PFBC fishing report for week of Feb. 9
This week’s lakeshore fishing report from west Erie County Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer Randy Leighton and Waterways Conservation Officer Brook Tolbert. Please note conditions may have deteriorated further since this report was written:
Warmer temperatures this past weekend have broken down most of the ice on the area tribs. Major ice jams have built up at the tributary mouths, temporarily blocking fishing access. Most areas South of Route 5 are open and flowing fast as of Tuesday afternoon.
Fish are scattered. Reported catches are coming from those anglers having the patience and persistence to do a lot of walking and looking. Most fish that are found have been in the tribs most of the winter. Cold, clear waters after ice-out are a good time to work the micro jigs in an attempt to trigger strikes. Egg sacs, singles and egg patterns will work nicely as the water clears, and of course shiners are always a good choice in cold water.
As the ice jams at the mouths subside, we should see additional fish moving in, hopefully setting the stage for a strong spring run. Any ice fishing in the area should be approached with the utmost caution. Ice at the mouth of Trout Run along the lake shore should be considered unstable for fishing at this time.
With the ice build up along the lake shore and the tributary open, it can be difficult to tell where the tributary ends and the lake begins. Fishing in the Trout Run or Godfrey run tribs (state-controlled nursery waters) is prohibited. Generally any running or riffled water can be considered part of the tributary. If in doubt, don’t take the risk as fines for fishing or disturbing state nursery waters can be expensive.
Ice fishing slowed this past weekend as the ice on Presque Isle Bay began to burn off. With a day or so of warm weather predicted before the next cold snap, anglers should be using extreme caution when venturing out on the ice.
Lake Pleasant, the Upper Gravel Pit Pond in Fairview and the East and West Basin Ponds at Presque Isle have all been stocked in the last few weeks as par of the winter stocking program.
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