September 1999 - Erie Wco Report
Pa. Fish & Boat CommissionWco 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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