NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORT

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NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORT Published by Blackwolfe Communications LLC Issue: April 19,

Landing Net by Darl Black Justin Seemann Seems like it has been a long time in coming but spring

Smallmouth in PIB and the Allegheny, walleyes N & S at Pymatuning, crappies popping up all over

Hurry to get in on the great perch fishing at Pymie and PIB!

funds for the lake. Also, Wiegel Brothers Marine is having a big Open House on May 5 & 6.

1 NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORT Published by Blackwolfe Communications LLC Issue: April 19, 2017 The NW PA Fishing Report is brought to you by: Fishing with Darl Black Guide Service The Landing Net by Darl Black Justin Seemann Seems like it has been a long time in coming but spring weather and the spring bite has arrived in force. Smallmouth in PIB and the Allegheny, walleyes N & S at Pymatuning, crappies popping up all over and trout season opener all going on strong within the last week or two. Hurry to get in on the great perch fishing at Pymie and PIB! Don t forget the upcoming PLA open tournaments at Pymie Crappie and Walleye both support habitat funds for the lake. Also, Wiegel Brothers Marine is having a big Open House on May 5 & 6. Don t forget to check out the Gamma Tip page with comments from two Gamma users. And the Report concludes with a Special Trout Opener Page highlighting one of several special kids events held that day. GO FISH! Jim McClave

The NW PA Fishing Report provides timely angling information for Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Venango counties. Fishing comments and photos are offered by regional tackle shops and area anglers.

In providing information or pictures, you are agreeing to your comments being edited for clarity and brevity, and posted to websites and distributed electronically.

2 The NW PA Fishing Report provides timely angling information for Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Venango counties. Fishing comments and photos are offered by regional tackle shops and area anglers. The NW PA Fishing Report is based on experiences, observations and opinions of individual contributors; information sources are considered reliable but comments are not independently verified. In providing information or pictures, you are agreeing to your comments being edited for clarity and brevity, and posted to websites and distributed electronically. NW PA FISHING REPORT for April 19, 2017 Brought to you by PA Great Lakes Region tourism Published by Blackwolfe Communications LLC Latest County by County Reports French Creek flowing through all four counties Editor: French Creek continues to flow high and somewhat discolored, but fishable. No recent fishing reports. However, with the recently opened Miller Sportsman s Connection in Saegertown joining the list of contributors to the Fishing Report, we expect to hear more about fishing success on French Creek and Woodcock Lake in the future. CRAWFORD COUNTY Family fishing on French Creek Pymatuning Lake The Pymatuning Lake Association will host two upcoming team tournaments open to the public. The Crappie Tournament is scheduled for April 29, and the Walleye Tournament for May 20. For more information on fees, payout and rules go to All proceeds benefit the PLA Habitat Fund. Richter s Bait & Tackle; filed 4-17: Anglers are finally enjoying some good catches on the South End. They are doing very well on walleyes at night from shore and from boat. Even picking some eye up during day by drifting minnows. Incidental musky catches are high since the fish are near the shore spawning. Good reports on crappies and perch in the shallows, too. (See Richter provided photo at left) Fishing Frank s limit

Norm @ Jamestown Marina; filed 4-17: It has been a slow start to fishing season on the South End this year. The bite is running behind schedule. Water temp has reached 50 degrees this week.

The big news is the unbelievable catches of perch from the Andover/Espyville Causeway. Crazy catches of nice perch! Walleye success has been spotty in the area of lake but should pick up soon.

