WCO Report for Erie County 08/25/2004: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: August 24, 2004

Conditions:
Walleye fishing has been very good with some of the best catches of the season being brought in. The first trench north west of the Walnut Creek in 65 to 68 feet of water has been productive. Limits have been common with many fish in the 22 to 28" range (Good eating size). Crawler harness rigged with large dipseys have been the most productive.

Perch fishing is still good and should last for a while pending wind and wave conditions. 50-60' of water North and Northwest of Walnut Creek is still a hot area.

Even with a few heavy rain storms, the area tribs are very low and very clear. This combined with the Lake still being relatively warm, has kept the steelhead movement to a minimum. Fish have been entering the channel at night at Walnut Creek and have been holding in the "mud hole" at the Elk Creek Access but quickly head for the lake at daybreak. Although fish are beginning to stage off the mouths, there have only been a few catches made close to shore and in the tribs. Those catches have been typically at night or just before dawn. Glo in the dark Cleos, the powerbaits and crawlers are all good night time baits for the early season steelhead. Overnight temperatures have begun to lower the water temperature and with a little rainfall we should be seeing day time exploratory runs in the creeks in a few weeks.

Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 68 degrees. Tributary conditions at the Walnut Creek access area as of this writing are very low and clear.

Walnut Creek Access:
Concrete patching of the launch ramps will taking place over the next few days although at no time will all the ramps be closed at the same time. Late summer and early fall can bring on rough lake conditions and variable channel conditions. The Walnut channel has filled in somewhat with depths varying from 2 1/2 feet to 4 feet. Typically keeping close to the wall will keep you in deeper water when entering and exiting the channel.

Anglers fishing the wall along the channel at Walnut Creek are reminded to yield their lines to boat traffic entering and exiting the channel. This is not only a courtesy to avoid damage to outdrive seals, it is a regulation offenders are subject to a fine.

The Northwest parking lot at the Walnut Creek Access (slipholder's lot) is now clearly marked for slipholders and handicapped vehicles only. Any other vehicles are not permitted in this area until the marina has closed for the season, generally at the end of October.

Input Sought on Proposed Designation for Erie Area Trout Fishing:
The Commission is considering adding the East Basin Pond and West Basin Pond at Presque Isle State Park in Erie County to the list of waters regulated and managed under the Select Trout Stocked Lake Program. This change would regulate trout fishing in these areas in a similar manner to the Upper Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview and Lake Pleasant.

Persons with comments, objections or suggestions concerning any of the designations and re-designations are invited to submit comments in writing to: Executive Director, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Comments also may be submitted electronically at "ra-pfbcregs@state.pa.us."

A subject heading of the proposal and a return name and address must be included in each transmission. In addition, all electronic comments must be contained in the text of the transmission, not in an attachment. If an acknowledgment of electronic comments is not received by the sender within 2 working days, the comments should be retransmitted to ensure receipt. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.

Boating Safety Tip of the Week:
Inspect fuel tanks annually. Pay particular attention to bottom surfaces which may have been in contact with bilge water. Also check to see if any part of the tank could have rusted or been damaged due to rubbing and abrasion. Permanently installed fuel tanks and closed compartments that contain engine or fuel tanks must be vented to the outside.

Local Weather:
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. South winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Thursday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Friday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Sunday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
Monday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Monday night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.