January 6th, 2010 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com Conditions: After coming in out of the cold and cleaning over three feet of drifted snow in my driveway, it certainly is difficult write about fishing however, simply put its snow, snow, and more snow. Erie is again getting pounded with significant snow fall and frigid temperatures. Most all areas are frozen over with little to no open water. Ice fishing is starting to get under way with some success on Misery Bay and Horseshoe pond at Presque Isle. A few brave soles have been venturing out on Presque Isle Bay as the freeze develops, however most agencies are suggesting to use extreme caution or better yet, wait a bit as frigid temperatures are predicted for a while. The heavy blanket of snow over the forming ice can act as insulation slowing the freeze underneath and making conditions unstable. Drifting ice is building along the lake shore with ice dunes forming. The lake shore ice should be considered extremely unstable for now. Lake Erie water temperature is 33 degrees. West County tributaries are frozen and locked up in most all areas. Again, out of town anglers coming to the area are wise to follow local weather reports closely. Support Your Local Sportsmens' Clubs: The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be holding their next meeting at 7 P.M. Wednesday January 13th, 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. Pennsylvania Steelhead Association to Host Seminar: The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be hosting a steelhead fishing seminar at the South Hills Assembly, 2725 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park, PA. 15102 on February 6th. Start time is 10:00 AM. Scheduled speakers are Jim Jankovic, steelhead guide, who will talk about rigging and spin fishing techniques and Adam Norris who will cover fly fishing techniques. There will be information on center pin fishing and in addition Chuck Murry, PFBC Fish Culturist will be discussing Lake Erie stocking programs and it history for Steelhead, Brown Trout and Lake Trout. This event should be loaded with valuable information for the novice steelhead anglers as well as the well experienced. For more information go to Steelhead Fishing Seminar Ice Fishing Recap: It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no more than three hooks attached to each line. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On Fish & Boat Commission lakes, shelters or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day. Local Weather: Thursday...Cloudy. Snow likely...mainly in the afternoon. High in the mid 20s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60 percent. Thursday Night...Snow. Lows around 20. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80 percent. Friday...Snow showers likely. Highs in the lower 20s. Chance of snow 70 percent. Friday Night...Snow showers likely. Lows 10 to 15. Chance of snow 70 percent. Saturday...Snow showers likely. Highs around 20. Chance of snow 70 percent. Saturday Night...Snow showers likely. Lows around 10 above. Chance of snow 60 percent. Sunday...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the lower 20s. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows 10 to 15. Monday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs in the mid 20s. Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Lows around 20. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance |
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