Conditions:
Warmer temperatures have finally started to arrive and the snow is all but
gone. (Then we had a white out on Tuesday when the forecast was for 50
degrees with partly cloudy skies) Stream conditions continue to be good
although water levels have dropped slightly. The Walnut Project waters are
loaded now with fresh runs as are Elk and Crooked Creeks. The potential new
State Record Steelhead has caused quite a stir with anglers. Congratulations
to Corey on his fine catch. Reports have been received of good numbers of
steelhead being caught in Presque Isle Bay by unsuspecting panfish anglers.
Spectacular catches of crappie have been observed at Presque Isle just east
of the Stinkhole and in the Lagoons area. Try about 3/10th's of a mile past
the third parking lot entering Presque Isle Park & about 50 to 60 yards off
shore. Another crappie hot spot has been right in front of the canoe livery
in the lagoons past the Perry Monument. Good access can be made here either
by shore or small boat. Good catches of pike and some bass have been
reported in the shallow areas of the lagoons between the canoe livery and
Marina Bay. Perch fishing has been fair to good on the city side of the bay.What to use:
For Steelhead, stay with those small presentations as the tributary levels
begin to drop. Small shiners, live or salted, are excellent spring baits for
steelhead. Live shiners fished below a small bobber will work for the
crappie. Remember crappie will typically be in the shallows for spawning.
Crappie generally will suspend at this time of year and fishing the bottom
for them is not necessary. Opening day trout baits can include everything
imaginable including corn, cheese, Power nuggets, grubs, waxworms, red worms,
bits of nitecrawlers, and even marshmallows. Emerald shiners are the
favorite bait for the stocked Brown Trout in the tribs & Gravel Pit. Reminder:
The Fairview Gravel Pit pond is now closed to fishing until Saturday, April
14th at 8:00 am (Opening day of regular Trout season). Anglers boating for
their early spring catches are reminded that all boating regulations apply.
Wearable PFD's are required for all persons on board and it is recommended
that they be worn. All boats whether powered by electric motors or
unpowered… MUST be currently registered with the Pa. Fish & Boat Commission
to use these waters. Officers will be checking boats on these waters the
Opening Day of Trout so be certain that all required safety equipment is on
board and readily accessible. Little tolerance is given for infractions with
the dangers of cold water boating being so severe. Tourist Draw…
It is amazing how our local tribs are so well known. Issuing agents have
reported license sales to non-residents from Japan & South Africa. Officers
have noted vehicle registrations this weekend from Utah, Louisiana, Kansas,
Ontario, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, Colorado, &
Oregon. Add this to the high percentage of anglers from the I-79 Corridor
and the Southeastern portions of Pennsylvania and you have quite an influx of
money into the local economy. Respect our landowners…
Sportsmen are needed to set an example for others. Many of you already pick
up litter from the streams but we must increase our efforts. If you can carry
a trash bag in your pocket, offer its use to nearby anglers if it seems they
are getting a pile of litter starting to accumulate in their area. It will
let others know that we all have a stake in public access. As always,
violations can be reported to WCO Bowser at either his home (814-774-0928) or
cell phone (814-881-5657). Please provide as much information as possible…
i.e.: location, vehicle make, color, registration, time place, etc…) This
keeps the playing field fair for all anglers and will help eliminate the slob
behavior that closes lands to fishing. Walnut Access will open the office on
weekends starting the Opening Day of Trout Season. Their phone number is
814-833-2464.
WCO John W. Bowser
&
DWCO Randy Leighton
PA. Fish and Boat Commission
Western Erie County
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