WCO Report for Erie and Crawford County 10/31//01: Erie area, PA,
Fishing Report Posted: November 01, 2001

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[ Lake Erie & Tributaries Fishing Report ]

Posted by WCO John Bowser on November 01, 2001 at 07:20:32:

Western Erie County:
WCO John W. Bowser & DWCO Randy G. Leighton
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Steelhead
Steelhead fishing is good to excellent, especially near the Walnut and Elk Creek access areas. Though crowds are exceptionally large this year, anglers are being quite cooperative. Elbow to elbow is the norm on both sides of Elk Creek from the access area to the lake, as well as along the Walnut Project Waters and the Manchester hole. The trib levels are up enough for fish to move in good numbers thanks to the recent rain and snow. Anglers can find less pressure near the railroad tubes at Walnut and Elk Creeks. The areas in Girard near the Boro Park and Legion Park are now also worth a try. A variety of presentations are working, but generally egg sacks, single eggs, minnows and the powerbaits do well depending on water clarity. The marina at Trout Run is producing fish and offers shelter from the cold weather as well as hot food and beverages.

Walnut Basin
*** The Walnut Basin at the Walnut Access area will be open to fishing Friday, Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m. *** The boat slip docks will be in for a short time yet, but they are always off limit to anglers to fish from.

Alternative fishing
There is great crappie fishing along the North Pier of the Erie Channel and near the dock areas in Marina Bay with shiners being the bait of choice. Presque Isle Bay is the spot for good-size perch. Be sure to have all safety equipment on board if boating and wear a PFD -- especially since the Lake Erie water temperature has dropped to the low 50s.

Law enforcement
With the large crowds, officers continue to find many violations. Snagging and foul hooking, over the limit, and litter have been the most prevalent and litter remains a problem at the Walnut Access Area. Be sure to police your area when you leave, especially around your vehicle.

Food Vendors at Walnut Creek Access
A refreshment trailer is currently in operation at the Walnut Access Area's south parking lot near the small wooded area with a second coming within the next few days. A variety of sandwiches, soft drinks and coffee are available. The vendors are operating on an experimental basis -- any additional litter generated from this service will jeopardize the future & convenience this service offers anglers.

...................................................................................................................
Western Crawford County ...
WCO Joe Russell
Pa. Fish & Boat Commission

Pymatuning Lake- Walleye are still being caught by anglers on the very
southern end of the lake however some anglers seem to be having better luck
than others. Several of the anglers that I talked to did not catch anything
all day long but the two boats right after them each had fish. I guess
that's why they call it fishing and not catching. I also saw some nice
crappies taken tonight by guys fishing the South end near the dam they were
8 to 12 inch range. I spoke with both Reeses bait shop on 58 east of
Jamestown and Poffs bait shop on 285 at the causeway and they both assured
me they have plenty of minnows for everyone. I also spoke with Richters bait
today and they will be rebuilding and open for business by spring.

Shenango River Headwaters- out flow to the lake has been yielding some
smaller fish this week and guys are having fun with smaller rigs or fly
rods. Fishermen are reminded though the stone area at the low head dam is
illegal to fish from and they should not be down there.

Conneaut Lake- I have not seen any fishing pressure on Conneaut this week to
be able to ask guys what or where they have been catching fish. They are
either fishing while I am off duty (I am never off duty if you ask my wife.)
or just not there so if you want someplace to try that you won't have crowds
definitely check this lake out.






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