WCO Report for Erie County 08/27/2008: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: August 27, 2008

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on August 27, 2008 at 07:57:55:

August 27th, 2008

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert
Anglers continue to slam the Perch
with countless limits being brought in. Small schools have been found as shallow as 30' but the best fishing is still due north of Walnut creek in 60-65' of water. Anglers have also been doing very well north of the Conneaut Harbor just over the line in Ohio. Local bait and tackle shops are doing their best to keep up with the demand for shiners and perch rigs which in combination are the hot ticket. Walleye fishing has slowed somewhat, but is still much better than we have seen in years. Walleye are scattered, but the best bets are still the deeper waters of the first and second trenches northwest of Walnut Creek. Although there are reports of different baits being successful, it seems that chartreuse and purple tandem crawler harnesses are consistently the most productive. A few steelhead were observed off the wall at Walnut Creek but again no real activity yet. Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 71 degrees, off Cleveland, 73 degrees and off the Port of Erie, 74 degrees. Current West County Trib conditions are low and clear with little flow although the Walnut Channel Elk Creek from the access north are very fishable.

Law enforcement:
Boaters taking advantage of the late summer boating season are reminded to check wind and wave reports frequently and be sure that all required safety equipment is in order. With unstable late season weather conditions, proper safety equipment is more important than ever. Assure that required PFDs are not only on board, but that they are "readily accessible" to all occupants as required by regulation.

PFD's must be worn by all children 12 years and younger on all boats 20 feet and less in length, while under way, and on all canoes and kayaks. All others are strongly encouraged to wear a PFD.

Fire extinguishers should be mounted within arm's reach of the operator and visual distress signals should be in an easily accessible location. A few double checks and extra late season precautions may save your life.

Erie Tributary Hours:
From September 2 until the opening day of trout season in April, all Lake Erie tributary streams are closed to fishing from 10:00 PM. until 5:00 AM. with the exception Elk Creek north of Route 5 and Walnut Creek north of the Manchester Bridge. Closing Walnut Creek South of the Manchester Bridge (this includes the Manchester Hole) between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM the following day was put into effect last season and will be enforced this season
Erie Area Trout Regulations Change September 2nd: Trout regulations for Lake Erie, it's tributaries, and Presque Isle Bay change September 2nd. The creel limit drops to 3 fish any combination (steelhead, coho, browns, lake trout) with a minimum size of 15" only 2 of which can be Lake Trout.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will meet on Wednesday September 10th, at the American Legion on West 12th street (route 5 near the Airport) at 7:00 PM. The public is welcome

Labor Day Weekend:
The Labor Day Weekend traditionally begins the wind down of boating season in our area, although September and even October often offer many beautiful weekends and very often some of the best fishing of the year. It does seem that Labor Day always seems to bring a brisk chill to the night air and with it the start of steelhead season. With calm wind and wave conditions, this Holiday weekend can be one of the busiest of the season. Be sure your boat has all the required safety equipment, be aware of the possibility of rapid weather changes and fast moving storm fronts and remember that boating and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Have a safe Holiday weekend and remember that your PFD doesn't work unless you are wearing it.

Think You've Got What It Takes? The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is looking for individuals interested in a career as a Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO).

WCOs perform specialized work in fish conservation and watercraft safety under the jurisdiction of the Commission, blending law enforcement and public relations duties. Typical duties include patrolling by foot, car and boat to detect violations of fishing and boating laws; apprehending violators; issuing warnings and or citations; serving warrants; presenting evidence at hearings and court proceedings; investigating water pollution incidents; investigating boating accidents; and stocking fish. Appearing in public to conduct classes or provide information to groups are also highlights of the WCOs duties. WCOs work demanding schedules including holidays and weekends, to perform their vital public safety and conservation duties. Additional information about a career as a WCO is available on the Commission's Careers page at www.fish.state.pa.us (click on "About the PFBC" from the left and then "Careers and Employment").

All WCOs begin their career as a WCO Trainee. Before candidates are assigned the highly independent duties of Waterways Conservation Officer, they must complete an extensive 52-week specialized training program beginning with approximately 20 weeks of instruction in law enforcement principles and practices that meet the standards of the Municipal Police Training Act. An additional 32-week period follows with 20 weeks of classroom training by the Commission at the H. R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Centre County, Pennsylvania and 12 weeks of supervised field training. The program is conducted under close supervision, according to stringent rules. Those who successfully complete the training program will be promoted to a Waterways Conservation Officer position.

Applications for WCO Trainee positions will be accepted between August 13, 2008 and October 1, 2008. All written testing must be completed with the Civil Service Commission by November 22, 2008.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at date of hire and possess a current valid Pennsylvania driver's license. Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania, of good moral fiber and be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Successful candidates must pass written, oral, and physical evaluations.

During the application period, application forms and further information on the application process can be obtained from the State Civil Service Commission website at www.scsc.state.pa.us. Information may also be obtained from State Civil Service Commission offices in Harrisburg at 717-783-3058 (Text Telephone: 717-772-2685), Philadelphia at 215-560-2253 (Text Telephone: 215-560-4367), or Pittsburgh at 412-565-7666 (Text Telephone: 412-565-2484.) Information may also be obtained by contacting the PFBC's Human Resource Office at 717-705-7820 or by visiting the website at www.fish.state.pa.us.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is the sole state agency, charged by law, to manage the fisheries and to regulate fishing and pleasure boating in the Commonwealth. The Commission also has a vital, mandated interest in the enhancement and preservation of the state's aquatic environment. These responsibilities have been in place for nearly 140 years, growing steadily in scope, complexity and the number of people served. The Commission's mission is to conserve, protect and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.


Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Cloudy with a chance of showers in the evening...then showers likely after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Thursday...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning. Highs in the lower 70s. Southeast winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Thursday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday...Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Friday Night...Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening...then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday...Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s.

Saturday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

Sunday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

Sunday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

Labor Day...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.

Monday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.

Tuesday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s.




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