Pennsylvania Fishing Reports Northwest Region, 4-22-10

[Saltwater Fishing]

NW Regional Reports

Fishing and Boating Report – April 21, 2010
Western Erie County
The west county tributaries have become very low and clear. Some rain later in the week may help conditions. Continued cold nights may keep a few steelhead around for a while but generally the season is beginning to wind down. A fair number of steelhead remain near the mouths of Elk and Walnut Creeks particularly at the Manchester Hole and around the Elk Creek access. A fair run of steelhead occurred on Elk this past Friday night before the opening of regular trout season. It is difficult to predict how long they will stick around.

There are still a good number of stocked trout scattered throughout Elk and Crooked Creeks. Clear conditions will dictate the lightest of presentations with no more than 4 lb. test line (preferably fluorocarbon). Sucker spawn patterns, single eggs, emerald shiners, and micro jigs will be popular choices for both steelhead and stocked trout.

Suckers have invaded the tribs and some bass are being caught in lower Elk.

Current Lake Erie water temperature is 44 degrees. West county tributaries were very low and clear as of Tuesday afternoon.

A number of boats have been observed on both the bay and the lake. Water conditions are still frigid. Use extreme caution when boating this time of year. Hypothermia can set in quickly with the current lake temperatures. Safety equipment, especially PFD’s (properly sized and worn) along with a throwable device (ring or cushion) within arm’s reach can literally mean the difference between life and death this time of year. Check your safety equipment list to be sure all is in order for your boat and that each piece of gear is in good serviceable condition.

– excerpt from our weekly Erie Report

Central Erie County

The opening day of trout season in central Erie County was a huge success despite cool temperatures and even a few snowflakes. Equally as big of a hit was the stocking of Presque Isle State Park's East & West water works ponds and Edinboro Borough's Mallory Run "kid’s" section of Conneauttee Creek. All three Approved Trout Waters were stocked with the help of elementary school children from the local area. The kids from the General McLane School District started the day with "litter bag" races and the children that stocked the water works ponds followed up with an outdoor aquatic life class from DCNR Educational Specialists.

The opening day on Presque Isle State Park's Water Works ponds had the best catch rate to date. DCNR Educational Specialists and the SONS of Lake Erie operated the "kid’s zone" on the floating dock pavilion on the east pond. There was constantly a trout on somebody's line the entire day. The kid's stringers were full and everyone caught many trout originating from the PFBC's Corry Hatchery. Many compliments came from parents and onlookers alike regarding the size and condition of the PFBC stocked trout from the Corry State Fish Hatchery.

The Mallory Run portion of Conneauttee Creek in the Borough of Edinboro saw equally high catch rates including the landing of a 20+ inch walleye by a six year old girl on a "snoopy" rod. The fish must have made its way up from French Creek or over the spillway from Edinboro Lake. The crowd of nearly one hundred parents and kids applauded loudly both when she landed the lunker walleye, and after she released it back into the water. Also, a local Masonic Lodge held a kids fishing contest with prizes for the biggest trout of the day for each of three age groups. The Lake Edinboro Sportsman League improved the fishing platforms earlier in the month so everyone had a nice smooth platform from which to fish.


PFBC & DCNR Staff with kids stocking the east works pond on Presque Isle State Park


Lawrence County

Trout opener: Opening day weather was cold and we had some snow. Fishing pressure was light, except at some of the bridges. The second day resulted in many fewer anglers but many of those checked had their limits of fish early in the morning. Stream conditions are low and clear. When we get some rain, stream conditions will improve and many trout remain to be caught. Bessemer Lake and Cascade Quarry will be stocked on Saturday, April 24 for those who enjoy lake fishing for trout.

Venango County

Anglers faced rain and below average temperatures on the opening weekend of the 2010 regular trout season. Despite unfavorable conditions, many anglers caught their limit of fish. Others reported successful landings on both Oil Creek and Mill Creek as well.

APRIL INSEASON STOCKING FOR VENANGO COUNTY

04/23/10—Little Sandy Creek [FFO Zone] & Sandy Creek [Wilhelm to Polk]
04/26/10—Little Sandy Creek [ATW] & Sandy Creek [Polk to Pecan (Old SR 8)]
04/27/10—Sugar Creek
Consult our stocking schedules for meeting times and locations.

OIL CREEK CHAPTER TROUT OF UNLIMITED (OCTU) LITTLE SANDY CREEK ANGLER SURVEY: OCTU members recently placed angler survey forms on the Catch and Release Fly Fishing Only section of Little Sandy Creek, at both the SR 62 and Polk Center Pump Station parking areas. Anglers utilizing this special regulation area of Little Sandy Creek are encouraged to take a few moments in order to complete a survey and provide comments relating to their fishing experience on the stream. Survey forms can be found within those mailbox(s) attached to the wooden signs marked ‘Angler Survey’.


OCTU Members with sign


http://www.fish.state.pa.us/splashes.htm