WCO Report for Erie County 05/26/2004: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: May 25, 2004

Conditions:
Bass are still hitting well in Presque Isle bay as evidenced by the large number of bass boats on the bay this past weekend. Anglers in west county are picking up a few walleye but no big numbers yet. Perch catches are still a bit sporadic but should be picking up as the lake temperatures warm over the next few weeks.

This past weekend a number of anglers were having a ball along the wall at the Walnut Creek access catching catfish, suckers and a few white bass.

Perch fishing along the North and South Piers has been good to excellent over the last week with a good number of jumbos being caught. Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 60 degrees.

Walnut Creek Access:
Dredging is complete and the channel is now completely open.

One of the Best is Retiring:
Gary Deiger, Northwest Regional Manager for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be retiring after long and respected career.

Gary began his career with the PA Fish and Boat Commission in 1971 as a Special Fish Warden in Crawford County. He worked in that capacity until 1974. He was promoted to Waterways Patrolman, Greene County in May 1974 and performed his law enforcement duties in that county until May 1984. At that time, Gary was transferred to Mercer County, with a title change to Waterways Conservation Officer, until being promoted to the position of Assistant Regional Supervisor - Northwest Region in February 1992. He became Acting Regional Manager in May of 1997 and Northwest Regional Manager in December 1997 to current date.

A list of Officer Deiger's accomplishments as follows:

American Red Cross Certificate of Merit "For selfless and humane action in sustaining a human life" signed by President Ronald Reagan.

Citation from House of Representatives "For actions during the 1977 Johnstown Flood" signed by Speaker of the House.

Citation from the Mercer County Council of the PA Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs '' A Dedicated conservationist who believes in and supports the principles of this organization".

Gary's leadership as the Northwest Region Manager has ensured that a fair and effective law enforcement program accomplished meeting the needs of the anglers and boaters of the region as well as protecting the aquatic resources. His extra efforts in developing and implementing the annual specialized Lake Erie steelhead enforcement program are to be commended.

In 1974 a field training officer clearly evaluated Gary Deiger's abilities as a new member of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. I quote "Very confident in himself, quick to challenge, very mature and neat as a pin in work and dress. A supervisor will need to be really sharp to correct this man (Gary Deiger) as he is above the level of most of our field men. No doubt we all will be working for this man some day." Gary's career accomplishments have exemplified this earlier observation of his unique talents and abilities.

During his career, Gary can be described as fair, confident and a true professional. He has brought his unique ability to create a union of purpose and trust among the Northwest District Officers and staff, while creating lifetime friends,

We wish him well and hope that he is able to trap many beaver in Arkansas and that he is able to spend many fruitful hours fishing Lake Erie. Best wishes Gary.........

Presque Isle Bassmasters Tournament:
The first annual Presque Isle Bassmasters Open will be held June 13th beginning at the Marina Bay launch at Presque Isle. Registration is at 5:00 AM with a trickle start beginning at 6:30 AM. Registration is 100.00 per boat with a 10.00 optional lunker pot. A 90% pay back prize fund will apply. For more information and registration go to Presque Isle Bassmasters - bass club, bass fishing, bass clubs, PA Bass Club

Have a Safe Holiday Weekend:
Memorial Day Weekend if traditionally the start of the summer boating season. Be sure that your safety equipment is in order and that all equipment and PFDs are in good serviceable condition. Check that fire extinguishers are full, visual distress signals have not expired, PFDs are readily accessible and in good condition, and that horns and lights are all in working order. Check your boaters handbook (available at most boating stores, the Walnut Creek Access office as well as on line) to be sure that you are in compliance with the required equipment for your particular boat.

As always, a reminder that alcohol and boating can be a bad combination. Fines and penalties can be stiff for those boating under the influence. not to mention the danger to yourself and the lives of those around you. The penalties for operation of a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance could lead to a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $7,500, or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, plus the loss of boating privileges for a period of 12 months. Homicide by watercraft while under the influence carries a fine of not less than $2,500 nor exceeding $15,000, or imprisonment of no less than three and no more than seven years, or both. In addition to the offenses described above, operating a watercraft under the influence may also violate other laws. These may include prohibitions against reckless or negligent operation of boats, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and underage drinking. Its just not worth taking the risk.

Local Weather:
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy in the morning, then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy. Lows around 50. West winds 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday and Thursday night
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s. Lows in the lower 50s.
Friday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Saturday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Sunday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Memorial Day
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.