WCO John W. Bowser & DWCO Randy Leighton …Western Erie County
Jwb014@aol.com & Rglerie@aol.com A great steelhead season
We can just about say good bye to what was arguably the best steelhead season
in years. Anglers will be swapping tales for many years about the 2000/2001
steelhead season. Two state records and countless numbers of steeled caught
this year truly demonstrated the world class fishing that Erie has to offer.
Water temperatures are warming and the tribs are full of spawning bass,
suckers and carp. If you like stream fishing, Elk and Walnut can provide
good small mouth action through out the spring and summer. One individual
was observed last weekend dragging in a 25 plus pound carp off the wall at
the Walnut access. Anglers are to be commended for their efforts in assisting
officers this past season and in doing their part to keep our area clean. What's hot
Bass anglers have been having a field day at Presque Isle both from the
shore and by boat. Both large and smallmouth bass have been turning on and
providing plenty of action. Current bass creel limit for Lake Erie and the
tributaries and Presque Isle is (1) fish with a minimum length of 20
inches. Regular bass season begins June 16th at 12:01 am. Hot spots for
bass have been Misery Bay and along the shoreline on the North side of the
bay near the entrance to Marina Bay. Spinnerbaits, live shiners,and salted
tube jigs in pumpkin seed, black, brown, and white will work well.
Smallmouth bass have been hitting in about 25' of water off shore from
International Paper. Bouncing salted tube jigs off the bottom on a lead head
jig or Carolina rig will work well in the Lake. Pan fish and some bass are
being caught at the stateline ponds just south of Interstate 90 near the Ohio
line. Perch action off the North pier has been hit or miss with early
evening being the best time. Perch are schooling off Seagull Point at about
40' and off Conneaut at about 48'
Night time walleye fishing is in full swing now along the shoreline with
anglers doing quite well at times. The key here is dead silence and no
light. Full moon conditions are not as productive as total darkness.
Fishing from the jetties or standing on shore works better than actually
wading in the lake. Floating Rapellas in the 6 to 8 inch range are the
ticket. Trout and perch patterns are popular along with the gold and silver
colors. 6 lb. test is light enough to prevent "spooking". Cast as far as
you can and allow the lure to rest on the water giving it an occasional
subtle twitch. The strikes are generally hard. Try west of the Walnut
channel in front of the East parking lot and at Trout Run. Lake water levels
Lake water levels are still extremely low and boaters should use caution.
The North side of Presque Isle Bay (the Park side) remains very shallow
particularly at the West end. Anglers have been observed wading in the Bay
several hundred yards off shore from the Park. Waders venturing this far
should make themselve visible to boaters with bright clothing or better yet
and an orange PFD. Misery Bay at the East end near the entrance to
Horseshoe Pond, has some very shallow areas with rocks just under the
surface. Walnut Access
The docks are in at the Walnut Marina which means the Marina is now closed to
fishing per regulations. The channel at Walnut has been dredged and should
be in good shape. A reminder that boat entering and exiting the Walnut
channel have the right of way over angler lines. The office at the Walnut
Access will be staffed full time throughout the day and evening now through
out the fall. The office can provide information on weather and conditions,
fishing licenses, ice, PFBC publications, literature, and restroom facilities PFBC Basic Boating Course
There are still openings for what will probably be one of the last free
courses offered before the start of the boating season. This is a great
introductory course for the novice and a good refresher for the experienced
boater. A certificate obtained from this course is required to operate a
Personal Watercraft (Jetski). Registration is done by calling 814-774-0928
and leaving your name, call back phone #, and the number of people that will
be attending. The course is being held May 21st & 22nd from 6 PM to 10 PM at
the Elk Creek Sportsmen Club in Lake City, Pa. Randy Leighton
Deputy Water Conservation Officer,
PA. Fish and Boat Commission
West Erie County
Rglerie@aol.com
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