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October 1st, 2008 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Little to no rain has continued to leave area tribes very low and clear and down to a trickle in some of the upper stretches. The fish that have moved in are in a holding pattern with little movement south of route 5. A good number of fish have been coming in in the early morning hours and at sunset allowing fair to good steelhead fishing along the wall at Walnut Creek, from the Elk Creek Access north to the Lake, and along the shorelines at Trout and Godfrey Runs. Wind and waves have kept the water levels of the tribs fairly good near the mouths. Catches along the wall at Walnut Creek were good this past weekend with fish in the 7 to 10 Lb range. Night time temperatures have been getting cooler and with some much needed precipitation, we should see additional steelhead movement. Forecasts for the week are calling for up to a 50 percent chance of rain and night time temperatures dipping into the 40's. Perch fishing is still good to excellent north of Walnut Creek. Walleye fishing although still fair, has begun to fall off as is typical this time of year. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 66 degrees off Toledo, 68 degrees off Cleveland, and 67 degrees off the Port of Erie. Current West County trib conditions as of this writing are extremely low and very clear with very little flow. Law Enforcement: There have been a surprising number of violations over the last 2 weeks for this early in the steelhead season. A number of greedy individuals have already been caught poaching with nets or by snagging. Common violations have included improper licensing with a lack of either a Lake Erie or a Trout Stamp or no license at all. Litter has already been a serious problem, especially along the Wall at Walnut Creek. Anglers are advised that officers have a zero tolerance for litter anywhere and fines can be heavy. Using the Walnut Creek Access for other than its intended use of recreational fishing and boating has been an issue as well. Overnight camping, including sleeping in one's vehicle or boat is not permitted by law and will be addressed. Boaters along the "Wall" at Walnut Creek are again reminded that boaters have the absolute right of way over anglers lines. Anglers are to yield to boaters by pulling their lines form the water for boats entering and exiting the channel. Angler cooperation with regard to violation reports has been helpful in our area over the last few years and has resulted in a number of written citations. "Report a Poacher" cards with area WCO contact names and number are available at area bait shops as well as the Walnut Creek Access office. If you wish to report a violation, remember that information received is important for successful prosecution. Do not, Do not, Do not, jeopardize your own safety by confronting the individual you believe to be in violation. You never know who you might be dealing with. Leave that up to law enforcement. Detailed vehicle and individual descriptions along with license plate numbers and the state issued, time and date of violation, type of violation observed are all important needed details. So often we hear " I saw a guy yesterday snagging. He was wearing brown chest waders, a tan vest, ball cap, and driving a green pickup truck". Unfortunately this describes half the anglers in the area and provides little information to follow up on. Night Fishing Tips: Night fishing along the Lake Shore or along the tribs in areas that permit night fishing, can be highly productive and a lot of fun. Here are a few suggestions: 1) A good lantern with a shield on the streamside will provide all the light needed and minimize spooking the fish. 3) Baits should be fished on the bottom taking advantage of any available drift 4) Lighted floats to detect strikes can be helpful. 5) Heavier lines of up to 8 # test can be used at night. 6) Glow in the dark Cleos can be deadly when casting from shore into the lake. 7) Dress warm, pack a snack and hot drink and your favorite folding chair and be sure to clean up your area when Local Weather:? Wednesday Night...Showers likely. Cool with lows in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent. Thursday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 50s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Thursday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Cool with lows in the lower 40s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Friday...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Highs in the mid 50s. Friday Night...Mostly cloudy. Cool with lows in the lower 40s. Saturday...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy in the evening...then becoming partly cloudy. Cool with lows in the lower 40s. Sunday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 60s. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s. Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s. Tuesday...Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent. |
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