WCO Report for Erie County 03/14/2007: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: March 14, 2007

Conditions:

Area temperatures cracked 70 degrees Tuesday afternoon accelerating the ice meltdown around the area. All the tribs are open and were flowing high and muddy as of late Tuesday. Run off from the remaining snow throughout the county will likely last several days. Presque Isle bay has become dangerously thin in many areas. Weather forecasts are predicting another cold snap, however it may not be enough to bring back safe ice. The remaining runoff should calm down this week perhaps setting up ideal trib conditions for the weekend. The Lake has significantly opened up at the mouth of Trout Run and a number of anglers wasted no time in getting out to try their luck. It may be time to look forward to spring steelhead season, the regular State Trout opener and spring crappie fishing.

Walleye Reminder:

Walleye Season for Lake Erie, it's tributaries in the Commonwealth, and Presque Isle Bay and its waters is closed March 14th. Walleye season on these waters reopens on May 6th, 2007 and continues through the remainder of the year.

Annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery:

The annual Linesville State Fish Hatchery open house is scheduled for April 7th from 12:00 noon until 4:00 PM. This annual is event is a must attend event for the angling family, those new to fishing, and anyone infested in an afternoon of fun and education. Some of the events include kids casting; rigging a rod; making your own fish print T-shirts ($3.00); filleting and cooking demonstrations; live reptiles and amphibians; fish spawning; lake habitat models; talk to agency personnel from boating and education, law enforcement, fisheries management, biologists, habitat management, environmental services, many others; and much more. See you there !

Directions to the Linesville State Fish Hatchery Coming from the East From the intersection of I-80 and I-79, go north on I-79 to exit 147-B at Meadville. Take St. Rt. 322/6 west to Conneaut Lake. Take Rt. 6 west to Linesville. In the middle of town, turn left at the traffic light (Hartstown Rd.) and go one mile to the hatchery on the left.

Directions to the Linesville State Fish Hatchery Coming from the West From Ohio, follow St. Rt. 6 to Ohio Rt. 85. This road goes over the causeway of Pymatuning Reservoir and turns into PA Rt. 285 at the state line in the middle of the reservoir. Take St. Rt. 285 to the 2nd flashing light at Hartstown Road. Romar Homes is on the corner at this intersection. Turn left and continue past the spillway (one mile), past the Pa Game Commission's Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center approximately one mile to the hatchery on the right.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The PA Steelhead Association will have their monthly meeting Wednesday March 14th at 7:00 PM. at the American Legion Post on Route 5 just East of the Airport. Pete Alex of Vision Quest Fishing Charters is scheduled to speak on early spring steelhead fishing on Presque Isle Bay, an opportunity missed by many. Your support at this meeting is appreciated and as always, the public is welcome.

Boating Season is Just Around the Corner, Are You Ready:
Area officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be conducting a safe boating class on Tuesday and Wednesday. March 20th and 21st from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM each evening. There are plenty of openings left. The class will be held at the new Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park with plenty of room for anyone interested. This comprehensive 8 hour class is designed for the novice boater or boater to be, as well as the experienced boater who would like to refresh his knowledge. The class covers basic boating safety, boating laws and regulations, and equipment. Successful completion of the course qualifies the individual for a Pennsylvania boating education safety certificate (card). There is no charge for the course or materials, although registration is required. This class typically fills up quickly and early sign up is recommended. Upon successful completion of the course , the Agency will require a processing fee for your Basic Boating Safety Card if one is desired.
To register for this class, email DWCO Randy Leighton at rglerie@msn.com with your name, address, phone, age, and number of people you would like to register or if necessary you can phone Keith Edwards at the PFBC Northwest Region office at 814-336-2426

Local Weather:
Wednesday Night Showers. Areas of dense fog. Cooler with lows around 40. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.

Thursday Showers likely. Much cooler with highs in the mid 40s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday Night Rain showers likely. A chance of snow showers after midnight. Cooler with lows around 30. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

Friday Cloudy. A chance of rain and snow showers in the morning. Highs around 40. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

Friday Night Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the lower 20s.

Saturday Cloudy with a chance of flurries. Highs in the mid 30s.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy with a chance of flurries. Lows in the mid 20s.

Sunday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s.