WCO Report for Erie County 11/18/2009: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: November 18, 2009

Conditions:
Steelhead fishing has been tough over the past week with no rain leaving the tribs very low and very clear. There is the possibility of rain in the forecasts, however at this point it does not look significant. Many anglers have chosen to wait out the rain and as such the low conditions have provided significant elbow room. Anglers that are catching fish are doing so at daybreak and at dusk for the most part. Very light presentations are a must with many anglers dropping line strength and tippets as low as 2 lbs.

There are fair to good reports of steelhead being caught in Presque Isle Bay and Marina Bay at Presque Isle State Park. A number of anglers floating shiners have picked up an occasional steelhead while targeting perch and crappie. Steelhead have been caught in these areas both from shore and by boat.

Best bets right now would be to target deeper water at the tributary mouths as well as the lake shore at Trout and Godfrey Runs on calm days.

A few fish are being pulled from the Walnut Creek basin for the patient anglers.

Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 49 degrees. Area tributary conditions as of this writing are extremely low and clear.

Law Enforcement:
Low clear conditions have made angling a challenge for the honest sportsmen however, being able to see the fish in the shallow conditions has made poaching and snagging all too tempting. Area officers continue to have their hands full. Violations this past week included snagging, failure to release foul hooked fish, failure to conform to the vehicle code, not conforming to posted traffic control signs, and litter. The area upstream of Streuchan Flats is posted property, on both sides of Elk Creek. Beckman Road area is also posted. The PFBC controlled parking area at intersection of West road and Sterritania road (across form the Elk Creek Inn) is available for parking and its use is encouraged.

Anglers fishing the upper stretches of Elk Creek are reminded that parking along Interstate 90 is prohibited and will be strictly enforced by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Jimmy Dallas Memorial Dedication:
On Tuesday November 24th, there will be a ceremony at the Walnut Creek Access Memorial Garden to formally dedicate the plaque placed there by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Sportsmen to commemorating the life of Jimmy. The event will take place at 1:30 PM at the garden area and would be moved the the Walnut Creek Access building in the event of inclement weather. The public is welcome and anyone who know this great sportsman is encouraged to attend.

Local Weather:
Wednesday Night...Showers likely. Lows in the mid 40s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday...Occasional showers. Highs in the mid 50s. South winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.

Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows around 40. West winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Highs in the upper 40s.

Friday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

Saturday...Partly cloudy. Highs around 50.

Saturday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

Sunday...Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs around 50.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the mid 30s.

Monday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs around 50.

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.

Tuesday...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 40s.