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WESTERN ERIE COUNTY / DWCO Randy Leighton & WCO John Bowser Steelhead
Steelhead fishing is still and should continue to be good to excellent for a while. It does not appear that we are going to have the "Erie freeze" any time soon. Mild weather and little precipitation has contributed to exceptionally low and clear water levels. Fish are still stacked heavily in the lower stretches of the tribs. This is especially true at the Manchester Hole where dorsal and tail fins can be seen from the bridge. These conditions make accidental foul hooks common and at times, unavoidable. A foul hooked fish must be immediately released unharmed. Taking time to take pictures of a foul hooked fish, over handling, or over playing can kill the fish and place one in jeopardy of a violation. Placing a foul hooked fish on one's stringer carries a fine of $111.50 and makes for an expensive day of angling. The low clear conditions make catching steelhead a real challenge. Fluorocarbon lines in 4 lb. and even 2 lb. are a necessity to keep from spooking the fish. Micro presentations of single eggs, egg yarn patterns, and micro jigs can work along with a variety of small wet flies. A natural drift is most important. The crowds will always gather where the fish can be seen, however if the angler can see the fish, the fish can see the angler and are easily spooked. The better choice may be to find a less crowded spot. You may not see as many fish but you chances of a strike are better. Dressing in subtle colors or camo can be helpful so the angler looks akin to the natural surroundings that are familiar to the fish. When the water is so low and clear, fluorescent orange and other bright colors can be a hindrance to getting strikes. Law Enforcement
The mild weather continues to allow large numbers of anglers to try their luck. Crowds are still strong on the weekends especially at the Access areas at Elk and Walnut and weather permitting, at the Trout Run shoreline. Officers continue to find violations. A good number of poachers both netting and snagging fish have been caught over the last few weeks with most of these individuals being apprehended late at night. (This is one of the reasons that officers may not be visible during the day) The food concession at the Walnut Creek Access has been quite successful without any noticeable increase in litter violations. This will be considered in their return next year. Walnut Access Office
The Walnut Access Area office building and restrooms are now under winter hours. The building is open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays only from 7:00 AM. until 5:30 PM. December 23rd will be the last day the building will be open until next spring. The portable facilities will remain available throughout the winter months.
Walnut Creek Access office personnel Bev and Marylyn will be returning next spring and wish our readers a safe and happy holiday. We thank them for their terrific support throughout this past season. One more reminder
2002 Fishing licenses are now available and make great Holiday gifts. That first license or a senior license are especially nice. The PFBC has many useful publications and posters suitable for framing that are available at the Walnut Creek office as well as on the PFBC website. Come to the Career Fair to find out what employment opportunities may exist for you. Attending agencies include Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, Pennsylvania State Police, and Transportation.
When: December 19, 2001 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Fish and Boat Commission 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg - Off-State Farm Road Catch & Release - A much higher percentage of fish that are hooked deeply survive when the hook is left in and the line cut compared to those where a deep hook is removed. In the few scientific studies where the fate of hooks that were left in fish released by anglers were tracked, it has been learned that hooks were eventually shed by the fish or surrounded by new tissue. One study found that rainbow trout shed hooks in about 40 days. The study of 200 hundred trout released without removal of hooks 66 percent survived, of the 200 where the hook was removed 11.5 percent survived. (from the PFBC Webpage) Crappies ... fishing has been good off of Dock #1 in Marina Lake (Presque Isle Park) Minnows are the best bait fished right next to the dock about 4' below the bobber.
WESTERN CRAWFORD COUNTY / WCO Joe Russell
Pymatuning Lake - The colder weather has started to cool the lake down but it
is still in the mid 40's and Walleye are still being caught. The recent
rains we had didn't slow the boaters either and numerous boats have been
fishing the South end by the dam and jigging sonar still seems to be
working. Fishermen have been wading quite frequently at the North end and
are still doing well red cross area seems to be the hot area right now. Conneaut Lake - No fishermen or boaters were observed on the lake this week
so I cant report on any activity. I find it hard to believe they are not
biting here though and this lake continues to be very underfished.
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