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DWCO Update
December 27th, 2011
Western Erie County
submitted by
DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com
Conditions
With daily temperatures in the high 30's and low 40's, Erieites are enjoying a very mild winter so far. Of course, things can change quickly here on Pennsylvania's North Coast. Eager anglers have been capitalizing on weather spreading themselves throughout the tribs and taking advantage of the spring like weather and the less crowded conditions. Many anglers have been working the upper stretches of the tribs along Elk and Walnut with the access areas being left relatively quiet. Water conditions have been relatively clear with good flow with just enough rain to maintain good conditions. The small amounts of rain have not brought in any large numbers of new fish and what has come in from the lake has been on the small side. The current West County Trib conditions are clearing with fair flow and levels.
Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs
The PA Steelhead Association will have their monthly meeting Wednesday, January 11th at 7:00 P.M. at the American Legion Post on Route 5 just East of the Airport. Your support at this meeting is appreciated and as always, the public is welcome to attend.
Winter Steelhead Baits
Small presentations and light line and tippets will remain a key to good catch rates in the clear to lightly stained water we have had. Fish will be easily spooked and not as aggressive in the colder temperatures. Working micro jigs can be very productive this time of year especially the marabou variety as they have a natural movement of their own. They can be effective alone or with a tipped grub or maggot and come in an infinite variety of colors. Nymphs, Sucker Spawn and Blood dot egg patterns in pink, orange and white can be productive for fly anglers. Fly anglers also swear by the tried and true Wooly Bugger in olive, brown and black. Natural baits should be kept small and dead drifted with the current. A single waxworm, single cured eggs, or one or two grubs on a 16 to 18 egg hook can work well. Shiners both live and salted can be killer baits during the winter months.
Terminal tackle and floats should be well balance for the spin anglers to see the often subtle strikes, or bumps that the average angler misses. These subtle winter strikes are often over looked and may be the difference between the angler that is "hammering them" and the rest of the crowd that hasn't had a hook up. It is so often said that 10 percent of the anglers catch 90 percent of the fish. Often a change of bait, presentation or drift may be all that's necessary to produce a strike.
Take a variety of baits and change presentations often if you are not getting strikes and don't take your eyes off your float or indicator.
Best Wishes
Best wishes for a safe and productive new year. Your comments and suggestions have been appreciated throughout this past year.
Local Weather
Wednesday
Cloudy. Snow showers likely, mainly in the morning. Brisk. Near steady temperature in the upper 20s. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the mid 20s. West winds 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest after midnight.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy and brisk. Highs in the mid 30s.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Not as cool. Near steady temperature in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Friday
Rain and snow likely. Highs around 40. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow and rain. Lows in the lower 30s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
New Years Eve
Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 30s.
New Years Day
Cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Highs around 40. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Sunday Night
Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Lows in the lower 30s.
Monday
Cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Contact Information
PA Fish and Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement
Northwest Region Office
Phone: (814) 337-0444
Walnut Creek Marina Office
Phone: (814) 833-2464
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