WCO Report for Erie County 05/12/2010: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: May 11, 2010

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on May 11, 2010 at 22:16:21:

May 12th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: The tribs for the most part are low and clear other than an occasional rain shower temporarily bringing the levels up. Bass fishing has been good in the lower parts of Elk and Walnut Creeks as well as along the shoreline in 10 to 25 feet of water. Tube jigs, spinner baits, stick baits, and carolina rigs are good choices along the lake shore for bass. Some Walleye are being caught trolling near shore, mostly at dusk and after dark. Anglers trying their luck from shore at night are catching some walleye mostly near the mouths of Godfrey and Raccoon Creeks. This is a good time of year to target catfish near the mouth of Elk Creek and there are plenty of "stockies" to be caught at the upper Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview. We have had a recent cold snap with temperatures in the low 40's that may affect the bite.

Questions have been asked this past week regarding archery fishing in our area. Regulations prohibit archery or spear fishing in and along any of the Lake Erie tributary streams.

Current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 54 degrees, off Cleveland, 54 degrees, and off Erie, 52 degrees.

Free Fishing Days Coming Up:
May 22th and June 6th are designated as free fishing days by the PFBC. Licenses are not required to fish on these days although all fishing regulations do apply. This is a terrific opportunity to try the sport or to introduce someone to angling. For those new to fishing there are many great spots to start out in our area. Try the far end of Presque Isle near the Perry monument or the Waterworks Ponds on the North side of the Pennisula. Edinboro Lake, The Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview, and Lake Pleasant are all good learning spots as well. All the local bait shops are more than willing to help you on that first outing and to give suggestions as to "what they are biting on"

Arguably, most anglers start out the sport by targeting panfish either by choice or by accident and frankly there are many seasoned anglers that fish for nothing else simply for the mouthwatering taste and the great action. Bluegill, Sunfish, Pumpkin seeds, or Bream as they are collectively called are the easiest fish to catch, are plentiful, and make darn good table fare. Crickets, worms, small jigs and spinners, grubs, micro crank baits, and small spider imitations are all great baits. Ounce for ounce, these fish will provide great action and are always plentiful enough to keep the even the most impatient angler busy. Try areas near shore where there is cover such as down trees or rocks and especially around docks and ramps where fishing is permitted. A rod, reel, small hooks, some splitshot, small bobbers, a stringer or bucket to keep your catch, a small knife and a small pair of pliers should be enough to get you started. Panfish are eager biters and with a little patience you can have a great day of fun.

North American Safe Boating Week, May 22-28, 2010, "THERE'S NO REASON NOT TO WEAR IT": (Washington, D.C.) It’s too hot! It doesn’t look cool. I know how to swim. Nothing is going to happen to me. These are just some of the many reasons people claim that they do not wear their life jackets. But with approximately 700 people drowning each year from recreational boating accidents, it is imperative for you to wear your life jacket at all times while you are on the water. Life jackets are no longer the orange, hot and bulky life jackets that are commonly associated with on the water safety gear. New innovations and developments in life jackets have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable version of a life jacket, leaving you with no reason not to WEAR IT!!

Much like a helmet to a biker or skate boarder, life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water. In 2008 of the 709 recreational boating fatalities, over 89% of those victims not wearing their life jackets. Life jackets are now lighter, less obtrusive and more attractive than ever before. The new inflatable life jackets allows you the mobility and flexibility that you need when boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather. There are many different varieties of inflatable jackets ranging from those that inflate instantly when you hit the water to those that are manually inflated. All are designed to be more comfortable and wearable than the traditional life jacket. Accidents can happen at an alarming speed anyplace or anytime you are on the water.

Although many boaters stow life jackets on their boat, very few choose to wear it. There just isn’t time to grab a life jacket and put it on properly before you are in the water. If you are faced with a strong current or unfavorable weather conditions you will not only have trouble making sure you are safe and secure in your life jacket, but you will be unable to help your friends, relatives, children or passengers that have accompanied you in your boat. Wearing your life jacket will allow you to be safe in case of an accident and will also allow you the ability to assist others that may be in danger

This year during National Safe Boating Week, and throughout the boating season remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you. Life jackets are now more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles to fit the style you want. Safe boating saves lives so for this year’s North American Safe Boating Week (May 22 – 28, 2010) and throughout the boating season remember to WEAR IT!

For more information on the National Safe Boating Council and the North American Safe Boating Campaign, visit www.SafeBoatingCouncil.org

Walnut Creek Marina Memorial Wall Update, May, 2010 from Christie Ferrier: The wall is filling up!!! We still have room, however, for Memorials or a Birthday or Anniversary gift. The pavers are wonderful and meaningful gifts for those of you who have friends or family who are hard to buy for. Consider a paver as a long lasting gift which they can enjoy seeing for many years to come. There are now only 2 of the large capstones left on the garden side of the wall and one slightly smaller on the south side. These are much larger than the pavers and can be yours for $325 for the larger and $275 for the smaller. If you have not been to the Walnut Creek Marina in awhile, stop and see the wall and the garden and see what some of the capstones and pavers say. It is touching and interesting. Now that the Walnut Creek Access Office is open, you may pick up a brochure in the office or get in touch with me. The money from the sale of any paver or capstone goes in to a fund at the Erie Community Foundation to pay for upkeep and maintenance of the garden and wall into permanently. For more information contact Christie Ferrier at 814-474-2577 or email her at cbfbeach@mac.com

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. A chance of thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the lower 40s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Thursday...Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday Night...Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s. South winds 10 to 15 mph... Becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Friday...Mostly cloudy in the morning...then clearing. A chance of thunderstorms in the morning. A chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 50 percent.

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

Saturday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 50s.

Saturday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.

Sunday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s.

Sunday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s.

Monday...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Lows around 50.

Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s.






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