: September 1999 - Erie Wco Report
: Pa. Fish & Boat Commission: Wco John W. Bowser / Western Erie County.... : Walleye... catches have been a bit lower than anticipated for this time of
: year. Boats are still managing to average 6-8 walleye per trip in certain
: locations. The best spots have been at the following TD's (900 & 500) (888 &
: 475) (885 & 400) and (885 or 888 from one mile to 5 miles this side of the
: Ohio line). Past year's observations from boat patrols have had 900 & 510
: being the best spot during the first week of September. Let me clarify that
: I am not offering any guarantees here... just current information and past
: observations.... but if I am correct I will be glad to take credit for a
: successful fishing trip. : Steelhead... Boat fishermen have had a bumper crop of steelhead fun in the
: second trench this year. It has helped to make up for the lower walleye
: catch rate. A few jacks have been caught off of the wall at Walnut Access
: during the night and morning hours. Anglers at night were using powerbait &
: glow in the dark Cleos. We all are wondering the effects of the low water
: levels on the fall runs. Similar to last year's conditions, it should be
: more pronounced. The lower reaches of Elk Creek should be good and the basin
: at Walnut Access when it opens to fishing should be the best spots. : Walnut Creek Enhancement Project... A "Partnership" project is scheduled to
: get underway within days that will be a blessing to steelhead stream
: fishermen. Overcrowding of anglers on private lands and the associated
: problems related was the subject of a meeting held early last spring. During
: the meeting, Commissioner Concilla suggested that we study the feasibility of
: making holes in the stream on the Fish & Boat Commission portion of Walnut
: that would thin the crowds on private land thus making for more pleasant
: fishing conditions. Since that time, studies have been done by our agency's
: environmental people surveying the aquatic populations, hydrology of Erie
: tribs, permit procedures with DEP & the US Corps of Engineers. (We have to
: jump through all the same hoops as everyone else for this kind of work)
: Anyway, after this course of action... funding the project was the next
: hurdle. Executive Director Pete Colangelo realizing the significant positive
: impact for the steelhead fishermen committed $10,000 from a strained budget
: toward the project. In a "Partnership" effort with the public, additional
: funds are being raised currently through the Pa Steelhead Association with
: donations to date from Poor Richard's Bait & Tackle, Elk Creek Sports Store,
: BAC Bait & Tackle, 3CU Trout Organization, and the PA Steelhead Association.
: Work on the project was awarded to Chivers Construction Company. This is the
: same company that donated their machinery & personnel to the clean out of
: Girard Boro Pond Children & Handicapped Fishing Area several years ago This
: "phase" of the project should result in two holes being made from the
: entrance stop sign area downstream that should measure 50' x 120' & 4-5 feet
: in depth. Alternative funding options are being explored for further
: enhancement projects in the future. Any organizations wishing to donate
: toward the present phase may use my phone as a contact point and I will pass
: the information to the proper group handling private donations. 814-774-0928 : Roger Kenyon / Lake Erie Research Unit... : The Lake Erie Research Unit is conducting deep water surveys this month that
: are part of the annual lake trout assessment program. Nets are set in waters
: 90 to 115 feet deep where temperatures are 48 degrees F & colder. This is
: the preferred summer habitat of the lake trout. Coinhabitants of these
: depths include burbot, smelt, and whitefish.
: Lake trout that have been examined so far have ranged from 10" to over 30"
: (18 pounds) and have been feeding on yearling smelt. It appears that
: abundance is about the same as the last couple years with old fish dominating
: the population. These trophy fish can be caught at these depths through
: September, after which they move shoreward & disperse to other parts of Lake
: Erie. Check your summary book for regulations concerning Lake Erie salmon &
: trout fishing. :
: Wco Ann Caretto / Central Erie County... : Musky... Stocking of area waters have occurred with Edinboro Lake receiving
: 960 ranging from 6-9" in length, Lake Leboeuf getting 320, waters below the
: Union City Reservoir getting 60, and Conneaut Creek getting approximately a
: 900 fish mixture of Tigers & Purebreds. : Report available ... a report from the Federal Environmental Protection
: Agency on the status of the Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan and specific
: reports on the problems that degrade Lake Erie or impacts its beneficial uses
: is now available by writing: Rita Gardner, EPA, Jackson Blvd., Chicago,
: Illinois 60604-3590
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