WCO Report for Erie County 8/23/2006: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: August 22, 206

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on August 22, 206 at 21:51:12:

August 23rd, 2006

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

In a typical turn for this time of year the Perch fishing has picked up dramatically and the walleye fishing has slowed down a bit. Many limits of walleye are still being brought in although it is taking a bit longer to get them. Perch catches are on the increase with the schools taking shape in 62' of water off the point at Presque Isle and due north of Walnut Creek in 52 to 58 feet of water. Perch limits have started to become common. Some steelhead are being picked up off shore and evidence of "staging" is apparent in 40 to 50 feet of water. There have been a few unconfirmed reports of steelhead being caught off the wall at Walnut Creek and a few Browns caught along the shoreline at Trout Run. Air and water temperatures are a too warm at this time so support any real activity. How ever, with a few cool nights and a little rain (that shouldn't be a problem in Erie) it won't be long. Lake Erie Water Temperature off Toledo is 73 degrees, off Cleveland, 73 degrees, and off Erie, 75 degrees. The Erie Tribuaries are still at "summer levels", very low and very clear.

Easier Access to the Manchester Hole and the Project Waters:
Working in an all day rain this past Saturday, members of the PA Steelhead Association worked along side President John Fuhrman to construct railways along the path down to the "Stop Sign Hole" along the Project Waters at the Elk Creek Access and at the pathway entrance to the Manchester Hole off of Dutch Road. Of course any good steelhead angler never lets a inclement weather slow down their fun. No short cuts were taken in these two projects with heavy treated lumber and stainless fasteners used in the constructions of these great enhancements. The rails and freshly graveled paths will provide a safer access to these areas especially when the ice and snow set in. All materials and labor were provided by the PA Steelhead Association and the project was approved by the PFBC. Many thanks to this active organization for this great improvement to these popular areas.

Boating Expensive? Not When Compared to Other Family Fun Activities:
One of the most common perceptions of boating is that it is expensive. But when you run the numbers relative to other family recreational activities, boating is among the most affordable options. There was considerable speculation this year weather boat traffic would be down due to high fuel prices but even only casual observations at the Erie Marinas would easily dispute this. It is clear that a few dollars in gas has not been a deterrent to great fishing and recreational boaters eager to enjoy a day on the water. We think your kids would agree, there's really no comparison in fun. Consider the following:

A half tank of gas for a personal watercraft would be approximately $25.00. This provides about 2 hours of full time riding at 35 mph, many more hours when you take into account downtime and idling. Add in some good eats and tasty beverages for about $35.00. That's roughly $60.00 for a fun filled day of personal water craft riding and perhaps $85.00 for two PWCs. A day out on the average small boat would cost a little more in gas, perhaps $40.00 for a quarter tank, moving the total cost of a day on the water with food and drinks to about $75.00. Very rough numbers of course, but for the sake of argument lets use these number to compare the expense to other family weekend activities.

Going to a Theme or Amusement Park might cost $120.00 (assuming $30.00 per family member). Add in $60.00 for lunch for four for a total day of $180.00. That’s not counting gas, souvenirs, and other incidentals. That’s twice the cost of a day of boating.

Going to a baseball game a fair figure might be $20.00 per ticket for a total of $80.00. (assuming a big league game) Toss in $40.00 for food (and that’s probably conservative) and your at $120.00

Even today's movie prices combined with expensive theatre snacks can nearly add up to a day of boating

As you can see, boating can be among the least expensive of popular family summer activities. Even the cost of purchasing the PWC or boat can begin to be absorbed in the differences between the activities. During one month, if a family were to go to an amusement park and a baseball game, the total cost would be approximately $300.00. Boating would cost half that, leaving a difference that could be used towards the payment of a PWC or entry level boat. Also by purchasing a watercraft, you are always retaining some equity. Weigh the costs and benefits to your family of boating and other activities and consider getting out on the water. The end of the boating season offers some of the best buys on entry level boats and PWCs.*

Trout and Salmon Creel Limit Reminder: Trout and Salmon Regulations for Lake Erie, the Tributaries, and Presque Isle Bay change on September 5th. The limit for all species of trout and salmon goes to a combined limit of 3 fish (Only 2 of which can be lake trout) with a minimum size limit of 15"

Local Weather:

Partly cloudy in the evening...Then mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph... Becoming northeast in the afternoon. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows around 60. East winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday
Partly cloudy. Highs around 80.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.

Saturday
Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Sunday
Decreasing clouds. Highs in the upper 70s.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows around 60.

Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s.

*Reference www.familyfunonthewater.com




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