December 9th, 2009 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Snow accumulation has put some tint in the tribs and along with the rain we have had conditions have improved and the steelhead have been on the move. Fish are beginning to stack in the slower moving pools as far up as route 20 and above. The tribs are still on the clear side and light line and presentations are best. Single eggs, egg patterns, and the micro jigs are good choices now. Catch rates were good this past weekend with a good number of limits taken throughout the western part of the county. Very cold temperatures and significant snow are predicted over the next week and some icing over the slow moving areas is possible. Anglers coming to the area from out of town are wise to check local forecasts before making the trip. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 44 degrees. Current West County tributary conditions as of Tuesday after noon were good, with some color and flow. Winter Fishing Tips: Fish feed less aggressively as the water temperatures drop and will often wait for the food source to come to them, so you need to get your fly or bait close to feeding fish. This means reading the water and presenting your fly or other bait where the fish are holding. During the winter, fish typically hold in areas with less current than during warmer periods of the year. Look for places that offer fish haven from the faster currents but still near faster water that will carry food. The heads of pools, areas with drop offs and rocks, side channels and eddies are all good target areas during the winter months. Support Your Local Sportsmens' Clubs: The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be holding their next meeting at 7 P.M. Wednesday December 9th, at the American Legion Post 773 at 4109 West 12th Street in Erie. This is on the south side of West 12th Street (State Route 5, just east of the Erie Airport. The public is welcome. 2010 Licenses Now Available: 2010 Licenses are available at nearly all locations. Gift vouchers can be purchased for licenses making a great holiday gift for a friend or loved one. Perch Regulation Reminder: Minimum size for Perch changed to 7" effective December 1st. The 30 fish daily creel limit remains the same. This would apply to Lake Erie and it's PA. tributaries, Presque Isle Bay and Peninsular Waters. Local Weather: Wednesday Night: Occasional snow showers. Low around 28. Very windy, with a southwest wind between 36 and 43 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Thursday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 30. Windy, with a west wind around 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Thursday Night: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Windy, with a west wind between 31 and 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Friday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy and windy, with a high near 32. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Friday Night: Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Saturday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
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