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May 2nd, 2007 West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert Conditions: Temperatures around the area have still been on the cool side with a slow warming trend. With the cool nights, we still have steelhead remaining in the tribs but the season is winding down. With docks and launch ramps in at the Walnut Access and many other areas, boaters and anglers are taking to the water. May 1st is traditionally the unofficial start of boating season in our area. Anglers are already out looking for the perch schools although success has been limited. Perch anglers are having some success north of the Conneaut harbor in Ohio. Perch and crappie fishing in Presque Isle Bay has been fair. Bass anglers are having success in the Bay as well as in the lake near the International Paper Company west of Presque Isle Bay.. Success seems to be limited for those trolling for the Lakers although anglers are reporting fair to good catches of smallmouth along the Lake shore west of Walnut Creek and off the old International Paper site in 25 to 35 feet of water and in Presque Isle bay near the Perry monument. Suckers are in many of the tribs now with the Whiteman's Bridge area of Elk Creek being one of the favorite hotspots. A nightcrawler fished on the bottom with an ultra light rod makes for some great fun and plenty of action for the kids. There are still plenty of stockies remaining to be caught in all the locally stocked areas. Lake Erie Water Temperature as of this writing is 55 degrees off Toledo, 44 degrees off Cleveland and 46 degrees off the Port of Erie. Trout Run: If you have not been to Trout Run at the end of Route 98 North, you will now find some significant changes. A welcome amount of clearing and excavating has taken place opening up a significant amount of parking with additional parking and plans in the works. Full details of the project are on file at the Fairview Township Building. Trophy Bass Season: Anglers Bass fishing (either small or largemouth) Lake Erie, the Tribs, and Presque Isle Bay may keep a daily limit of 1 fish with a minimum length of 20" under the early Trophy Bass Season which runs through June 15th. Walleye Season: Walleye season reopens May 5th on Lake Erie, it's tributaries, and Presque Isle Bay. The daily creel limit is 6 fish with a minimum size of 15 inches. With the reopening of Walleye season for the Erie area, shoreline fishing at night is right around the corner. Many anglers question the success of night time shore fishing and in fact it is an art. It can be done and a surprising number fish have been put on the stringer for those willing to try. Anglers targeting shoreline Walleye typically have the most success with 6 to 8" floating Rapellas in the rainbow, silver and perch patterns. Cast the Rapella as far as possible and let it lie, giving it only an occasional twitch to simulate and injured fish. Walleye coming in this close to shore at night are easily spooked making silence and no artificial light an absolute must. Successful anglers often say that a clear moon lit night makes the best conditions. Erie, it's tributaries, and Presque Isle Bay. Traffic Congestion Around the Area: Travelers coming to the Erie area are likely to run in to road construction and can expect some minor delays. The Bayfront Parkway on the South side of Presque Isle Bay is under going repaving and drainage repairs. Interstate 79 coming from the south is under going a number of repaving projects as is Interstate 90 coming West from the Ohio line. Elk Valley Sportsmen's Club Kids Fishing Derby, Get Those Kids Out There: The Elk Valley Sportsmen's Association will be holding its annual fishing derby for kids 12 and under at the Girard Boro Park pond on Saturday, May 5th. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM with great prizes and refreshments for the kids. This is a terrific event for the kids (and great entertainment for the parents) and is always well attended. This is a great introduction to fishing for the youngsters. Get there early for that "hot spot". Any child 12 years of age or younger is welcome to join in the fun. Fishing gear and help is available for those kids in need. Club members and PFBC officers are always on hand to help out. To get to the Girard Boro Park turn north on Route 18 in Girard. Turn left on Lake street go several blocks and turn left at the Park Entrance (Lake Street). The pond is at the bottom of the hill. Local Weather: Wednesday Night Clearing. Lows in the lower 40s. Northeast winds around 5 mph. Thursday Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear. Lows around 40. Northeast winds around 10 mph. Friday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Friday Night Mostly clear. Lows around 40. Saturday Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Saturday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. Sunday Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Sunday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s. Monday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. Monday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. Tuesday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s |
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