3 Jamestown Marina; filed 4-17: It has been a slow start to fishing season on the South End this year. The bite is running behind schedule. Water temp has reached 50 degrees this week. Most action I m hearing is walleye catches in evening and after dark. Duck-N-Drake; file 4-17: With improved weather, I can say spring is here! The big news is the unbelievable catches of perch from the Andover/Espyville Causeway. Crazy catches of nice perch! Walleye success has been spotty in the area of lake but should pick up soon. I m hearing bluegills and crappies in the pads in 2 to 3 feet of water. We have waterproof maps of Pymatuning showing all the waypoints of the official fish habitat structures placed in recent years. Gateway Tackle; filed 4-17: They are catching perch off the causeway almost every day. I ve seen some nice crappies come in. Remember the crappie regs are 9 inch minimum with 20 fish creel. I had a 48 inch and a 45 inch musky come into the shop this week; both caught off the causeway while fishing for walleyes. Walleyes are coming by casting jig-nminnow or Rapala Minnows on the points and humps. Robinson s Bait reports the Spillway walleye bite has slowed down. Anglers continue to catch crappies and perch in the shallows. We now carry maps of the lake showing the structure put in by PLA. Don t forget the crew from Someday Isle Tackle will be at the shop on Saturday, May 13 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to talk fishing and demo their Puppet Jigs. (See photo right) Robinson s photo perch Paul Someday Isle Tackle; filed 4-16: Crappie bite has been good at Pymatuning and we are starting to see more bluegills in the coves, too. (See photo) to right Jim McClave (Andover); filed 4-16: Crappies are starting to bite in the southern part of Pymatuning in the evenings. (See photo on cover) Hellmann s photo Canadohta Lake Timberland Bait; filed 4-17: The bluegills and crappies have finally started biting at Canadohta; it s been a slow spring at the lake. Trout season took off like wildfire, sold a lot of bait and hearing positive feedback on catches.

ERIE COUNTY Presque Isle Bay Presque Isle Angler Bait Shop reports the crappie bite in the bays is picking up.

(See photo to right) PI Angler s photo Paul Stewart Paul Stewart (Butler); filed 4-16: A very windy day at PIB on Sunday, but we got some nice

We hit the Bay on Saturday, chasing down some early season bronze. The shifting winds made for a tough bite, but we managed a few decent fish.

(See Cover Photo and Livewell Photo) Bryan Stuyvesant (Meadville); filed 4-14: I fished the Bay on Good Friday.

I managed five good smallies before I headed in to get warm. First one came on a tube, and the other four on one of my secret handcrafted baits.

June 18 th. Contact Darren Potts at 814-463-9256 for more information.

Some in lower end of Walnut, too. Minnows, single eggs or light colored egg patterns are working in clear water.

4 ERIE COUNTY Presque Isle Bay Presque Isle Angler Bait Shop reports the crappie bite in the bays is picking up. Perch fishing has been spotty over the weekend, but there have been some very nice perch taken this spring. (See photo to right) PI Angler s photo Paul Stewart Paul Stewart (Butler); filed 4-16: A very windy day at PIB on Sunday, but we got some nice perch. The biggest ones I ve caught in over a year! (See photos above) Justin Seemann; filed 4-17: Good morning Darl. We hit the Bay on Saturday, chasing down some early season bronze. The shifting winds made for a tough bite, but we managed a few decent fish. The smallies are not real thick in the Bay yet, but should not be long. Attached two photos from the trip. (See Cover Photo and Livewell Photo) Bryan Stuyvesant (Meadville); filed 4-14: I fished the Bay on Good Friday. Forecast was reasonable with zero chance of rain, but it turned sour with a cold wind and rain. I managed five good smallies before I headed in to get warm. First one came on a tube, and the other four on one of my secret handcrafted baits. (See Photo in Livewell) Eric Marsh; filed 4-10: The Bassmasters of Crawford County will host their annual Father s Day Open on PIB on Sunday, June 18 th. Contact Darren Potts at for more information. Erie Tributaries Poor Richards; filed 4-17: Still catching a few steelhead in Elk between Rt. 20 and the lake. Some in lower end of Walnut, too. Minnows, single eggs or light colored egg patterns are working in clear water. A few smallies are starting to show up in the streams. Walnut Creek Ramp is closed for rest of month; dredging the boat basin. Elk Creek Sports; filed 4-17: Not a lot happening right now. Streams are low and clear; a few guys are fishing after dark to catch and release steelhead. Smallmouth bass are moving into Elk. Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground, filed 4-12: Our guests were catching numerous nice steelhead the last two weeks. Everyone enjoying spring steelhead fishing! (See photos below.)

Edinboro Lake Jerry @ Timberland Bait; filed 4-17: Reports of good crappies catches in the stumps at Lake Edinboro.

Many trout plus a few bowfins were caught. Rained only briefly. I enjoyed my time helping kids. Hats off to Gander Mountain for prizes.

it is loaded with crappies. Vickie @ Fergie s Bait; filed 4-15: Only reports are panfish off the upper causeway and at Launch #3 from shore. It has been slow start.

