| Crawford County
Geneva Marsh
The area WCO is getting reports of walleye being caught at the Custards Bridge. This could be due to the new bridge that went in last year. It seems the water is deeper and these are the first reported catches of walleye here since I have started in the district over three years ago.
French Creek
Northern pike and muskellunge are being caught with regularity.
Conneaut Lake
Lots of crappie fisherman are out on the lake. Be sure to check the registration on your boat, if it is a blue sticker with a "13" on it, it is expired.
Eastern Erie County
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is open with a water temperature 48° with anglers reporting good numbers of smallmouth bass being caught in the Bay and around the Hammermill stacks. Anglers are reporting lake trout being caught in 25 to 35 feet of water out of the North East Marina. Perch are being caught on the south pier and around the bay.
Area Impoundments
The inland impoundments, Lake Pleasant, Lake Leboeuf, Edinboro Lake and Eaton Reservoir are open and anglers are fishing. The water temperatures are in the upper 40’s and the panfish are biting.
Mile Streams
The mile Streams are low and clear.
North East Marina
PFBC Maintenance crews have completed the dock installation and will be moving sand and dredging for the next 2 weeks. The North East Marina officially opens.
Shade Beach Safe Harbor Marina
The first phase of dredging is completed at the Shade Beach Safe Harbor Marina and the ramp is open. (No docks) If you are planning an early Lake Erie fishing trip in May, call ahead for lake conditions.
Western Erie County
Presque Isle Bay
Well it’s the third week of April and the western tributaries are full of suckers and stocked brown trout. Colder temperatures have been keeping the bass anglers patiently waiting warm sunny days. Good success but limited to good weather days on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. The bucket anglers are doing well with jumbo yellow perch on the North & South Piers with a few panfish along the bayfront. Crappies are occasionally showing up in Marina Lake and Long Pond on Presque Isle State Park.
Mercer County
Area trout streams
Trout have been restocked throughout Mercer County. If you haven’t made it out to help stock, there still are plenty of opportunities left, but hurry before it gets too hot.
Lake Wilhelm
The weather has not cooperated enough to fully allow the crappies to turn on but they are being caught.
Shenango Reservoir
A reminder that a TROUT/SALMON Permit is required to fish the outflow of the Shenango Reservoir down to the Walnut Street Bridge. Walleye are now out of season in the reservoir and the Shenango River. It will come in on May 4th. Crappies are being caught in the lake around brush piles.
2013 boat registrations expired March 31st. Docks are in at Shenango Reservoir and with the weather warming up; fishing has been warming up also on both the shore and in boats.
Report a Violation
One issue that I usually come across, is when I walk up to check an individual, they tell me you should have been here 5, 10, 20 minutes ago. Mostly this is because they witnessed someone taking illegal fish, engaged in illegal activity, etc. When I ask them why didn’t they call anyone, they usually respond with they don’t know who to call. If you should happen to come across illegal activity, don’t say anything to the individuals. Simply call 9-1-1. When I tell anglers that, they usually have a blank look on their face. Let’s put it another way. If someone were stealing stuff out of your car, who would you call? Well now how does that relate to fishing? If someone is taking fish out of season, then they are stealing from you, and all the other anglers that purchased their license and are doing the right thing. Make the phone call, be a good witness, and don’t confront the individual.
Venango County
Allegheny River
Smallmouth bass are beginning to turn on, particularly within the Oil City pool. Higher catch rates are being reported regarding smaller class size; however, some 3-4 pound catches are occurring. Additionally, limited catfish harvests are being reported.
The USGS depth gage in Franklin reflects a current water level of +/- 5’-0”. Water temperature is +/- 57.5 degrees. Although this temperature reflects a marked increase from just 48 hours ago, boaters are reminded that, without protective clothing, dexterity is lost within 15-30 minutes at these temperatures if immersion occurs. Play it smart, always wear a serviceable life jacket, which is of the proper size and type.
Kahle Lake
Panfish harvests are on the upswing with the recent increase in water temperature. Try using minnows under a slip bobber and target 6-12 feet of water.
Two Mile Run Reservoir (Justus Lake)
Bluegill harvests are increasing in the shallows, due to spawning activity. Best success has come on both ants and jigs.
An Angler’s Code of Ethics
As the 2013 trout season is now upon us, please keep the following in mind. When afield, practice sound conservation ethics; and, always be mindful that landowners are not required to post against trespass. Pennsylvania law requires that you, the land user, obtain prior permission of the landowner before engaging in any activity on their property. Many local landowners extend anglers the courtesy of fishing opportunities on their lands; as such, you are their guest. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission signage is routinely placed along those stream sections open to public fishing. When in doubt, stay out. Remember, ethical anglers DO NOT litter. Additionally, they do not camp, build fires, cut trees, block gates, roadways, or driveways, nor do they operate any motorized vehicle (ATV’s included) on property of another without advanced permission of the landowner. These unlawful actions will, and do, get ground POSTED!
Registration of Non-powered watercraft required at PFBC Lakes/Access Areas
With the onset of the 2013 boating season just around the corner, boaters are reminded that non-powered watercraft, which otherwise would not require registration, are required to display either current registration or a launch permit when launching or retrieving at all PFBC lakes and/or access areas. For a complete listing of regulations pertaining to PFBC properties, please refer to the following link: http://fishinpa.com/pfbcproperty.html. |
