WCO Report for Erie County 02/17/2009: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: February 19, 2009

Conditions: Last week brought an almost complete meltdown of the area tribs and left most of the larger ice fishing areas including Presque Isle unsafe. The tribs have remained open and the major runoff has begun to subside opening up many areas to steelhead fishing. This weekend could bring good conditions on the tribs. Early morning hours are slushy with some drifting skim ice, however, mid day temperatures and a little sun have kept things mostly open. Fish will be scattered and weather worn with a few fresh fish mixed in near the mouths. Hard water anglers are advised to used extreme caution for now.

Jimmy Dallas: As most of the local angling community is aware, last week marked the passing of Jimmy Dallas. To most people, his name simply said it all. His passing at the age of 90 was a sad note to the Erie Community. Jimmy spent a lifetime supporting and working for the Erie fishing community and its resources. He was one of the founders and developers of the steelhead program in Erie and successfully lobbied the ban of gill nets on Lake Erie. Jimmy spent 15 years as a Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer. No one was more well versed on steelhead fishing in our area than Jimmy. There were few, if any sportsmen's clubs in the area the he did not belong to and he attended as many meetings as he could. Jimmy was a vocal individual, typically speaking his mind, but when he spoke, people listened. Jimmy's heart passion, and dedication were aways in the best interest of the public and the fishery and a vision of the big picture. We will miss him deeply. On behalf of the Erie Area Officers and the PFBC, we wish his family well during this difficult time.

County Guide to Alternative Angling Opportunities in the Erie Area: We get a many inquiries this time of year as to the location of other popular fishing areas in Erie when the tributary conditions are constantly changing. The PFBC Interactive County Guide can provide alternative locations to fish in our area. Locations for areas such as the Gravel Pit Pond, Lake Pleasant, and the Waterworks ponds can be found here when trib conditions are high and rolling to help save that trip from out of town.

PFBC Basic Boating Class:
Area officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, will be conducting a safe boating class on Saturday March 21st from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. The class will be held in Room 110 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center located at 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA. Class size will be limited to 30 participants. This comprehensive class is designed for the novice boater or boater to be, as well as the experienced boater who would like to refresh his knowledge and is especially recommended for the new boater and their families. The class covers basic boating safety, boating laws and regulations, and equipment. Successful completion of the course qualifies the individual for a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate (card). There is no charge for the course or materials, although registration is required. For more information and to register contact Linda Woznicki at 814-833-2829 or email at lwoznicki@state.pa.us or Valerie Tarkowski at 814-683-5126 or email at vtarkowski@state.pa.us
Participants may bring a lunch or eat locally. Upon successful completion of the course , the Agency will require a processing fee for your Basic Boating Safety Card if one is desired.

Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo:
The 25th annual Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held March 6th through March 8th at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center along the Erie bay front just west of Dobbins landing. Hours are Noon to 8:00 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. With 24 years under its belt, this expo has developed into the definitive cabin fever event for area hunters and anglers. The expo is a fabulous mix of the latest in hunting and fishing information and gear blended with exhibits by local clubs, bait shops and sport and travel stores and outfitters from around the globe. Great buys, informative demonstrations, and noted guest speaker clinics round out the expo. Area PFBC officers and representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as always, will be on hand through out the weekend to answer questions and listen to your comments. See you there..... For more information go to Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo.

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Rain showers in the evening. Snow showers. Additional snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches. Brisk with lows in the mid 20s. South winds 15 to 20 mph...becoming west 20 to 25 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.

Thursday...Occasional snow showers. Heavy snow accumulation possible. Brisk and much colder with highs in the mid 20s. West winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent.

Thursday Night...Occasional snow showers. Windy with lows around 18. West winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Chance of snow 80 percent.

Friday...Snow showers likely. Windy with highs in the upper 20s. Chance of snow 70 percent.

Friday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 20.

Saturday...Snow likely. Highs in the upper 20s. Chance of snow 60 percent.

Saturday Night...Snow likely. Lows 15 to 20. Chance of snow 60 percent.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows 15 to 20.

Monday...Partly sunny. Highs around 30.

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.

Tuesday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s