| Erie Times-News
On Pennsylvania’s north coast, weather has a significant impact on a steelhead angler’s success. After a blow out last week, streams are back to low and clear. With a rainless forecast for the next six days, fish catching likely will be tough on tributaries.
Although confronted with a low and clear flow, Dan at Elk Creek Sports says anglers have a better advantage now compared to mid-October. “With steelhead spread throughout the system, anglers have many more places to fish. Plus, with mild south winds forecast through Monday, surf fishing near stream mouths should be very good. So far this season the run has been excellent – there are a lot more steelies out there than in recent years.”
Jake at FishUSA, echoes the fishing success in the Erie tributaries in the last few weeks. “Numbers of fish are being reported being caught in all the local streams from Twenty Mile on the New York border to Crooked Creek on the Ohio border. Bright colors are still the norm for most anglers whether fishing fly or spinning tackle. Flies and sacks in colors like hot pink and yellows are productive. Also there has been a steady bite on a rather odd color- Blue! Anglers are fishing this overlooked color and tagging a few fish. Good luck and stay safe on the water.”
East End Angler reports a higher than usual volume of anglers on the east side streams. With the intense angling pressure on tributaries, Kirk stresses other fishing options right now, too. “There are high numbers of perch in Presque Isle Bay; however, most are on the small size. You’ve got to catch and release dozens in order to put together a few keepers. Walleyes are being caught in the late evening off the South Pier. Also, lake trout are moving into the shallows. With a massive school of baitfish around East Avenue Ramp, some anglers have been catching lake trout and walleyes from shore. But when the bait moves, so will the trout and walleyes. Don’t overlook the fantastic smallmouth bass fishing still going on in the lake – when you can get out.”
At Pymatuning Lake, keeper walleyes are being caught on blade baits in the southernmost section of the lake. The panfish hotspot for bank-bound anglers is the Jamestown Marina Docks according to Bo @ BC Baits; he took home a cooler of nice-size perch from the docks; other anglers were catching bluegills and crappies.
Downstream at Shenango, the crappie bite continues with anglers enjoying success from select shoreline spots as well as from boats. Crappie success at Shenango this season has been off the scale. Most crappies are coming on small jigs.
According to three experienced bass fishermen, anglers on the Allegheny River are catching and releasing their biggest smallmouths of the entire season with 3- to 5-pounders reported. Bass have moved to slower moving water. Productive baits are tubes, grubs, hair jigs, suspending jerkbaits, and blade baits.
Contributors:
East End Angler, 4702 East Lake Road; 814-898-3474
FishUSA Pro Shop, 6960 W. Ridge Rd., Fairview; 800-922-1219
Poor Richard’s Bait & Tackle, 6821 West Lake Road, Lake City; 814-474-5623
Elk Creek Sports, 10543 Old Lake Road, Lake City; 814-774-8755
Tudor Hook-N-Nook, 10079 Cross Station Ext., Girard; 814-323-5886
Richter’s Bait & Tackle, 2936 Williamsfield Road, Jamestown, PA; 724-932-5372
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