Walleye... have begun their migration from Western Basin to our area. Charter captains have been reporting "limiting out" and catches all around have been increasing. West of Walnut Creek Access in about 45-50' has been very productive especially in the Elk Creek area. As the lake temperatures warm further the walleye will head for the deeper water of the "trenches". The first trench is about 5 miles or so due north of Walnut Creek where the water deepens to 65-70'. Trolling with dipsy divers 150' to200' behind your boat is the most productive. The braided lines or "no stretch lines" work great for trolling. Double willowleaf worm harnesses in purple, chartreuse or watermelon are good choices for bait with 4 to 8' of 8 to 10 lb. mono leader behind the dipsy. Trolling speed should be kept at maximum of 2 mph. A common mistake is to set the dipsey too tight. You should be able to spring the dipsy with one or two good hook sets. A zigzag trolling pattern will cover more area faster until you are able to locate them. Remember, the limit is 6 per person with a minimum size of 15"and fish may not be filleted until they reach the point of consumption. As a general rule, an overcast condition with some surface chop is more productive then a sunny day with a flat surface. Be sure and check the wind and wave conditions if you are new to the Lake. ... rgl Lake Edinboro (Walleye alternative) Walleye fishing has been very good. Anglers have reported nice walleye in the 20"-24" range. Popular baits have been "Hot n Tots", minnows, and drifting single blade worm harnesses. A number of king-size Muskie have been reported in the shallow headwaters. Pan fishing has been great, although most are small.... (still fun for the kids). ...rgl Law enforcement... Officers continue to find boating safety violations & are taken seriously...especially when children are involved. Take a moment to review the PFBC boating handbook to assure that your vessel has the required safety equipment necessary for Lake Erie. Common violations have been insufficient number of PFD's and improper PFD's for children. PFDs come with size information based on a person's weight. A PFD designed to fit an adult may easily slip of a child in the water. All children 12 and under must wear a PFD on any boat under 20' while underway. Wearable PFD's are required on all boats for every person on board. Kayaks, pedal boats, and inflatable boats with capacity information are considered boats. PFD's must be in serviceable condition. This means that the floatation material must be in good shape with no leaks and no broken straps or buckles. PFD's must be easily accessible and removed from store packaging they came in. Other common violations include expired visual distress signals (flares). Visual distress signals have expiration dates and normally have a shelf life of 3 years from when they are new. Always check the date even when purchasing new ones. Fire extinguishers should be checked frequently to be sure they have not discharged. Extinguishers should be mounted and easily accessible. ...rgl Walnut Creek Garden / Wall Project… Your chance to be a part of Fishing & Boating "History". A beautiful memorial wall is to be constructed on the grounds of the Community Garden Project adjacent to the boat launch area. For years, Walnut Access & Marina has been a source of pleasure to thousands. Granite paving blocks (engraved as you wish) are being sold to raise funds for continued improvements & beautification of the access. This is a great way to show yourself as a "lover of the lake", commemorate a loved one, remember a favorite pet that used to enjoy retrieving sticks along the shore, or leave your boat's name for future generations. Sales have been brisk and have included local Bait & Tackle Stores, businesses, neighbors from the community, dotcom fishing sites, and Sportsmen Clubs. I got one in memory of my father who passed away 4 years ago. As soon as he would arrive to my house from Pittsburgh on a visit, he would always drag me down to the access (even though I may had just spent the last 10 hours there working) to sit around on the benches swapping fishing tales. This block was my way of showing gratitude for him introducing me to the great outdoors as a child. He would have enjoyed the thought of having his name placed in one of his favorite locations. Order forms are available at the Walnut Access Area Lobby. …. jwb DWCO Randy Leighton … Western Erie County Rglerie@aol.com & WCO John Bowser ... Western Erie County jwb014@aol.com
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