WCO Report for Erie County 8/30/2006: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: August 29, 206

Conditions:
Signs of Steelhead season have been evident with high winds and waves and cool nights. Tributary levels are still at summer levels and apparently adversely affecting the early exploratory runs of late August, although the cool nights are setting in and we have been getting a fair amount of rain. Anglers have started fishing the trib mouths, especially at Trout Run, hooking an occasional jack or two but nothing of any size. Those that just can't wait might try the "Wall" at night at Walnut Creek. Glow in dark Cleos and the Power baits are good night choices. A lighted float can help detect those subtle strikes. Anglers trolling the East end of the First Trench have been nailing a good number of steelhead along with the Walleye. A reminder that boaters enter and exiting the Walnut Creek channel have complete right of way over anglers lines along the wall. With a little cooperation from Mother Nature it won't be long.

Wind and waves permitting, perch fishing just seems to get better and better. This past weekend saw countless anglers bringing in limits in only a few hours.

Law enforcement:
Boaters taking advantage of the late summer boating season are reminded to check wind and wave reports frequently and be sure that all required safety equipment is in order. With unstable late season weather conditions, proper safety equipment is more important than ever. Assure that required PFDs are not only on board, but that they are "readily accessible" to all occupants as required by regulation.

PFD's must be worn by all children 12 years and younger on all boats 20 feet and less in length, while under way, and on all canoes and kayaks. All others are strongly encouraged to wear a PFD.

Fire extinguishers should be mounted within arm's reach of the operator and visual distress signals should be in an easily accessible location. A few double checks and extra late season precautions may save your life.

Foggy Conditions:
Significant differences between water and air temperature (very common on Lake Erie as we head into the fall months) are a recipe for fog and poor visibility. Consider the following when caught in foggy conditions:

If possible, finding a spot to safely anchor is the best way to ride out foggy conditions. Once anchored, however,, you must sound your compressed air horn (or whistle or bell) for 5 seconds during every minute anchored and you should display your all around white light (anchor light)

If you hear another vessel approaching, give the sound signal to alert oncoming vessels to your presence… One Short Blast and One Prolonged Blast.

Should you find that you must operate a vessel in fog conditions, be sure you are displaying your running lights, immediately reduce speed. Displaying your running lights is required in limited visibility conditions as well as between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Learn the proper following sound signals to avoid collision:

Two Short Blasts: You are turning to port and will pass the other vessel on your starboard side.

Three Short Blasts: This means that a boat is slowing or stopping to avoid collision.

Five Short Blasts: This means danger. If you believe a collision is imminent or that there is confusion in the sound signals this is an appropriate signal.(A short blast is about 1 second. A long blast is about 5 seconds.)

Treat your windshield with a quality rainshield product to reduce fogging and improve visibility.

Support Your Local Sportsmens Clubs Reminder: Raffle and Banquet tickets are available for the PA Steelhead Association's "Big Run Banquet". The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will be holding their annual Big Run Banquet on Saturday September 30th starting at 2:00 PM at the Shades Beach picnic grounds off Route 5 in Northeast. Only 300 numbered tickets are sold for the event at a cost of 20.00 each. Tickets are now on sale for this event and what a deal it is. The ticket includes a scrumptious pig roast, hot dogs for the kids, all the sides and fixings, snacks, beer and soda. Each ticket number is entered into a drawing for prize money ranging from 20.00 to the grand prize of 1500.00. Each ticket has a 1 in 15 chance of winning. The picnic type event also include additional prizes, a Chinese auction, demonstration events and more!! Tickets may be purchased in person at Poor Richards East and West or at the Fish USA store on West 12th street in Erie. For more information you can contact Poor Richards by telephone at (814) 474-5623, or Glenn Mills by email at glenn@pasteelhead.org. Please use PSA in the subject line when contacting Glenn. The PA Steelhead Association works closely with the PFBC, Trout Unlimited and other area clubs to help promote good landowner relations and to promote public access.

Labor Day Weekend:
The Labor Day Weekend traditionally begins the wind down of boating season in our area, although September and even October often offer many beautiful weekends. With good wind and wave conditions, this Holiday weekend can be one of the busiest of the season. Remember that boating and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Have a safe Holiday weekend.

Local Weather:

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s. East winds 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. East winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Becoming mostly cloudy. Highs around 70.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 70. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Sunday Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.

Labor Day Partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Monday Night Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Tuesday Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.