Northwestern Pennsylvania weekend fishing report, Dec. 3-5: Steelhead run still strong
With one of the best runs in many years, stream fishing for steelhead in Erie County has continued to draw anglers despite the opening of Pennsylvania rifle season for deer last weekend.
“Stream conditions are near perfect — ‘clean and green’,” said Bill at Tudor’s Hook-N-Nook. “Most of the run have made into the creeks and fish have been dropping eggs for several weeks. That’s one major reason egg patterns have been working so well for fly-fishermen. Fish remain spread out the entire length of major streams, and we are seeing both drop-backs and a few fresh steelhead in the lower part of Elk. I think fishing will remain good until the streams begin to ice over.”
Anglers continue to catch steelies in several Lake Erie tributaries.
“Stream fishing around Erie this fall has been one for the books for many anglers,” stated Jake at FishUSA. “Egg patterns have been very hot for me as the season progresses. We have landed multiple fish that were dropping loose eggs, which means spawning is in progress. Natural bead colors like glow roe and peach roe are a staple for me, as well as my favorite egg pattern – blood dot. Easy to tie, the chartreuse blood dot is a go for me when in stained water.”
Dan at Elk Creek Sports said all signs point to a strong weekend of fishing for Elk Creek. “The flows are good, the water is clear, still plenty of fish and nothing major in the forecast to screw things up. Also, there are more brown trout in the tributaries than usual.”
“The number of anglers on east side streams this past week has been down somewhat as a portion of fishermen attempt to fill their deer tags. But that just makes room for those who don’t like crowded fishing conditions,” noted Kirk at East End Angler. He also said perch are being caught from shore in the Bay on both the North and South Pier and city side docks. The first burbot of the season were reported from both the North Pier and South Pier.
On the inland scene, Dale Black at Gamma Fishing reported the smallmouth bite has slowed on the Allegheny River and will drop off quickly once water temperature falls into the 30s.
Dave at Richter’s Bait reported only a few boats on Pymatuning since hunting season started. However, anglers are catching some very nice crappies from the Jamestown Marina Docks and perch from the Linesville Marina Docks.
Crappie fishing at Shenango Lake and Lake Wilhelm has picked up a notch with large schools holding around 16 to 17 feet on each lake. However, only a few anglers are out for them. The average size of these late fall crappies is larger than summer catches, according to sources at both lakes.
The Pennsylvania firearms season for deer continues through Saturday, Dec. 11; hunting is not permitted Sunday, Dec. 5.
The 2022 Pennsylvania fishing licenses are now on sale. Don’t forget to obtain your new license before hitting the water in the new year.
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
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: NW Pa. weekend fishing report, Dec. 3-5: Steelhead run still strong
