WCO Weekly Fishing Report
June 13, 2001
WCO John Bowser & DWCO Randy Leighton -
Western Erie County
Yellow Perch…
These continue to be the newsworthy fish of the week. Officers don't recall
ever seeing so many "Jumbos" as this year. Checks at the Walnut Creek Boat
Ramps found many over 15" with at least a ½ dozen hitting the 16 "+ mark.
Hotspot seems to be in the 44' to 52' depth between Walnut Creek & Trout Run.
Emerald Shiners are the best bait fished by bouncing them off the bottom.
Although early morning trips seem to yield the highest numbers in the
bucket… late afternoon & evening angler are bringing in enough for a nice
dinner. The current State Record is a 16.25" Yellow Perch that weighed 2 lb.
9 oz. Walleye …
Success has been very scattered yet on these although the weather hasn't let
too many boats out to try. Anglers are getting a few at night fishing from
the jetties but in limited numbers on only certain nights. Shoreline
trolling at night has been successful for a few boats and a nice way to beat
the crowds. Catfish…
Have seen some nice cats go across the scale at Walnut. One this weekend was
30" in length and weighed in at over 13#. These supply a great fight and
make for some real rod-bending excitement. Muddy tribs will draw them in
from the lake with lower Elk Creek being the best location. After high wave
action or heavy rains, the shoreline from Raccoon Creek to the Ohio Line is a
great place to fish nightcrawlers for them. Bass…
Boat patrols have found the action has slowed along the west county end of
the lake. Though catches are being had in the 20' to 35' depths… the
frequency has slowed from previous weeks. Efforts are probably best directed
to either the East Side waters or Presque Isle Bay. The Ohio Line is 80
degrees 31.1 minutes on your GPS…. The New York Line is 79 degrees 45.7
minutes. If you are uncertain about where you are, buy the appropriate
license(s). The fine for a nonresident fishing without a license would
probably cover the purchase of a GPS Unit.
WCO Mark Kerr… Eastern Erie County
Lake Trout …
Are being caught in 60' to 80' water depths off of North East Marina. If you
have never caught one of these monsters you should give it a try. Smallmouth Bass…
Best fishing has been from Freeport east to the New York Line in 20' 30'
water depths. Catch rates are not those of past years but have been better
than the West Side. Huge Bass are present in 20-Mile Creek by the Iron
Bridge south of Route 5. They are currently mixed in with a large number of
suckers.
Eaton Reservoir…
A 24" walleye was observed caught this past weekend as well as a few yellow
perch in the 10" size range. Panfish are being picked up in moderation also.
Union City Reservoir…
Panfish action is still on the light side
Light Panfish at Union City Reservoir
Help & cooperation needed with problem areas on 20 Mile Creek…
From Route 5 upstream to the bridge, the East Side is closed to trespassing
but the landowner is keeping the West Side open to fishing. The landowner
requests that there be no fishing after sunset due to litter & noise problems
recently. They have no problem during Steelhead Season but just ask that
anglers cooperate during the summer months. Litter problems on the West Side of 20 Mile Creek near the mouth are
threatening future fishing access… anglers can help to keep this open by
picking up extra trash when in the area. This would make a great project for
sportsmen's club or Boy Scout Troop. WCO Joe Russell ... Western Crawford County... Pymatuning Lake ...
is still a little slow on the walleyes, however some wise
anglers (or lucky ones) did pick up a few full stringers. They appear to be
in
deep water and close to the bottom. Suspended worms and live bait are still
the hot ticket. Bluegill and bass are still doing good around the structures
but they have slowed down somewhat as well. Some muskies have been taken this
week but still no real big numbers, they should pick up soon. Conneaut Lake...
is the hot spot this week, and the word for the day over the
weekend is BLUEGILLS, BLUEGILLS, BLUEGILLS and lots of them. Anglers working
the shallows this weekend were picking up a lot of fish by jigging. Bass are
still doing great around the docks and structures and rubber worms and
spinner baits seem to be the key. Several anglers told me over the weekend
that they were doing really well with Northerns as well. The lake is being
treated for weeds today (Wed 6/13/01) though so if you have a favorite weed
bed that you have been fishing you may want to get there early to see if it
has changed. ***Tammarack Lake *** - (Hottest Tip of the Week !!!)
is making its grand opening this Saturday with the start of Bass Season and
will definitely be a hot spot for quite some time. Alot of really BIG FISH
were stocked there from the Fish and Boat Comm. hatchery trap nets and quite
a few were from the nursery waters at Pymatuning (which means they have never
seen a hook) There is also a new handicap area and fishing point that has
been dredged out along its sides for deeper water. This would be an excellent
place to bring kids, as it is flat and easy to get to. Many of the Crappies
transplanted were in the 16" range as well as many other assorted species of
large size. If you were ever going to take vacation to go fishing ... this
may be the time & place. Turtles...
A large number of turtles have been sighted along the roadways in Crawford
County this last week. Motorists are asked to be careful and try to avoid
them. No matter how cute they look... they do not make good pets as they are
wild animals and protected by seasons and bag limits.
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