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Throwin ropes

1/20/2011

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Another fine day upon the tributaries .... The mid twenties kept constant line maintenance a must ( see accumulation on tippet pictured last ) but all in all a great January Steelhead experience . Jerry went three for six and I landed one of eight hook ups . Fishing from the edge ice platforms was a great alternative to drilling holes in the ice and the waiting game that usually ensues. Better company could not be wished for and the fish were co-operating what else in life could one hope for . I am once again thankful for these limited opportunities to enjoy nature and commradere with friends. Although the ice continues to thicken ; I haven't spotted another angler on the stream for 3 consecutive days . The water color today was clear in comparison to Wednesday ; when the stronger run off had a green tint to the water . Tight lines

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Edge Ice Phenomena

1/19/2011

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Another excellent day on the Erie tribs .... Temperatures in the mid twenties and not another angler in sight ; just ice flows and long drifts ! In comparison to yesterday the water color was a nice green tint that didn't allow the fish to be seen . Tuesday the flow was somewhat less and the water was extremely clear ; with the run off the color has increased . This allows for a sneak approach to known steelhead haunts and more excitement when your indicator does "dunk" . Fished from 2 Pm until dusk with excellent results in relation to water temperature . Landed two fish of the four that hooked up on stone flies & egg patterns .

A small jack was hooked up that was silver in color or ( fresh from the lake ) despite the existing ice jams below they are somehow finding their way upstream ! Pictures below are of an upstream ice jam , edge ice conditions , and ice buildup on rod guides that is to be expected . Drifting the ice edges will increase your odds for success as steelhead find comfort under or at the edges of the ice. I am thankful to be able to enjoy days such as these . Tight lines .... <>< <>< <><

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Short window for success

1/18/2011

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After a brief a couple of weeks with temps in the lower 20's today has brought opportunity for us local anglers . The temperature was near 40 degrees ; allowing for some fly fishing opportunities this afternoon . After breaking some edge ice fish were found underneath and provided for some good January action . I fished about an hour & a half and broke ice for about the same amount of time . Discovering that 3 dozen or so steel head were hiding underneath . After a brief chase upstream the fish found a nice place to hunker down in some deeper water .

The fish ate the stone flies consistently and I found myself in prime time for some hard fighting winter chrome ! 4 of 5 fish hooked were landed the largest being 10lb 12 ounce female and took over 10 minutes to get the brute to hand . The other 3 were in the 4 - 8 lb range and they also provided great fights for lethargic winter fish .... So get out and do your ice busting duty ; while enjoying some hard fighting fish ...... If you plan on coming to Erie for Wednesday ; please be mindful that we are getting rain right now and it is expected to freeze upon nightfall .... Tomorrow should not be a bad bet on the fishing ; although early icing of equipment must be expected with temperatures predicted to be in the upper 20's ....... Tight lines <>< <>< <><

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A New Year bringing early opportunities

1/4/2011

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After a month break due to an old fashioned Erie freeze up the tributaries are open once again and most ice has been washed away to the lake . The month of December was a memorable one with a great bite prior to temperatures hitting the single digits . The bite was good on Monday 1/2/11 and Wednesday 1/4/11 . I did not fish Tuesday but I also heard of fresh fish being caught by others .

Ice fishing Presquel Bay has been decent with hand sized bluegills , Perch , and Crappies heading for the skillet . The creeks were for the most part locked up from Dec. 10th - January 1st until the recent warm temperatures broke the ice jam loose ; along with another inch of rain to help matters . Some fresh fish are to be found within a couple miles of the mouths and a few moldy ones mixed in .

Fish have begun a deep winter holding pattern with most success coming bouncing egg patterns , nymphs , and jigs off the bottom . I included a few ice fishing pics , the smallest Walleye I have ever caught , the coast guard practicing ice rescue techniques on the bay , and a video shot before freeze up in December .

The fresh fish can be identified as the Steel head without marks on them from the ice scraping their bodies . The ice will begin to form again and I encourage all to get out while the gettings good : ) ....... Happy New Year and Tight Lines to all ........... Don <>< <>< <><

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Throwin ropes

Edge Ice Phenomena

Short window for success

A New Year bringing early opportunities

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