limits were observed. Shiners were the most popular bait although the most successful anglers were trying a variety of baits from tipped jigs to micro blade jigs. Ice Advisor
With daily temperatures hovering above the freezing mark and near 40 degrees predicted later this week, ice anglers should be using caution. Actual hard ice on Presque Isle Bay has varied anywhere from 7 to 12" with a layer of frozen snow and slush, but the gradual increase in ambient temperatures can thin the ice out in a short time. This crusted layer on top can make the actual ice thickness deceiving. Be careful. Fly Fishing Workshop:
Folly's End Fly Shop and the Erie Casting Club will be holding a steelhead workshop on March 6th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Presque Isle Quality Inn, 6467 Sterrettania Road. Registration is $15.00 with the class being limited to 40 students.For reservations and more information call (814) 474-5730
SONS of Lake Erie Ice Out Party:
The S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie's annual "Ice Out Party will be held on Sunday, March 28th, 2010 at the Cauley Memorial Auditorium, 215 East 4th Street, Erie, PA from 1P.M. until 5:30 P.M. For more information on this great family event call (814) 453-2270 or email sonslakeri@aol.com Support Your Local Sportsmens' Clubs:
The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be holding their next meeting at 7 P.M. Wednesday March 10th, 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. Private Property Reminder
Anglers must understand that if they are not on public property they are at the mercy of the landowner and must adhere to their wishes. Some landowners keep their property open to anglers or keep certain portions of their property open to anglers. You are the guests of these landowners. If you as an angler see posted property, ask permission or stay to the opposite side of the stream if it is allowable. If you are fishing and the land owner comes out and asks you to fish on the other bank or to please move down stream, do so, and indicate that you were not aware of some of these local rules. Bad attitudes, verbal confrontations and litter are prime reasons that were are losing tributary access. PFBC Basic Boating Class:
Area officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will be conducting Basic Boating classes in March. These comprehensive, 8 hour classes are designed for the novice boater or boater to be, as well as the experienced boater who would like to refresh his knowledge and is especially recommended for the new boater and their families. The class covers basic boating safety, boating laws and regulations, and equipment. Successful completion of the course qualifies the individual for a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate (card). There is no charge for the course or materials, although registration is required. Upon successful completion of the course , the Agency will require a processing fee for your Basic Boating Safety Card if one is desired. The first class will be held on March 10th and 11th from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening at the
Tom Ridge Environmental Center , Room 112. For more information and registration contact Chad Foster at chfoster@state.pa.us or 814-683-5126. The second class will be held on March 27th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Dan Cliff Hose Co., 4th and High Street, Waterford, PA. For more information and registration for this class contact WCO Jim Smolko at jsmolko@state.pa.us or leave a message at 814-572-0078. For additional boating classes around the area go to Boating Courses Who Needs a Boating Safety Certificate:
Boating Safety Certificates (Actually a plastic card) are required for anyone operating a personal water craft (jet ski) and anyone born on or after January 1st 1982 operating a boat powered by motors greater than 25 Horsepower.
Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo: The 26th annual Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held March 5th through March 7th at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center along the Erie bay front just west of Dobbins landing. Hours are Noon to 8:00 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. With 25 years under its belt, this expo has developed into the definitive cabin fever event for area hunters and anglers. The expo is a fabulous mix of the latest in hunting and fishing information and gear blended with exhibits by local clubs, bait shops and sport and travel stores and outfitters from around the globe. Great buys, informative demonstrations, and noted guest speaker clinics round out the expo. Area PFBC officers and representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as always, will be on hand through out the weekend to answer questions and listen to your comments. Tickets are 7.00 each and parking is free. See you there..... For more information go to Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Cloudy. Lows around 18. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night...Partly cloudy in the evening...then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows around 17. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Friday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s. Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows around 20. Saturday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s. Saturday Night...Partly cloudy in the evening...then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Sunday...Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs around 40. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow and rain showers. Lows in the lower 30s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent. Monday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs in the mid 40s. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow and rain showers. Lows in the upper 20s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent. Tuesday...A chance of snow showers in the morning. Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 40s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
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