WCO Report for Erie County 05/30/2007: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: May 30, 2007

Conditions:
Seasonal temperatures and little rain have been the story here in Erie. The lake temperature is still in the mid to high 50s. Perch and Walleye fishing have been off to slow start with action picking up ever so slowly. The calls coming into the Walnut Creek Marina office and the local bait shops have been countless. Anglers are looking to assure that the fish are biting before investing in the high price of fuel. A few good catches have been reported off the Point on Presque Isle . Anglers targeting perch are reportedly doing well out of Conneaut. Smallmouth bass fishing is flourishing along the lake shore in 20 to 30' of water. Some Walleye are being caught from shore along the shoreline at Elk and Walnut Creeks as well as at Godfrey and Trout Runs after dark with one local angler saying the night time walleye bite is as good as it gets. Trolling the shoreline in shallow water has been somewhat productive according to local reports. Walleye catches on the Lake have been sporadic at best in the deeper water. The few walleye that have been caught are probably still "resident" fish with the big migration from the West still a ways off. The Western basin waters of lake Erie are still relatively cold. As the water in the west warms up, the walleye will generally migrate to the colder deeper waters of the central and eastern basins. Current Lake Erie Water temperatures as of this writing are 62 degrees off Toledo, 55 degrees off Cleveland and 56 degrees off the Port of Erie. Tributary conditions are extremely low and clear.

Anglers are reminded that parking from the main road to the mouth at Godfrey Run is not permitted and is marked accordingly. This area is walk in only and vehicles can be cited for parking in this area. The area along the fenced nursery water area is a private road. There is parking along the main road at the top of the hill.

Last Reminder for Fish for Free Day:
This Sunday, June 3rd is second and final Fish for Free Day for this year. Anglers are permitted to fish the waters of the Commonwealth on this day with out having to purchase a license or any additional stamps. All other fishing regulations still apply.

Law Enforcement:
PFBC boats are now on the water help ensure boat safety for both you and for those around you. If you are stopped, consider the minor inconvenience, to be your assurance that officers in our area are doing their part to keep our shores and our boaters as safe as possible.

Marker buoys are now in through out Presque Isle Bay to assist boaters in identifying minimum wake areas and swimming areas. These markers are the traffic signs on the water and citations can be issued if they are ignored. Boaters are advised that specific minimum wake areas in the area include the Erie channel to the lake, Marina Lake and its entrance channel, Misery Bay, and Horseshoe Pond, and areas with in the marker buoys around Dobbins Landing, Beach 11 outside the Erie Channel and the south side of Presque Isle.

Farewell: Tom Hershelman, a former Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer from the 1014 district in Western Erie County, recently passed away after an extended illness. Tom will be remembered by his piers as a first class officer and a top notch marksman. Our sincere condolences to his wife Tamara and family.

Local Weather:
Wednesday Night Mostly clear. Lows around 60. Light south winds.

Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

Friday Partly sunny. A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows around 60.

Sunday Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Lows in the mid 50s.

Monday Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s