WCO Report for Erie County 03/23/2011: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: March 23, 2011

Conditions: A fair number of fresh steelhead in the 15' to 20" range, or "jacks" as they are often called, have moved into the lower stretches of Elk and Walnut Creeks. Fresh steelhead in this size range put up a great fight on the end of a noodle or fly rod and can be better table fare than the larger older steelhead. These fresh fish are generally aggressive and will hit a variety of presentations depending on water clarity. Small presentations will work, especially single cured eggs and egg pattern flies along with the micro jigs and live grubs. Suckers have begun to move into the tribs which is a good indicator that the warmer spring weather may actually be around the corner. A few boats were spotted this past weekend on Presque Isle bay targeting post ice crappie and pan fish. Current West County trib conditions as of this writing were stained with good to hard flow.

Annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery:
The annual Linesville State Fish Hatchery open house is scheduled for April 2nd from 11:00 AM 3:30 PM PM. The Hatchery and Visitor center are located at 13300 Hartstown Road. This annual is event is a must attend event for the angling family, those new to fishing, and anyone infested in an afternoon of fun and education. View the 10,000 gallon viewing tank filled with trophy fish. Some of the events include kids casting; rigging a rod; filleting and cooking demonstrations; live reptiles and amphibians; fish spawning; lake habitat models; talk to agency personnel from boating and education, law enforcement, fisheries management, biologists, habitat management, environmental services, many others; and much more. See you there !

Directions to the Linesville State Fish Hatchery Coming from the East From the intersection of I-80 and I-79, go north on I-79 to exit 147-B at Meadville. Take St. Rt. 322/6 west to Conneaut Lake. Take Rt. 6 west to Linesville. In the middle of town, turn left at the traffic light (Hartstown Rd.) and go one mile to the hatchery on the left.

Directions to the Linesville State Fish Hatchery Coming from the West From Ohio, follow St. Rt. 6 to Ohio Rt. 85. This road goes over the causeway of Pymatuning Reservoir and turns into PA Rt. 285 at the state line in the middle of the reservoir. Take St. Rt. 285 to the 2nd flashing light at Hartstown Road. Romar Homes is on the corner at this intersection. Turn left and continue past the spillway (one mile), past the Pa Game Commission's Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center approximately one mile to the hatchery on the right.

Perch Regulations Change April 1st to November 30th: A reminder that the 7" size limit for perch is lifted April 1st. on Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and the tributaries The creel limit remains at 30 fish.

PA Steelhead Association Annual Tom Morrison Catch and Release Steelhead Tournament: The annual Tom Morrison Steelhead Tournament will be held March 26th. You must be a PSA member to participate. The tournament will be followed by a banquet and the monthly membership meeting at the American Legion on West 12th street just past the Tom Ridge Airport. The election of officers and board members will be held at this time. For rules and more information got to Tom Morrison Steelhead Catch and Release Tourney

Take Care Of The Steelhead Smolts:
Steelhead smolts look like small rainbows and are often mistaken for stocked trout. They are typically smaller then the "stockies" and should be carefully released. They hold the future of Steelhead fishing in our area. If a Steelhead smolt is hooked, reel it in quickly without over stressing the fish. Gently release the smolt as quickly as you can and avoid handling if possible. If the hook is swallowed it is generally best to just cut the line and release the fish for the best chance of survival.

SONS of Lake Erie Annual Ice Out Party: The SONS of Lake Erie will be holding their annual Ice Out Party on April 10th from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Perry Highway Hose Co. which is located at 8281 Oliver Rd. (Just west of Family First Sports Park). This annual fun for all is a great family event with great food and a boat load of prizes. For more information call (814)453-2270

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Cloudy. Snow with a chance of sleet and freezing rain in the evening...then a chance of snow after midnight. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation. Lows in the lower 20s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 80 percent.

Thursday...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Colder with highs around 30. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with lows around 14. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday...Mostly cloudy in the morning...then clearing. Highs in the lower 30s.

Friday Night...Partly cloudy. Cold with lows 15 to 20.

Saturday...Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy in the evening...then clearing. Cold with lows around 20.

Sunday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s.

Sunday Night...Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 20.

Monday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s.

Monday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.