Nothing to report at this time, but it looks like there wasn t any shad die-off this winter; with too much bait in the lake, it may be a tough season to catch gamefish.

These last few days the lake has improved and water temperature is starting to climb.

5 Edinboro Lake Timberland Bait; filed 4-17: Reports of good crappies catches in the stumps at Lake Edinboro. Dave Horvath (Edinboro); filed 4-15: Spent the trout opener at Mallory Run in Edinboro. Fishing event put on by Oasis Lodge #416 F&AM. Kids and adults had a great day. Many trout plus a few bowfins were caught. Rained only briefly. I enjoyed my time helping kids. Hats off to Gander Mountain for prizes. (See photos below) MERCER COUNTY Lake Wilhelm Timberland Bait; filed 4-17: Some of my customers have been going to Wilhelm to fish crappies in the Marina bay; they say it is loaded with crappies. Fergie s Bait; filed 4-15: Only reports are panfish off the upper causeway and at Launch #3 from shore. It has been slow start. Lake Wilhelm Marina; filed 4-15: We are just getting boats ready this week; hopefully will have some rentals ready by next weekend. Nothing to report at this time, but it looks like there wasn t any shad die-off this winter; with too much bait in the lake, it may be a tough season to catch gamefish. Shenango River Lake Rick Como (Sharpsville); filed 4-17: It has been a tough month of April here on Shenango with the lake going from 5 feet low to high and dirty. These last few days the lake has improved and water temperature is starting to climb. Northern pike fishing is really on right now with many nice size fish being caught on crankbaits in very shallow water. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are being caught also in shallow water. White bass and hybrid stripers should really turn on in the coming days as long as the water temperature remains steady or rises a bit. The best fishing for these species should be in the next couple weeks if the lake doesn t get muddy. Shenango LMB photo by Como

Mike @ CDS; filed 4-17: Locals had a good opening weekend of trout; we sold a lot of product.

VENANGO COUNTY Trout Streams Bill @ Griffin s Bait; filed 4-17: Fishing wise, it s been quite around here other than for opening day of trout.

(See photo) John Hummel (Kennerdell); filed 4-16: Lots of anglers catching trout on a beautiful April day along East Sandy Creek. Thanks to property owners along the creek for their hospitality.

Kory Slye (Russel, PA) fished with our group and is pictured with one of many trout caught and released today. My son, Devin Beggs caught and released this nice rainbow trout using salmon eggs.

They were excited to have a photo taken for the Fishing Report. I went back to the stream this evening with my daughter Dia who is home for Easter from NYU; she caught and released 3 trout.

6 CDS; filed 4-17: Locals had a good opening weekend of trout; we sold a lot of product. I was over to Shenango over the weekend looking for crappies, but only caught a couple; crappies should turn on at Shenango shortly. VENANGO COUNTY Trout Streams Griffin s Bait; filed 4-17: Fishing wise, it s been quite around here other than for opening day of trout. Check out the 19 inch Golden Trout taken by 14-year-old Antonio Nieves from Sugar Creek! (See photo) John Hummel (Kennerdell); filed 4-16: Lots of anglers catching trout on a beautiful April day along East Sandy Creek. Thanks to property owners along the creek for their hospitality. See photo of trout taken by Joshua Varhola of Vandergrift, PA. (See photo) Antonio Nieves Dennis Beggs (Franklin); filed 4-15: Great time on Oil Creek with friends and family for opening day. Kory Slye (Russel, PA) fished with our group and is pictured with one of many trout caught and released today. My son, Devin Beggs caught and released this nice rainbow trout using salmon eggs. Devin and I caught and released 13 trout. Jesse York (left) and Tyler Hanna (right) landed a couple really nice palomino trout fishing next to us on Oil Creek. They were excited to have a photo taken for the Fishing Report. I went back to the stream this evening with my daughter Dia who is home for Easter from NYU; she caught and released 3 trout. (More Beggs photos on special Trout Page) Joshua Varhola Allegheny River Kory Slye Gamma Line; filed 4-14: Darl and I fished the Allegheny on Friday afternoon for a couple hours. Weather was incredibly warm and water temp was in the upper 40s. Smallmouths were chewing in selected spots (bottom hugging current break near fast water). Small tubes were the best bait. We had several doubles. Most were in the 15 to 17 inch range. Worked some isolated boulders on edge of a flat to catch a couple larger bass in the 18 to 20 inch range. (Editor s Note: Dale or Darl? let s get this straight. Photo of Dale on left. Photo of Darl on right, face hidden by larger smallmouth! And no, not related in any way other than love of fishing.)

