Hot, humid and more like Florida would describe the Erie area weather as of late with temperatures pushing 90 degrees. Boaters are picking up steelhead along with good catches of walleye in 75 to 100' of water in the second trench northwest of Walnut Creek.

Evidence of early staging continues off the trib mouths however, with recent warm weather conditions we have actually had a slight rise in water temperature which may delay the early runs. A few early morning anglers have been spotted trying their luck along the shore at Trout Run with limited success. A few reports have come in that there has been some success at the mouth of Elk Creek although confirmed catches have been few In short, we're not there yet and we are still in for relatively warm weather over the next week with some cooler relief by the weekend.

Perch fishing is still good in 50 to 62 feet of water north and west of Walnut Creek and off the point.

The current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 73 degrees, off Cleveland, 74 degrees and off Erie 74 degrees. West County Tribs are extremely low and clear as of this writing.

Trout Creel Limits for Lake Erie Change September 7th

Effective September 7th and running through April 14th, 2010, the daily creel limit for trout and salmon on Lake Erie and the tribs as well as Presque Isle Bay and Peninsula waters changes to three fish per day with a minimum length of 15 inches, only two of which can be lake trout.

Labor Day Weekend

The Labor Day weekend traditionally begins the wind down of boating season in our area, although September and even October often offer many beautiful weekends. It does seem that Labor Day always seems to bring a brisk chill to the night air and with it the start of steelhead season. With calm wind and wave conditions, this holiday weekend can be one of the busiest of the season.

Be sure your boat has all the required safety equipment, be aware of the possibility of rapid weather changes and fast moving storm fronts and remember that boating and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Have a safe holiday weekend and remember that your PFD doesn't work unless you are wearing it.

Boating Safety Tip of the Week

Inspect fuel tanks annually. Pay particular attention to bottom surfaces which may have been in contact with bilge water. Also check to see if any part of the tank could have rusted or been damaged due to rubbing and abrasion. Permanently installed fuel tanks and closed compartments that contain engine or fuel tanks must be vented to the outside.

More Information on Getting Emergency Help on the Water On the Water

A minor problem can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control. For this reason, let someone know even when you are experiencing relatively minor difficulties, before your situation turns into an emergency. The Coast Guard serves as Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinator for all maritime emergencies and is the appropriate point of contact whenever you are concerned for your safety. If you are in distress (distress is defined as a situation where you or your boat are threatened by grave or imminent danger requiring assistance), the Coast Guard will take immediate steps to help you. Normally, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue boats and/or aircraft will be sent, but assistance from any available source will be arranged to expedite your rescue.

How To Signal For Help

If you are in distress use "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" on channel 16 on the marine radio. If your situation is not a distress, simply call "Coast Guard." Channel 16 VHF/FM and 2182khz HF/SSB are dedicated distress and calling frequencies and are monitored at all times. Citizen's Band (CB) is not dependable and is not monitored at most Coast Guard stations. If you do not have a radio, attempt to signal a fellow boater who can assist or call the Coast Guard for you. On Lake Erie, a marine radio will typically provide quicker response and have a better signal than a cell phone. In a distress situation, use flares or any other distress signaling device to catch the attention of another boater.

What To Tell The Coast Guard

While arranging help, you will be asked for the following:

• Your location or position.
• Exact nature of the problem (special problems).
• Number of people on board.
• Your boat's name, registration and description.
• Safety equipment on board.
• You also will typically be told to have all persons on board put on their PFD's

Listen and follow the instructions given.

Local Weather

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny in the morning...then becoming partly cloudy. Hot with highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night
Becoming mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday
Mostly cloudy and cooler with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of showers. Lows around 60.
Saturday
Variable cloudiness with a 30 percent chance of showers. Not as warm with highs in the upper 60s.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy in the evening...then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. Highs around 70.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
Labor Day
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.

Cooler temperatures and a number of large fronts moving through the area have made Lake Erie fishing a challenge at times with rapidly changing wind and wave conditions.

Walleye and perch anglers are still "on the move" anywhere from 30 to 40 feet of water for walleye out to 75 to 80 feet. Perch seem to still be moving, but when going out, 50 to 55 feet of water off of the Walnut Creek access and similar depths off the point are good places to start.

Steelhead are being pulled in along with the walleye in the deeper depths. A few eager steelhead anglers have been spotted off the wall at Walnut Creek, but we are still pretty early and water temperatures are very warm.

The tribs are very low and very clear with negligible precipitation over the last month.

The current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 74 degrees, off Cleveland, 76 degrees, and off degrees.

Use Caution With Changing Fronts and Rough Water

With the often quick transition from summer to fall-like weather, boaters are advised to carefully monitor wind and wave conditions. All too often we see boaters come a long way to fish our area and risk going out in risky conditions. Most marine radios have at least 2 weather channels including NOAA. Monitoring channel 16 in the scan mode (rather than locking in on say, channel 68) will give you severe weather warnings as they develop. The simple rule of thumb is to keep an eye on the sky, especially towards the west for changing conditions. Should you get caught in rough water, put on your PFD, insist your passengers do the same, and consider the following:

1. Maneuver so the boat takes the initial and heaviest winds on the bow, not abeam. (The smaller the boat, the more important it is to head into the wind.)
2. Waves should be approached at a 45-degree angle. This will help keep the propeller underwater and reduce pounding.
3. In moderate waves, slow your speed so you can ride atop and over a wave. Avoid driving the bow into a wave or riding to the top of the wave and falling off the back, which could bury the bow.
4. Remember... the heavier the seas, the slower your boat speed to minimize strain on the vessel and maximize steering control.
5. Continue to keep the bilge free of water to prevent the rolling effects of sloshing water below.

