WCO Report for Erie County 10/20/2010: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: October 20, 2010

Conditions:
Trib conditions remain somewhat low and clear with some color in the deeper pools and some flow. We have had enough rain to keep the water levels reasonable with some flow. Forecasts are calling for additional rain throughout the week. Weekend crowds have been excessive at the access areas at Walnut and Elk Creeks with anglers lining up elbow to elbow from the Project waters up to the "chutes area". Weekdays are somewhat less crowded. A good number of browns are being caught along with many citation size steelhead. Steelhead can be found throughout lower Elk near the access area. A good number of limits were taken from both areas this past weekend. Less crowded conditions can be found on Elk Creek near the Girard Boro Park up to and including the Legion Park area off of Route 20. Fish are holding near the Struchean flats off of Sterretania Road up to Folley's End as well. The upper areas of the Tribs may require a little walking to find fish but should be less crowded. Small wooly buggers, sucker spawn and egg patterns, micro jigs, maggots, along with single cured eggs have been popular in the clear water. Light line or leaders in fluorocarbon are nearly a must in the present conditions. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 57 degrees. Current west county trib conditions are clear with some flow, and very fishable levels.

Law enforcement:
With the large crowds, officers continue to find many violations. Snagging and foul hooking, over the limit, lack of Licenses and proper stamps, and litter have been the most prevalent. Litter continues to be a problem along the area tribs. Litter problems, particularly in and around the many residential areas severely jeopardizes future fishing access. Trash left on a landowner's yard is nothing but a quick ticket to posted land. Be sure to police your area when you leave, especially around your vehicle. Officers have little tolerance for litter problems and violators can expect maximum penalties.

Walnut Creek Basin Reminder: Boats and Docks will be removed from the Walnut Creek Access marina basin towards end of October and beginning of November, weather permitting. The Marina is tentatively scheduled to be open for fishing on Wednesday November 3rd at Noon, The annual opening of the marina has become quite popular and for many a tradition. This year with the low water levels we have experienced and fish backing up near the mouths, the marina may again be one of the hot spots for steelhead fishing. Fishing the marina is a great spot to take the kids and is handicap accessible with restrooms and snacks close by at the office. For those traveling long distances to fish the Marina, it would be wise to call the Walnut creek access office at 814-833-2464 to assure that the docks are out and the Marina will be open for fishing as tentatively scheduled

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Breezy with lows in the mid 40s. Southwest winds 20 to 25 mph...becoming west after midnight.

Thursday...Showers likely. Breezy with highs in the mid 50s. West winds 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy with showers likely. Breezy with lows in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Friday...Mostly cloudy. Highs around 50.

Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 40s.

Saturday...Partly cloudy in the morning...then mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Much warmer with highs in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Saturday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 40s.

Sunday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s.

Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 40s.

Monday...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Highs around 60.

Monday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 40s.

Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs in the upper 50s.