NW Pa. fishing report: Plenty of fish species biting when storms, winds subside
Rockin’ and rollin’ weather will continue through the weekend with thunderstorms and strong winds. While the forecast calls for scattered storms on Friday and Saturday, Sunday looks like a potential washout – whether fishing Lake Erie or inland waters.
As weather permitted, the lake trout bite continued in Lake Erie in 50 to 100 feet of water off North East, according to Kirk at East End Angler. “A customer brought in a monster this week. It was 40 inches long and weighed 27 pounds. However, east wind dropped the nearshore water temperature to 41 degrees, giving smallmouth bass a case of lockjaw. Fortunately, there are good number of smallmouth bass in Sixteen Mile and Twenty Mile Creeks, and they seem willing to bite. In Presque Isle Bay, anglers are catching perch from both the North Pier and South Pier. The night bite for walleyes from the piers this week has been intermittent due to weather.”
Brittany at Poor Richard’s reported lake shore anglers have enjoyed success for walleye at night near stream mouths when the wind and waves cooperate – which has not been very often. “The lake has been pretty ugly this past week, so very few boats have ventured. But I’ve had encouraging reports from customers about active crappies in Presque Isle Bay.”
“I joined up with a charter captain one day this past week to check out daytime trolling for walleyes in 10 to 22 feet on the west side, but we struck out,” stated Bill at Tudor's. “Nighttime wading off the shore is producing – if you have a favorable wind.”
Boating safety:Here's what you need to know to stay safe on the water this Memorial Day Weekend
Chris at Elk Creek Sports said there are still bass in Elk Creek north of Route 5, but not many stocked brownies remain in the stream. Walleyes at creek mouths are the best thing going on the west side of Erie County right now, he concluded.
“Just about every species seems to be hitting at Pymatuning Lake!” exclaimed Dave at Richter’s Bait. “The daytime walleye bite is producing for anglers drifting nightcrawler rigs around the south end humps. If you are into bass fishing, largemouth and smallmouth are smacking artificial baits on both ends of the lake. I am receiving abundant reports of black crappies spawning in shallow wood cover on the south end. Catfish activity picking up, too.”
Looking for the perfect kayak for you?Here's how to find one that fits your needs, size
The crappie bite at Lake Wilhelm is decent, according to Brandon Hanna at Consumer Direct Sports. He reported catching lots of crappies but few of quality-size. However, Brandon did land and release a 6.5-pound largemouth. Other anglers mentioned catching many green sunfish and pumpkinseeds from shallow water.
After fishing Shenango Lake for crappies multiple days this past week, Kevin Austin reported the shallow water bite is in full swing. His largest crappie was a 2 pounder. All his fish came on hand-tied 1/32 and 1/16-ounce tinsel jigs. Some Shenango anglers had success on hybrid striped bass, which were chasing bait in the shallows; however, bite is not consistent due to yoyoing of water temperature.
Get the GoErie app:Read about Erie and Pennsylvania outdoors every day on our app
Contributors:
East End Angler, 4702 East Lake Road, Erie; 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