Angling Report
Heavy rains over the past few weeks have brought additional fish into the
tributary streams in large numbers. Early season Steelhead action has been
spectacular and some of the best we've seen in a recent years. The fish
hitting the streams this year are well fed and large and healthy. Numerous
fish are being caught in excess of 15# and limits of 10# plus fish are not
uncommon. Night crawlers have been the bait of choice in the stained water
if you are after the big ones. Although crowded conditions can test one's
patience, courtesy and cooperation has been excellent. Anglers are to be
commended the many stories surfacing of clearing the way for youngsters to
land their first huge trout are heartwarming. If you choose to fish with the
crowds instead of the more open upstream waters, be tolerant with the
inexperienced anglers….Remember we were all new to this at one time. The Walnut Creek Project Waters are a major success holding large numbers
of fish and attracting the heaviest concentrations of anglers. Weekend crowds
are running from 250 to 600 anglers from the mouth to the Manchester Bridge
while weekday anglers are averaging 70 to 100. Currently the fish are as far
as Millfair Road.
Elk Creek has had some runs take place relieving some of the fishing pressure
at Walnut. Current reports have the fish just starting to appear at Rt. 98
though still in small numbers. Casting from shore at Trout Run is producing spectacular results when the
lake is calm although conditions can be crowded at times. Anglers must be 50
yards from the mouth from 10 PM until 5 AM. The Avonia Marina at the mouth
of Trout Run is now open to fishing for those that would like a place to warm
up occasionally or have a hot drink. The Marina is a good place to take
small children and has good handicapped access. The Nursery Waters are loaded
with fish and a worthwhile day trip to show the kids. Crooked & Raccoon Creeks are still pretty well empty of fish. Twenty, Sixteen, Twelve, & Four Mile Creeks all have fish present with Twenty
Mile having the heaviest concentrations. Walleye have essentially disappeared but Yellow Perch fishing may still be
good at times as lake conditions permit. It will be scattered and slowly wind
down as the lake temperatures drop. Trolling the mouths along the shoreline
continues to produce steelhead. Be sure to check wind and weather reports
before venturing out on the lake...conditions can change quickly this time of
year. As water temperatures begin to drop, the need to have PFDs worn and
required safety equipment readily accessible increases. Know the Law...
...Boats coming in and out of the channel have the absolute right of way and
anglers "must" pull their lines out of the way of boat traffic.
...The Stop Sign at the entrance to Walnut Creek Access continues to be a
problem with 4 accidents occurring in the past week and several near misses
with pedestrians. With increased angler foot traffic in this area including
large numbers of youngsters, a full and complete stop is necessary to insure
safety.
...With thousands of people coming through the access area, litter can be a
real problem. Law enforcement officers will continue to have a zero
tolerance policy regarding litter and fines can be costly. Trash left by
others reflect on all participants of the sport. Picking up a little extra
trash will make you feel good about yourself & provide a great example to
others. Fish may be cleaned as long as the head and tail remain intact and
the entrails are bagged and properly disposed of. Negligent discard of fish
entrails may be viewed as a littering violation.
... Open fires, cooking, or camping are not permitted on Commission property
... Fires are not permitted anywhere without express landowner permission.
... The limit for Steelhead trout, Coho, Brown trout, and Lake trout is 3
combined species per calendar day, only 2 of which can be Lake Trout.
Minimum size is 15" Cleaning Stations ... Fish with a minimum size limit cannot be filleted until
they reach the point of consumption or unless they are done by a licensed
cleaning station. Poor Richard's Bait on the West side of town is now a
licensed and on the East side, The Last Fisherman can prepare your catch.
These authorized fish cleaning stations can clean up to 3 fish per day per
angler for a nominal charge. WCO Trainee Job Openings ... Applications for a qualifying examination for a
Waterways Conservation Officer Trainee position with the Pa. Fish & Boat
Commission are now available through your local Pa. Job Service Office
through October 20th. Application forms, & further information may also be
obtained by calling the State Civil Service Commission Office in Pittsburgh @
412-565-7666. Successful candidates must pass written, oral and physical
evaluations. Before candidates are assigned the duties of Waterways
Conservation Officer, they must complete an extensive 52-week training
program beginning with 20 weeks of instruction in law enforcement principles,
followed by 18 weeks of classroom training by the Commission at the H. R.
Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety and 14
weeks of supervised field experience. Information on the examination is also
available on their website @ http://www.scsc.state.pa.us
E-Mail Addresses ... specific questions on Erie Regulations or information
on illegal activities may be sent to either WCO John Bowser (jwb014@aol.com)
or DWCO Randy Leighton (RGLerie@aol.com) Randy G Leighton
Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer
Western Erie County
|