Angler posing with over the limit of trout for a deputy
Ice conditions
Ice in the area is rapidly melting off again after a brief "refreeze" last
week. Most all of the tributaries are fully open with the exeption of some
remaining ice jams at the mouths. Loose ice has blown in along the lake
shore but some open water exists. Temperatures in the low 40s this week
should finish the meltdown for now. Fresh fish are beginning to move in
good numbers and if we do not get another severe drop in temperature this
week, we could have spectacular conditions this weekend.
Where to go.
Water levels have dropped somewhat on all the tribs and water clarity is
good. Good numbers of fresh fish have moved into Walnut and Crooked creeks.
Elk is holding good numbers although ice jams at the mouth may continue to
slow runs in that area. Try the tubes at Route 5 on Elk and Walnut, the
Manchester Hole and the Chutes area, and the upper hole at Legion park in
Girard. Most all of the pools anywhere along the tribs will be holding fish
in varying numbers. Open water can be found at the Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview and the stateline
ponds south of I-90 near the Ohio line for an alternative to Steelhead
fishing. Lake Pleasant will be stocked this week but rapidly deteriorating
ice conditions should have anglers using extreme caution before venturing out
on it. There are only a few very very brave souls walking the ice at Presque Isle. What to use:
Lower clear waters on the tribs dictate very small presentations and light
line. 4 lb test would be the ticket now. Single eggs, very small jigs, egg
sacks, small pieces of skein will work now. Small spinners, Cleos, and the
Powerbaits and eggs can work well on the Lake shore. Great Photo Op:
I had parked at foot of Trout Run to get some pictures of the shoreline
anglers and the Lake conditions for this report as two anglers were walking
off the beach dragging a mess of fish. I was in uniform and asked them if I
could photograph them with their catch for our report. They were more than
willing to cooperate. I suggested that they hold up the stringers so all the
fish would show in the photo. Looking through the lens I noticed a small
problem...they had one fish over the legal limit. One fellow was holding 2
and the other fellow was holding 5. Of course, the creel limit would be 3
fish each. I snapped several pictures asking them to keep the fish up and
spread out so everyone could see how many they caught. They were so
proud....grinning from ear to ear. After taking the pictures, I told the
fellows where they could find their trophy pictures on the Internet and then
advised them of the problem.....too many fish in the picture. The one
gentlemen acknowledged the violation immediately, accepted responsibility,
and was very cooperative while I wrote the paperwork and issued the citation.
I appreciated these fellows being good sports about their violation and
asking us to please use the pictures so their friends could see their catch.
Just a reminder that sometimes we get so caught up in the excitement of our
great fishery, that it can be easy to overlook an obvious violation. Randy Leighton
Deputy Water Conservation Officer,
PA. Fish and Boat Commission
West Erie County
Rglerie@aol.com
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