2008 Spring Steelhead Report

A cold, snowy and wet March has put somewhat of a damper on spring steelhead fishing so far. In fact, spring seems to be a few weeks behind this year with snow pack still around in many areas in the Lake Erie region the first week of April. The big tributaries like the Cattaraugus Creek in New York and the Grand River in Ohio have mostly been unfishable due to high/stained flows. The medium to smaller size tributuries have been fishable at times, though, producing a mixed bag of pre-spawn, spawning and spawned out fish.

With snow pack disapearing this month (April) and milder temperatures coming, the tribs should fish more consistently to more active steelhead and hopefully fresh runs as well. Be aware that many sections of the tributaries will contain stocked juvenile steelhead smolts as well as suckers, which run up from Lake Erie.

As of April 2, 2008, the Lake Erie water temperature off the City of Erie, Pa. was 36 degrees F.

News

On February 6, 2008 the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Dr. Douglas Austen, acting under the authority of the Commission, has ordered the immediate closure of fishing on Walnut Creek in Pennsylvania from Route 5 north to Manchester Road bridge between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am.

The Executive Director has found that this action is necessary and appropriate to conserve and preserve fishing opportunities in the area. The action reflects the concern of some property owners about the noise levels and unnecessary neighborhood disturbances caused by anglers fishing Walnut Creek during the time period of 10 pm to 5 am.

Prior to this action, from the day after Labor Day until the opening day of trout season in April, all Lake Erie tributary streams were closed to fishing from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., except for Walnut Creek and Elk Creek north of Route 5. The amendment now prohibits fishing on Walnut Creek from Route 5 north to Manchester Road Bridge between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The Federal US Fish & Wildlife Service will be treating Crooked, Raccoon, and Conneaut Creeks in Pennsylvania for lamprey eels. This will occur between April 2-9th, 2008. There could be a presence of red dye for flow measurements and bright green for the treatment observed in these creeks. If this is observed, there is no need for concern. For questions, contact the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Regional Office at 814-337-0444 Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.