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August 15th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert. Conditions:
The past several days the lake has at times been kicking up but in general the fronts moving in have not produced any severe weather. There is of course plenty of summer left for perching and walleye chasing. Last reports indicated good walleye catches off Godfrey Run (halfway between Trout Run and Elk Creek) in 34 to 40 feet of water. Small dipseys 75 to 100 feet back or flatlining 150' back has been successful at these depths. Worm harnesses in a variety of colors have been successful with most anglers sticking to purple, chartreuse, copper and watermelon. Anglers are also going deep along the first and second trenches using combinations of downriggers and dipseys. Current Lake Erie water temperature off the Port of Erie is 76 degrees. The Erie Tribs are very low and very clear. Perch fishing continues to thrive with schools holding in 50' off the light house, condos, and due north off Walnut Creek. Limits taken in relatively short periods of time have been very common. As we round the corner of the summer season anglers and boaters are advised to pay close attention to marine weather reports and official USCG severe weather announcements on marine band channel 16. Most boaters are aware that our weather patterns come from the west and are officially forecast by the NOAA weather service out of Cleveland. Forecasting weather in our area is in fact rocket science and one should never rely of hearsay or second hand information as a reliable source. As Summer blends into the early fall season, wind and wave conditions can change dramatically in a short time placing an inexperienced boater in jeopardy. If ever in doubt, head for shore. Getting Ready for Steelhead Season:
There have been a number of unconfirmed reports of a few steelhead entering the tribs which is an indication of early staging off shore. For a number of die hards, this means fishing the wall at Walnut and the shorelines at Trout run during the cool night time hours in hopes of landing that first early season steelhead or brown. For the rest of us it means gearing up for the season. Cleaning and lubricating those reels and re-spooling with fresh line will pay off when the first real opportunity to hit the tribs arrives. Early season steelhead will usually mean clear conditions dictating light line and small presentations. An update of your fly box and jig collection can keep you busy on a rainy evening. Take a little time and go through the pockets of your favorite vest. You'll be surprised how many things you find that you thought were lost forever. Now is also a good time to check over the fly and noodle rods. Look for loose, bent, or broken eyes, especially at the rod tip. Be sure all hooks are sharp. Dull hooks are easily spit by a lively Steelhead. Waders should be checked for leaks and repaired, particular those that have been hanging in a hot garage all summer. With very little activity on the tribs now, it can be a great opportunity to walk the tribs where permitted and take advantage of the clear conditions to observe structure and changes in flow from last year. Now is also a good time brush up on local regulations and be familiar with any areas you plan to fish. It won't be but a few weeks before the final days of summer will be giving way to the start of another great Steelhead season. Celebrate Erie 2007 Reminder:
If you are making the trip to Erie this week end and the weather or wave conditions put a damper on your angling or if you are looking for evening activities, consider joining in the local festivities at Perry Square in Town (6 blocks south of Dobbins Landing on State Street.). Celebrate Erie (formerly, We Love Erie Days) takes place August 16th-19th. This is the largest summer event in the city and combines the Arts, Music, great food, and a wealth of Downtown events and activities and of course, fabulous music. This years event promises to be bigger and better than ever. This years music headliners will include "1964"...The Tribute (billed as the best Beatles tribute band in the world), The Bacon Brothers, featuring Kevin Bacon, Emerson Drive, The Romantics, Benny and the Jets (an Elton John tribute band) and Kelly Lynn. The gala fireworks display over Presque Isle Bay takes place Sunday Night at 9:45 PM . The view of hundreds of boats dotting the Bay combined with the largest fireworks display in the area is breath taking. A marked safety perimeter around Dobbins Landing will be maintained by area law enforcement during the fireworks display. With good weather, boat traffic on Presque Isle Bay can be heavy during the 4 day celebration. Use a little extra caution if you are out that weekend. Boater cooperation will be appreciated. For more information on this great weekend and for a detailed schedule of events and activities go to Celebrate Erie 2007 Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph... Becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of rain 40 percent. Thursday...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent. Thursday Night...Partly cloudy. Cooler with lows in the mid 50s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Friday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s. Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Cool with lows in the upper 40s. Saturday...Mostly sunny in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s. Saturday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Sunday...Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy in the evening...then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Tuesday...Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
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