WCO Report for Erie County 7/20/2005: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: July 20, 2005

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on July 20, 2005 at 05:28:32:

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Perch fishing is still on the soft side with many anglers puzzled as to why this year has slowed down so much compared to last year. Many local anglers and area bait shops theorize that significant numbers of perch have moved further towards the Eastern basin of the Lake in search of colder water. This would make sense in that the Lake temperatures are on the high side for this year and the colder deeper waters of the eastern basin would provide a better temperature environment as well as a higher oxygen content. Reports between Dunkirk and Buffalo indicate some of the best perch fishing in years which would also support this theory.

Higher water temperatures in the west and central basins may also be accounting for the recent good walleye catches and a significant number of undersized walleye being pulled in. As most Lake Erie anglers know, large spring time numbers of walleye in the Western basin will typically move east over the summer to cooler, deeper water. With the Lake temperatures in the West being higher than usual, anglers may be enjoying a larger than usual migration through our area.

Deep water fishing in the lake has been good to excellent in the trenches and around the "mountain" in Northeast with good numbers of walleye being caught along with a fair number of steelhead

Lake Erie Average Temperatures as of this writing: off Toledo 77 degrees, off Cleveland, 75 degrees, and off Erie. 73 degrees.

Discarded Fishing Line Can Kill:
Quality fishing line is the most important link in your tackle for catching lunker bass, big walleye and line busting steelhead but loose line on the ground and in the water is a life threatening hazard to birds and wildlife. Loose line tangle in a boats propeller can quickly destroy an out drive seal causing leakage an possibly hundreds of dollars worth of damage. The vast majority of fishing line is monofilament. In addition to being strong, it is long lasting, and reportedly can last for many years. Since it is usually clear or light colored, it is difficult for birds, aquatic animals and wildlife to see so they can easily become entangled. Once entangled, an animal very often will strangle, drown, or starve to death.

As was the case recently. a wild duck was discovered at the Walnut Creek Marina Basin tangled in carelessly discarded fishing line. To make the matter worse, a duckling was behind the mother tangled in the same line. As the mother tried to flap her wings in panic and move about, the duckling was being dragged underwater and on the verge of drowning. Fortunately, a courteous and concerned boater was able to retrieve the ducks with a fishing net and with some assistance, was able to delicately free the badly tangle ducks, relatively unharmed. All this perhaps from angler that gave no thought to properly disposing his used fishing line.

When you throw away used line, it is best to cut it in pieces less than 12 inches long when possible. This is easier than it sounds and really not a lot of trouble. Just take the knotted ball of line and cut it up as much as possible. Make yourself an easy container to use for collecting your used line by cutting an X in the lid of a potato chip tube or tennis ball canister. Be aware of the age of your line and wear that might allow it to break while fishing. Remove leader, hooks, and any other terminal tackle before recycling or disposal. Whenever possible, recover line you find while out on the water. If you miscast, try to recover all of the line that becomes entangled in weeds or trees. Try not to "just cut it" unless absolutely necessary.

Annual Walleye Tournament
The eighth annual Poor Richard's Walleye Tournament began at 5 AM Saturday, July 16th and runs through 6 PM, Sunday Aug. 14 The tournament proceeds benefits the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Walleye Hatchery and is open to all Pennsylvania Lake Erie waters. Entrants must be a S.O.N.S. member and pay a $5 entry fee. The S.O.N.S. (Sons of Lake Erie) are Erie's largest fishing club with nearly 3000 members. S.O.N.S memberships and registration for the tournament can be purchased at Poor Richard's east or west locations. Once registered, anglers wanting to enter their catches can go to either location as well. Prizes will be provided for the top three finishers. Weekly prizes are awarded as well. This tournament is open to the public and can add a little extra fun to this summers fishing and help to support a fine organization that. For information, call 474-5623 or 725-8483

Northeast Marina Perch Tournament:
The second annual Northeast Marina Yellow Perch tournament will be held July 23rd and 24th. The tournament and prizes are based on one catch of five fish per day. Combined heaviest catch by weight on Saturday and again on Sunday will determine the winners. Entry deadline is July 23rd at 8:00 AM (no exceptions). For more information and detailed rules, contact the Northeast Marina, 11950 East Lake Road, Northeast, PA. 16428 or phone 814-725-8244

Boating Safety Tip of the Week:
Spark arrestors are required on all inboard and inboard/outboard engines. If your boat has one, take the time to assure that it is clean and unrestricted.

b>Local Weather:

Wednesday night.
Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 60s. Light and variable winds.

Thursday.
Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Thursday night.
Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows around 70. West winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Friday.
Partly cloudy. Highs around 80.

Friday night through Saturday night. Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. Highs around 80.

Sunday.
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 80s.

Sunday night.
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.

Monday.
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 80s.

Monday night.
Partly cloudy. Lows around 70.

Tuesday.
Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s.




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