7 The Livewell Brought to you by: Wiegel Brothers Marine 704 ½ Elk Street Franklin, PA Phone Paul Stewart: PIB perch Bryan Stuyvesant: PIB SMB Tyler Parisi: Kahle Lake LMB on spinnerbait. Justin Seemann: PIB SMB Barry and Danny: PIB SMB

Black Knight Industries Oil City, PA 16301 www.gammafishing.com www.froghairfishing.

Robinson s Bait & Tackle Linesville, PA Tyler Parisi winner of the Tackle Prize for this issue of the Fishing Report. Please email your shipping address to Darl Black to claim your prize.

8 Black Knight Industries Oil City, PA You can find GAMMA LINE locally at the following tackle shops: Consumer Direct Sports (CDS) Grove City Outlet Mall, PA Griffins Bait & Tackle Cooperstown, PA Maurer s Trading Post Franklin, PA Robinson s Bait & Tackle Linesville, PA Tyler Parisi winner of the Tackle Prize for this issue of the Fishing Report. Please your shipping address to Darl Black to claim your prize. GAMMA TIP PAGE Gamma Guide Pete Cartwright: Spring rains can bring high stained conditions to rivers. You need not sit at home get out and go smallmouth bass fishing! Under these conditions I target larger eddy s that have slow moving water. These eddies will hold smallmouth bass on and off all day. I wade-fish most of the time and usually don t stay in one spot too long. However under these conditions, once I find one of these spots I fish it for a long period rather than keep moving because fish will continually move in and out. I cast grubs, jigs, and tubes. I use a GLoomis Bronzeback Rod and Shimano Stradic Reel spooled with 8-pound Gamma Edge fluorocarbon. Edge makes all the difference in identifying light pickups, and it is incredibly strong for its 8-pound diameter. (Cartwright is a PA Fish Commission licensed guide specializing in river smallmouth bass. He may reached at smallmouthfish@yahoo.com; website

GAMMA TIPS CONTINUE Outdoor Writer Jim Gronaw: I ve been a Gamma

Last week I caught my largest channel catfish to date while I was

The beast came from Kaiser Lake in Adams County, PA, hooked on a

I estimated the weight at 18 to 20 pounds.

Hopefully it will give someone else the same three one day!

9 GAMMA TIPS CONTINUE Outdoor Writer Jim Gronaw: I ve been a Gamma Line ever since I was introduced to it several years ago. Last week I caught my largest channel catfish to date while I was trout fishing using 4- pound Gamma clear PolyFlex. The beast came from Kaiser Lake in Adams County, PA, hooked on a 1/64 th oz. handtied hair jig. It measured 33.5 inches. I estimated the weight at 18 to 20 pounds. The channel cat was released. Hopefully it will give someone else the same three one day! LIVEWELL OVERFLOW Sponsored by Wiegel Brothers Marine Pymatuning is producing muskies and walleyes! Shane Grennam: 39.5 musky Richter s Bait Photo Jeramie Joy: walleyes Richter s Bait Photo

10 Special Opening Day of Trout Page - A Golden Day for many! On Mercer County s Deer Creek, a chapter of TU worked with landowner and Fish Commission to rehabilitate a stream section and establish a kids-only fishing area for opening day. The Deer Creek Project is five years old, and this year the group erected a permanent sign. Fallyn Lantz Kyle Lantz Grant Bresee Jackson Hollabough The Deer Creek Group:Tony Perez, Sherry Simons, Brad Stallsmith, Cricket Perez, Tom Mullen, Bob John, Elaine & Mike Thomas Michael Miller While up on Oil Creek in Venango County Thanks To Dennis Beggs Shane Wentworth: stream? Devin Beggs Dia Beggs Jesse York & Tyler Hanna: Oil Creek

NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORT

NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA FISHING REPORT Published by Blackwolfe Communications LLC Issue: September 26, 2018 The NW PA Fishing Report is brought to you by: Fishing with Darl Black Guide Service Dave Lefebre