December 22nd, 2010 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com Conditions: Temperatures in the high teens and twenties have pushed the Erie area into an early deep freeze. The tribs are almost completely frozen with few remaining areas of fishable water. Presque Isle Bay is nearly frozen with a few areas of open water on the north side. Anglers have been cautiously venturing out on the Bay. Ice conditions are vary at this point and anglers should use extreme caution this early in the season. Spud bars, Ice pics and PFDs should be standard equipment until conditions become more stable. The Walnut Creek Marina basin is a cluster of broken ice and large cracks. Forecasts indicate continued freezing temperatures that will continue to thicken the ice. Remember, if in doubt, don't go out. Anglers have been picking up small gills and a few small perch out of Misery Bay. Drift ice is starting to form on Lake Erie. Regarding Ice Safety: Officers are asked to comment on local ice conditions & thickness. We must refrain from doing so due to the liability involved and the quick changes that can occur. A report issued today for safe ice in Presque Isle Bay may be totally inaccurate if a freighter is moved into the shipyard. Other agencies follow the similar protocol. We will provide recommended thickness and general guidelines but the actual ice conditions will be left to the individual anglers to decide on the day they are fishing. Minimum thickness for a single angler or a small group of spread out anglers is a good 4" thick. Drilling small pilot holes as you walk out can be done to check ice thickness but the decision us ultimately yours. Walnut Creek Access: The office building and restrooms are now closed for the season. Porta jons and trash containers will remain around the access area throughout the winter and spring for your convenience. Please use them. One for the Holiday: 4 cups of lightly cooked and flaked perch fillets. Fish can be baked or broiled ahead of time 2 cup all purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1 good dash paprika 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 eggs, separated 1 1/3 cup milk 2 tablespoon melted margarine oil or fat for frying (I like peanut) 1. Sift together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and baking powder. 2. Mix egg yolks with milk and add to dry ingredients; beat well. 3. Add margarine. 4. Fold in stiffly beaten egg white and fish flakes. 5. Drop by tablespoons into frying material and fry until golden brown on both sides. 6. Drain on paper towel. 7. Serve with horseradish, malt vinegar, or cocktail sauce Thank you: Local Weather: Wednesday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows in the lower 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 19. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Friday...Cloudy. Highs in the upper 20s. Friday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Lows around 20. Christmas Day...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s. Saturday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows 10 to 15. Sunday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the lower 20s. Sunday Night...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 15. Monday...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s. Monday Night...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 15. Tuesday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the upper 20s |
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