December 18th, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Die hard anglers have been battling wind and snow flurries on the Erie Tribs over the last week, however, those that have been willing to brave the elements have very often been rewarded with ideal water conditions at times and good catches. A break in the weather and slightly warmer temperatures on Tuesday left the tribs a bit on the clear side but still with good flow. Predictions for light snowfall over the next week may help to put some color back in the water. Day time temperatures have inched high enough to keep any significant ice from forming, although the early morning hours can be slushy. The Walnut Creek marina basin is mostly ice free and patient anglers have been doing well there. Conditions on Elk Creek have been ideal with good catches through out and up into the upper stretches. Skim ice could be seen over much of the west end of Presque Isle Bay on Tuesday morning...perhaps a sign of an early hard water fishing season. Anglers willing to brave the cold have seen good catches of perch and pan fish at many of the public access areas along Bay front and around Dobbins landing. Current water temperature off the Port of Erie is 33 degrees. Current West County trib conditions as of Tuesday afternoon were good flow and clearing somewhat. Winter Safety Reminders: Winter conditions along the tribs can offer spectacular scenery and great steelhead fishing however, frigid conditions often pose a number of safety challenges to those even the hardiest of anglers. Winter time is good time to buddy up and avoid fishing alone, especially in the more remote areas. An unexpected slip or a soaking in frigid water is a good reason to have potential help nearby. Although the opportunity to have that quiet angling experience is appealing to all of us, in frigid winter conditions, it is far safer to be at least within shouting distance of other anglers. Even though cell phone coverage is ever improving, many of the areas in Western Erie County, especially along the lake shore offer minimal to no reception. Layering in warm clothing and covering the head and ears should be standard dress. Neoprene waders can provide good insulation as well. Frequent breaks and occasional walking while fishing will help keep the circulation moving and the body warm. Standing in ice water until the legs are numb can make a dunk in the drink reality. Frequent snacks and warm drinks can help to replenish the energy robbed by the cold temperatures. A little extra care and preparation during the winter months will go a long way in keeping your angling experience safe and enjoyable. Happy Holidays: Best wishes for a wonderful and safe Holiday Season from all the PFBC Officers and personnel along Pennsylvania's Great North Coast. Salmon / Steelhead Pie: Ingredients Crust: 2 cups cooked rice 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg white Filling: 1 cup flaked cooked salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout or other oily fish 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk 3 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground oregano Paprika Optional
In medium bowl, blend filling ingredients. Variation: Substitute flaked smoked salmon Steelhead, or Trout; omit the salt. Thursday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. West winds 5 to 10 mph...becoming south in the afternoon. Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Friday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s. Friday Night...Cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. Saturday...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs in the lower 40s. Saturday Night...Rain showers likely. Lows in the lower 30s. Chance of rain 60 percent. Sunday...Cloudy with a chance of rain showers. A chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Breezy with highs in the upper 40s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Sunday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the mid 20s. Monday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Much colder with highs around 30. Monday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 20. Christmas Day...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s |
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