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WEST ERIE COUNTY, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions:
Boats are beginning to group off of Walnut Creek targeting the early perch schools. 35 to 40 feet of water north to northwest of the mouth of Walnut has been somewhat productive. Although limits have been rare, the perch have been jumbos ranging form 10 to 14 inches. Perch are still being caught off the North and South Piers along the Erie channel however this activity normally slows down as we reach summer water temperatures. A few perch are being caught in 45 feet of water due North of the light house on Presque Isle but no big numbers yet. Good perch reports have been coming in from Conneaut Ohio north of the harbor in 35 to 45 feet of water. Walleye are being picked up off of Walnut and Elk Creeks in 35 to 45 feet of water. A variety of baits have been reported successful this year including worm harnesses, deep diving crank baits, and spoons. One angler limited out fishing only 150 to 200 yards off Walnut Creek. Bass activity is still pretty good in Presque Isle Bay for both large and smallmouth. Hot areas have been around the Perry monument in Misery Bay. Rock Bass have been plentiful off the North and South Piers along the Erie Channel. Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 60 degrees. Another Fish For Free Day:
Fish for Free Days allow anyone to legally fish for Pennsylvania's most popular fish without a fishing license. Each year the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Executive Director designates 2 Fish for Free Days. No fishing license is required to fish on Pennsylvania's waterways all day Saturday, June 5, 2004. All other fishing regulations still apply. Loaner tackle is available at Presque Isle State Park at the Stull Nature Center , Peninsula Drive (Rt 832) , Wed-Sun 10 AM - 4 PM, March - October. Contact Randy Neyer 814-833-0351 for more information Visual Distress Signals, Do I need Them?
In Pennsylvania, Visual distress signals (VDS) are required only for boats operating on Lake Erie. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Boats less than 16 feet in length must carry VDS suitable for use at night. Boats 16 feet and over in length must, at all times, carry devices suitable for day use and devices suitable for night use, or devices suitable for use both day and night. Approved day-use-only devices include orange smoke (hand-held or floating) and orange signal flags. Flares are approved for both day and night use. If flares are selected, a minimum of three must be carried. Three day/night signaling devices meet both requirements and are the most popular compliment carried in our area. All VDS must be USCG approved, have legible approval numbers, be in serviceable condition and be readily accessible. VDS are not acceptable if the expiration date has passed. Though only required on Lake Erie, VDS are practical safety items for all boaters to carry. When purchasing Visual distress signals, alway check the expiration date to be sure they are not expired. Flares are of short duration. Use them only when another vessel is in sight. When igniting a flare, hold it over the water on the downwind (leeward) side. Flares are not toys. Use them only in an emergency! Did You Know?
Lake Erie encompasses 25,500 square miles and has 1200 miles of shoreline. Her mean depth is 45 feet and her maximum depth is 165 feet. Local Weather:
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday night
Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny. Highs around 70.
Friday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday night
through Sunday night Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Monday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
Monday night
Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
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