Conditions:
Ice fishing is still the story with Presque Isle Bay still the hot spot for
jumbo perch. Ice huts numbering in the hundreds have been seen on the
weekends. Reports indicate activity is still good for large bluegill and
some crappie as well. Shiners are still the bait of choice. The Stateline
ponds, just south of I-90 at the Ohio border, have been producing bluegill
and crappie. As conditions permit, a lot of anglers have been ice fishing the Walnut Creek
boat basin. Steelhead action there has been moderate to good. Again shiners
are the top choice along with artificial jigs tipped with waxworms or grubs.
The basin is still ice covered however extreme caution should be
excercised. The Walnut project waters, the Manchester hole and areas of
lower Elk have opened up for now. Water is fast moving and ice jams have
begun to form at the mouths. Fishing these areas should be confined to the
shore for now. WCO Joe Russel from south Erie county informs us that Northern Pike have been
caught on Conneaut Lake. Walleye and Crappie fishing has been good on
Pymatuning Lake off the Orchard boat launch area. Sonar jigs, live minnows
and Cicada jigging blades are producing good catches. Good numbers of perch
and crappie have been pulled through the ice at Crystal Lake as well.
With daily temperatures hovering above the freezing mark, the shore line
has opened up at Trout Run. Activity there has been fair to good, although
open water is limited. Fish are still stacked up in the Trout Run nursery
waters which is usually a good indicator for a good spring run at Elk and
Walnut Creeks. Caution:
Recent rains, moving water, and above freezing temperatures have made ice
conditions unstable in many areas. Although temperatures around 32 degrees
are precicted over the next week, it typically takes a week of temperatures
in the teens to "recure" the ice. Fast water and moving ice on the creeks
can be treacherous. Extreme caution and care should exercised and dont
forget a PFD. If there is any doubt, stay on shore..... Anglers have been observed ice fishing the lake outside the channel at Walnut
Creek. This activity is not recommended and the Lake ice should be
considered unstable particularly in light of recent weather trends. Safety:
Brutal winds on Presque Isle Bay and frigid temperatures, combined with damp
clothing can make Hypothermia a reality. Hypothermia occurs when your body
temperature drops below 96° F. Anyone who is exposed to severe cold without
enough protection can develop hypothermia. Older people may not notice the
cold as easily and can develop hypothermia even after exposure to mild cold.
Damp clothing and low wind-chill factors increase risk. Certain medications,
medical conditions or the consumption of alcohol can also make people more
susceptible to the cold. The symptoms of Hypothermia include slow or irregular speech, shallow or very
slow breathing, fatigue, confusion, slow pulse, weakness or drowsiness,
shivering, cold or or pale skin. If Hypothermia is suspected, professional
help should be obtained immediately. Use caution and dress appropriately. Randy Leighton
Deputy Water Conservation Officer,
PA. Fish and Boat Commission
West Erie County
Rglerie@aol.com
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