WCO Report for Erie County 806/03: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: August 05, 2003

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on August 05, 2003 at 22:08:17:

WESTERN ERIE COUNTY, DWCO Randy Leighton

Conditions:
Great Walleye fishing continues to be the story for the area. Successful areas include 40-45' of water between Trout and Godfrey Runs west of Walnut Creek. Medium size dipseys 75' back with chartreuse and purple crawler harnesses have been working well. If this area is not producing for you, move north to 60-65' of water and run the dipseys 85-100' back. Although many fish are normally caught deep, a lot of the walleye are suspending at shallower depths.

Anglers are starting to pick up a number of steelhead in both the first and second trenches. Typically, many are caught by anglers trolling the bottom with spoons in search of walleye.

Perch fishing is still strong, weather permitting. 50-52' of water.Due north of the Walnut Creek channel and slightly west is the hot area.

Current Lake Erie Water temperature as of this writing is 73 degrees.

Pennsylvania Steelhead Association Kicks off the Season:
The PSA will hold its first meeting of the season (a sure sign that Fall is just around the corner) on Wednesday August 13th at 7:00 PM at the Elk Creek Inn at 7:00 PM. The public is welcome.

Unseasonable Summer is Cause for Caution:
This past week we saw a number of anglers venturing out on Lake Erie under very dark skies, lightening, and high wave conditions. So often we see anglers trailer their boats from out of town only to be disappointed to see rough conditions and dark skies. Anyone with any experience navigating Lake Erie can attest to the fact that wind and wave predictions should most often be used as only a guide. The smart boaters will either wait it out and realize that the fish will be there another day, however there are always those individuals that take the attitude that "I came all this way, I'm going fishing no matter what". Getting caught in a storm on Lake Erie can be a frightening, not to mention extremely dangerous experience and every boater should plan ahead for rough weather. Consider the following suggestions from Boating Made Simple:

Threats of Lightening:
1) A thunderstorm more than a mile away from your vessel can produce lightning that can strike your boat. In fact, the National Weather Service reports that lightening can be generated as far as 10 miles away from a storm. The service recommends that mariners use the "30-30 Rule" when visibility of the storm is still good: Once you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within 6 miles of you and is dangerous. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving shelter. Within that time there could still be a threat of a lightning strike ... even if it is sunny and the sky is clear.

2) Should you spot a threatening cloud ... even at a distance ... stop all contact with the water. Discontinue all water activities such as fishing or swimming. (Beware: Graphite fishing rods and aluminum landing nets are excellent conductors.)

3) Lower or remove radio antennas and other metal rod objects (unless they are part of a lightning protection system).

4) Disconnect and don't touch any electronic equipment, including the radio.

5) Stay in the center of the cabin or as low in the boat as possible to avoid becoming a human lightning rod. For the same reason, do not put each hand on any items connected to the electrical system at the same time.

Navigating in High Wind and Waves:
1) Maneuver so the boat takes the initial and heaviest winds on the bow, not abeam. (The smaller the boat, the more important it is to head into the wind.)

2) Waves should be approached at a 45-degree angle. This will help keep the propeller underwater and reduce pounding.

3) In moderate seas, slow your speed so you can ride atop and over a wave. Avoid driving the bow into a wave or riding to the top of the wave and falling off the back, which could bury the bow.

4) Remember ... the heavier the seas, the slower your boat speed to minimize strain on the vessel and maximize steering control.

5) Continue to keep the bilge free of water to prevent the rolling effects of sloshing water below.

Local Weather:

Wednesday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Thursday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Thursday night
Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday through Sunday
Partly cloudy. Lows near 60 and highs in the upper 70s.
Monday
Partly cloudy. Lows 60 to 65 and highs in the upper 70s.





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