WCO Report for Erie County 12/29/2010: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: December 29, 2010

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on December 29, 2010 at 08:18:06:

December 19th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:

Cold temperatures continue to strengthen the already formed ice on most of the areas waters although there are still areas of unstable ice. Presque Isle Bay remains ice covered with reports on thickness from 4" to 6". Some areas in the center of the Bay remain thin and there is still slush in some areas. Anglers are reminded that the heavy snow cover can make ice thickness deceiving and caution is still advised. Anglers coming off the Bay this past weekend reported moderate catches of perch although bluegills and smelt seemed to be plentiful. There were no complaints though; just being able to finally do a little hardwater fishing seemed to be enough to bring out the smiles.
Anglers have had some success targeting steelhead through the ice at the Walnut Creek Basin and in the channel just outside the basin. Broken drift ice has built up along the Lake Erie shoreline. This ice is not solid or stable and should be considered unsafe. The Manchester hole although mostly ice covered, still has open water in the center. Fast flowing water under the ice in this area is a recipe for danger.

A few anglers found good ice fishing at the Upper Gravel Pit pond in Fairview this past weekend bringing in a few nice perch and a a few leftover stockies. Shiners were the ticket. The Gravel Pit pond is somewhat sheltered from the high winds that often blow on Presque Isle Bay and can be a good place for those without a portable ice shanty. The Gravel pit, although not a large body of water, is quite deep. Be sure to check ice thickness carefully.

Ice Fishing Recap: It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups, or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no more than three hooks attached to each line. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods, or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On Fish & Boat Commission lakes, shelters, or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The PA Steelhead Association will have their monthly meeting Wednesday January 12th at 7:00 PM. at the American Legion Post on Route 5 just East of the Airport. Your support at this meeting is appreciated and as always, the public is welcome.

Don't Forget:
2011 Fishing licenses are to be displayed on an outer garment when fishing effective January 1st, 2011.

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.

Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle..
Don't Miss It!

The annual Elk Valley Sportsmen Reverse Raffle is just around the corner. Your ticket gives you a chance at the $1,500 Main Prize, dinner, drinks, music, games of chance, & dancing. It is being held on Feb. 19th @ St. John's Social Hall / Girard with Happy Hour starting at 5:30 ... Dinner @ 7:00 ... Dancing from 9:00 to Midnight. At a bargain price of $60.00/couple, it is one of the best buys out there. Your ticket for two covers dinner, entertainment, and all legal beverages. This is the only Fund Raiser held by the Elk Valley Sportsmen Club for the year. This helps to fund the Annual Kid's Fishing Derby & improvements at the Girard Boro Pond as well as Turkey Feeding, Hunter's Safety Courses, and many other community projects. Tickets are available at McDonald's Meats on Route 20 in Girard (near the Overlake Golf Course) or by calling Lee Weaver at 922-3412 (area code 814 if needed) or any Club Officer. This is the sportsmen's social event of the season in Northwest Erie County. Tickets are limited to 200 couples so get yours now !!


Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday...Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain or freezing rain in the morning. Highs in the upper 30s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

Thursday Night...Cloudy. Patchy fog after midnight. Not as cold with lows in the upper 20s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday...Cloudy. Areas of fog. Highs in the mid 40s.

Friday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the mid 30s.

New Years Day...Rain showers likely. Highs in the upper 40s. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain or snow in the evening...then a chance of snow showers after midnight. Colder with lows in the mid 20s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.

Sunday...Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Much cooler with highs in the lower 30s.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 20.

Monday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s.

Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s.




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