Reports compiled by Chad Foster (chfoster@state.pa.us), Northwest Regional Education Specialist, using information provided by Waterways Conservation Officers, Area Fisheries Managers and other PFBC staff.

Justus Lake – Brook trout were stocked on January 20th in the boat launch area off Cherrytree Road in Oakland Township. Anglers should use caution and their very best judgement when venturing out onto the ice since ice thickness varies from one area to the next. The PFBC does not monitor ice thickness. Anglers are reminded that Big Bass regulations are in effect on this lake. Park users are cautioned that although snowmobiles are permitted within certain designated land areas, their operation on the lake is strictly prohibited. Additionally, no ATV’s are permitted anywhere within park limits.

Megan and Joshua Hepler with a catch

Little Sandy Creek: Stream bank Stabilization Project—Improvements are being made to the Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only section. The Oil Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited applied for a Growing Greener Grant for bank stabilization and habitat improvement through the Venango County Conservation District. Approval was received and work is scheduled to begin on June 16th, 2010. Included in the areas of work will be the vicinity of old railroad trestle at the mid-point of the special regulations area.

Oil Creek Trout Unlimited—The annual conservation banquet will be March 27th, 2010 at the Quality Inn and Conference Center on Liberty Street in Franklin, PA. Detailed information can be found on their website. All proceeds are used to provide better trout fishing opportunities for angling families and to improve the quality of the area’s coldwater resources.

Harbor Acres Lake – As part of the early season trout stocking waters program, brook and brown trout were stocked on January 5th. Average weight of these stocked trout is 1-2 pounds. Anglers were immediately successful using minnows.

Lake Arthur – There have been reports of good bass catches along the Muddy Creek finger of the lake. Anglers are reminded that this lake falls under Big Bass Regulations. Special seasons, sizes and limits apply.

Erie County (West)

Cold temperatures have kept the area tribs locked up, but have gotten hard water fishing season well underway. Parking was at a premium at Presque Isle this past weekend with an abundance of ice huts on Misery Bay, at the end Presque Isle State Park, and at the west end of Presque Isle Bay. Anglers in these areas seemed to be picking up good numbers of pan fish although most were on the small side. Ice anglers trying their luck off of Dobbins Landing in deeper water were picking up pan fish as well along with a number of good size perch. Angler reports on ice thickness varied anywhere from 4 to 8 inches with significant snow on the surface. A few anglers were spotted working the ice at the Walnut Creek Marina, but success was questionable. Ice continues to build on Lake Erie and for now is still unstable drifting ice. Although the Erie area still has a significant amount of snow on the ground, area roadways are clear for now.

– excerpt from our weekly Erie Report

Conneaut Lake – The lake is still not totally covered with ice yet. NOBODY has been on the ice nor is it suggested. The recent heavy snows have slowed ice formation.

Pymatuning Lake – Some brave souls have ventured out onto the ice off of Manning and Tuttle Beach. Due to heavy snows the ice HAS NOT been getting any thicker. The ice is anywhere between 3 to 6 inches thick with 1 to 2 feet of snow on top. The shorelines at both places are slush and not frozen. Anglers have reported when they drill holes the water just gushes up through the holes because the ice is sagging under the weight of the snow. The anglers that have ventured out have reported some nice walleye being caught but crappie and bluegills are slow.

Erie County (Central)

Cold December temperatures have slowed the catch rates of steelhead in Presque Isle Bay at Marina Lake although the water still remains mostly open. Burbot are being consistently caught off the South Pier in Erie as are some perch. Fishermen are catching some perch off the NE corner of Liberty Park in Erie as well. Steelhead runs have slowed in 4 and 7 mile Creek, but fish are still being caught in consistent numbers.

Erie County (West)

Snow, snow, and more snow. Erie is again getting pounded with significant snowfall and frigid temperatures. Most areas are frozen over with little to no open water. Ice fishing is starting to get underway with some success on Misery Bay and Horseshoe Pond at Presque Isle. A few brave souls have been venturing out on Presque Isle Bay as the freeze develops, however most agencies are suggesting using extreme caution or better yet, wait a bit as frigid temperatures are predicted for a while. The heavy blanket of snow over the forming ice can act as insulation slowing the freeze underneath and making conditions unstable. Drifting ice is building along the lake shore with ice dunes forming. The lake shore ice should be considered extremely unstable for now. Lake Erie water temperature is 33 degrees. West County tributaries are frozen and locked up in most all areas. Out of town anglers coming to the area are wise to follow local weather reports closely.

– excerpt from our weekly Erie Report

Lawrence County

On Jan 5th Bessemer Lake was stocked with trout. Anglers are catching trout and nice perch. Lake Arthur is producing nice bass and some crappies through the ice. If we get warmer weather trout anglers are encouraged to fish our stocked streams before the end of February. Cooler temperatures this past summer have allowed many holdover trout.

Mercer County

Anglers have been non-existent. There have been a couple of brave persons that ventured out on the ice, however it is unknown if they did anything more than risk their lives on the thin ice. The Shenango River has ice throughout the river. It will be stocked with trout in February, and most likely there are still holdovers from the fall. If you feel the need to venture out on the thin ice, wearing a Personal Flotation Device or at least keeping one handy might be a good idea. Also carrying a section of rope may not only help yourself, but you may be able to help others.