West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton Conditions: A mix of winter and spring conditions in Erie has brought on a variety of fishing conditions. Unseasonably warm temperatures have left all area tribs nearly ice free. Run off from the southern parts of the county has kept water levels high and fast for the last few days. Great conditions this past weekend brought a good number of anglers to the area. Walnut and Elk were both productive with the Project waters, the Manchester Hole and the upper areas along Elk giving up good numbers of fish. Anglers were moving about searching all the popular holes for fresh fish. Popular baits in these conditions include brightly colored jigs, colored egg sacks, and shiners. The tribs were high and muddy as of this writing however, pending rain and run off, we could have very good conditions again this weekend. Anglers were doing well on the ice at Trout Run and at the Walnut Creek basin this past weekend. A good number of steelhead were caught, although the ice is starting to thin out. Presque Isle Bay is still ice covered as of this writing, although angler reports have indicated that the ice thickness is deteriorating and varies anywhere from 4 to 10 inches. There is open water to fish along the Upper Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview. Late winter and early spring conditions can change daily. All ice this time of year should be considered dangerous and extreme caution should be used. If you are unsure, stay off the ice. From WCO Brook Tolbert, Landowner Versus Angler Rights: 1) Anglers have NO right to access private stream banks or beds. 2) Anglers can access waterway, if posted, ONLY if waterway is designated as navigable. There are no waterways in Erie County designated as navigable. 3) Anglers are required by law to identify themselves upon request by landowners or lessee. Reminder Anglers must understand that if they are not on public property they are at the mercy of the landowner and must adhere to their wishes. Some landowners keep their property open to anglers or keep certain portions of their property open to anglers. You are the guests of these landowners. If you as an angler see posted property, ask permission or stay to the opposite side of the stream if it is allowable. If you are fishing and the land owner comes out and asks you to fish on the other bank or to please move down stream, do so, and indicate that you were not aware of some of these local rules. Bad attitudes, verbal confrontations and litter are prime reasons that were are losing tributary access. Boat Registration Renewals Now On Line: Beginning February 28, boat owners will be able to renew their Pennsylvania boat registrations on-line, thanks to an expanded customer service feature on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissions (PFBC) web site. Boaters wishing to renew their existing boat registrations can log onto the PFBC site, select the “Outdoor Shop” option, and fill out the required information fields. A temporary interest registration that will be valid for 30 days can then be printed out; the traditional registration materials will be mailed to the registrant’s home. A $2 issuing agent fee will be levied for the service. Early Boating Season Reminder from WCO Tom Edwards: Although boating is still a little while a way it may be a good time to check all of your equipment for the upcoming season. Ice out is not far off and anglers will soon be pulling their boats out of storage for our great Spring crappie season on Presque Isle Bay. Personal Flotation Devices should be in good shape with no rips or tears evident. Flares which have expired should be replaced and fire extinguishers should be checked and assured to be in serviceable condition. Also it is important to remember that boat registrations expire on March 31st, so if you have a 2004 registration on your motorboat it will only be good until the end of March. Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo 2003 Reminder, Its This Weekend: This show is a great way to beat the cabin fever and for those interested in learning more about fishing our specific area, it is a must see event! This show is over 20 years strong and gets bigger and better every year. Hundreds of booths by vendors displaying the latest hunting and fishing gear, chartered trips, camping gear and vehicles, ATVs , along with local sportsmen's clubs, the PFBC and the PGC, and many others offering the latest in outdoor sports. Tempting bargains are to be had for the eager shopper and there are great seminars and demonstrations all throughout the weekend. The show is held at the Family First Sports Park at 8155 Oliver Road in Erie. This is accessed at the Peach Street exit on I-90. Parking is free. Show times are Friday, March 5th from Noon to 9:00 PM, Saturday, March 6th from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday March 7th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. PFBC officers from the Erie area will be on hand through out the week end to answer questions. For more information see www.eriepromoandexpo.com/2004sportshow/erie.html We look forward to seeing you there. Local Weather: Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. Lows in the mid 30s. South winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent. Thursday Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. Highs near 50. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest late afternoon. Chance of rain 30 percent. Thursday Night Showers likely. Lows in the lower 40s. East winds 5 to 15 mph becoming south. Chance of rain 60 percent. Friday Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs in the lower 50s. Chance of rain 40 percent. Friday Night Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid 30s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Saturday Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs near 40. Chance of rain 30 percent. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy. Lows near 30. Sunday Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs in the lower 40s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow. Lows in the upper 20s. Chance of snow 30 percent. Monday Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. Highs in the lower 40s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Monday Night Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. Lows in the mid 20s. Chance of snow 30 percent. Tuesday Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow or rain showers. Highs in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
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