WCO Report for Erie County 10/06/2010: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: October 05, 2010

Brought to you by FishLakeErie.com


[FishLakeErie.com] [ PA Fish Reports ] [ News/Articles ] [ More WCO Reports & Photos ] [ Recent WCO ]

Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on October 05, 2010 at 21:18:28:

October 6th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglere@msn.com

Conditions:

Significant rainfall over the past week has kept the tribs high and flowing with very muddy conditions at times. Catches have been tough at times, given the conditions, but as the water levels subside we should see an influx of many more steelhead. Steelhead have been reported well in to the upper stretches of the West County tribs and the slow moving pockets should be holding big numbers as the water levels recede. Weather forecasts are indicating the heavy rain we have had over the last few days will have move through the area by week's end, again setting up good conditions for the weekend. Perching has been good on the lake when calm enough. Smart perch anglers know that as long as the wind and wave conditions are calm, perch fishing on Lake Erie can last well into the Fall months. Perch are still schooling in 60 to 62 feet of water north of the point on Presque isle. Many bass anglers have been working Presque Isle Bay with fair to good success. The current Lake Erie water temperature is 60 degrees and the West County tributaries are high, muddy, and flowing hard.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday October 13th, at the American Legion on West 12th street (route 5 just east of the Tom Ridge Field) at 7:00 PM. The public is invited

Steelhead Fishing the Tribs in High Fast Conditions:
Fish can be caught by the skillful angler no matter what the conditions along with a little luck. When the Tribs are high and fast, running fish tend to move closer to the banks to hold in the slower moving water. While you are standing on the bank casting out as far as you can, the fish are probably right at your feet. Look for any slower moving areas or pools that are not as affected by the hard flow.

In these conditions, it's a great time for live bait and bright easily visible baits. Minnows, skein, egg sacks, and the bright colored Powerbaits work great. Glow ball sizes 10 to 12 in orange, red, chartreuse, and even yellow can work in muddy water. Plenty of split shot will be needed to keep your bait on the bottom. 1/32 to 1/8 oz. marabou jigs in black, white, chartreuse, pink, and orange can trigger a strike and do not require as much added weight. Heavier lines can often be used to battle tougher currents and larger fish when the tribs are stained or muddy colored.

Law enforcement: Steelhead crowds at lower Walnut and Elk Creeks have brought litter and fishing violations. Common violations have been for snagging, keeping fish in excess of the legal limit, lack of license or required stamps, control of PFBC owned property, and use of illegal devices. Snagging and or using illegal devices to catch fish will carry a zero tolerance policy by officers. Litter violations of any kind will usually carry the stiffest penalties allowed. It is often the case that an angler is ignorant of the laws and the specific regulations to our area. Anglers are encouraged, especially the first timers to our area, to again read their Fishing Summary Booklet carefully or to ask an officer if they are not sure or do not understand the regulations. Relying on another angler to clarify the rules will often get you the wrong answer. Remember that it is illegal to sell, offer to sell, buy, or offer to buy any fish not taken by a commercial fisherman, The sale of any sport angler caught fish carries very stiff penalties.

A Few Tips for Night Fishing:
Night fishing along the Lake Shore or along the tribs in areas that permit night fishing, can be highly productive and a lot of fun. Here are a few suggestions:

1) A good lantern with a shield on the streamside will provide all the light
needed and minimize spooking the fish.


2) Scented baits are the ticket at night with low visibility. Try nightcrawlers, minnows, grubs, waxworms, skein, and of course chartreuse Powerbait.

3) Baits should be fished on the bottom.


4) Lighted floats to detect strikes can be helpful.

5) Heavier lines of up to 8 # test can be used at night.


6) Glow in the dark Cleos can be deadly when casting from shore into the lake.

7) Dress warm, pack a snack and hot drink and your favorite folding chair and be sure to clean up your area when
you leave.



Local Weather:

Wednesday Night...Showers likely. Lows in the upper 40s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Thursday...Cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning...then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Thursday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 40s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

Friday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.

Saturday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.

Saturday Night...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.

Sunday...Mostly sunny in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s.

Sunday Night...Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.

Columbus Day...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.

Monday Night...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.

Tuesday...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.




[FishLakeErie.com] [ PA Fish Reports ] [ News/Articles ] [ More WCO Reports & Photos ] [ Recent WCO ]


(71.116.25.25)