Foggy Conditions

Significant differences between water and air temperature (very common on Lake Erie as we head into the fall months) are a recipe for fog and poor visibility. Consider the following when caught in foggy conditions:

If possible, finding a spot to safely anchor is the best way to ride out foggy conditions. Once anchored; however, you must sound your compressed air horn (or whistle or bell) for 5 seconds during every minute anchored and you should display your all around white light (anchor light).

If you hear another vessel approaching, give the sound signal to alert oncoming vessels to your presence…One Short Blast and One Prolonged Blast.

Should you find that you must operate a vessel in fog conditions, be sure you are displaying your running lights, immediately reduce speed, and remember the proper following sound signals to avoid collision :

• Two Short Blasts: You are turning to port and will pass the other vessel on your starboard side.
• Three Short Blasts: This means that a boat is slowing or stopping to avoid collision.
• Five Short Blasts: This means danger. If you believe a collision is imminent or that there is confusion in the sound signals this is an appropriate signal.

A short blast is about 1 second. A long blast is about 5 seconds.

Treat your windshield with a quality rain shield product to reduce fogging and improve visibility.

Boating Safety Tip of the Week

Fire extinguishers should be mounted within arm's reach of the operator and visual distress signals should be in an easily accessible location. A few double checks and extra late season precautions may save your life.

Local Weather

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Lows around 60. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday
Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs around 70. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night
Becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Friday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
Friday Night
Clear. Lows in the upper 50s.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s.
Monday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
Monday Night
Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

Hot, sticky weather has surrounded the Erie area with more of the same over the next week. Although the weather has been good, the heat and humidity often give way to unstable fronts and patterns moving through the area have kicked up lake conditions from time to time.

Awesome walleye for this young man

As is typical this late in the summer season, a dozen people will give you a dozen different reports. Anglers are still having the most success for walleye and steelhead in the colder, deeper waters of the lake which in many cases may often be too far off shore for some of the smaller watercraft. Boats fishing north of the point off Presque Isle nearly to the Canadian line and west have been doing well.

Perch fishing is sporadic with schools on the move and anglers still having to move often to bring in their limits. As of this writing the most productive perch fishing has been in 55 to 60 feet of waters off the Presque Isle condos and the point. The exceptionally warm lake temperatures this year seem to have fish on the move in search of colder more oxygen enriched waters.

A few anglers have been spotted fishing the wall at Walnut Creek at night in search of that first tributary steelhead but it's early. The tribs are still very low and there hasn't been any evidence of early staging at the mouths.

Current Lake Erie water temperatures off Toledo are 75 degrees, off Cleveland, 76 degrees, and off Erie, 77 degrees.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs

The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association will hold its first meeting of the season (a sure sign that Fall is just around the corner) tonight, Wednesday, August 11th at the American Legion on West 12th Street (Route 5 just east of the Tom Ridge Field) at 7:00 PM.

Celebrate Erie 2010

If you are in the area and are looking for alternative entertainment to perhaps rough lake conditions or weather join us when downtown Erie will come alive August 19-22, 2010 as wonderful sights, sounds and smells take over State Street from 4th to 12th Streets.

This is the largest summer event in the city and combines the arts, music, great food, and a wealth of downtown events and activities. This year the event will take over State Street from 4th Street to 12th Street. The gala fireworks display over Presque Isle Bay takes place Sunday at 9:30 PM. The view of hundreds of boats dotting the Bay combined with the largest fireworks display in the area is breath taking. A marked safety perimeter around Dobbins Landing will be maintained by area law enforcement during the fireworks display. Boater cooperation will be appreciated. For more information on this great weekend and for a weekend schedule go to Celebrate Erie 2010.

With a two-block 'Kid's Zone' as well as access to a wide array of arts, crafts, culinary and cultural offerings, this year's event will be one of the best ever.

On Sunday night at 9:30, Erie Insurance and Zambelli Fireworks International will host one of its world-famous fireworks displays over the Bay front at Dobbins Landing.

Boaters Safety Tip of the Week

It is unlawful to operate a motorboat not equipped with railings or other safeguards at greater than slow no-wake while a person is riding on the bow decking, gunwales, transom or motor cover.

Consider Optional Safety Gear

Although every boater should be aware of the required safety equipment for their vessel, a number of additional on board items can serve well in an emergency situation. Consider adding some or all of the following to your list of safety equipment:

Oars or paddles
They are helpful to get back to shore if the boat's engine fails.

Anchor and line
An appropriately sized anchor with good-quality nylon line is an essential piece of equipment for boaters. All boaters on rivers with locks should carry a mooring line at least 75 feet long.

Bailing device
All boats should have on board some kind of bailer to remove water from the boat. This doesn't necessarily mean carrying an extra bucket. Your bait bucket will work well as will a small cooler.

Marine radio
There is no substitute for a marine radio in an emergency. A marine radio is an excellent addition to boats with a console. Operators of smaller boats should consider portable units.

Cell phone
A cell phone is an excellent way to call for help if the operator knows the emergency numbers for the area in which he or she is boating. On Lake Erie a cell phone should be an additional means of communication to the marine radio. When off shore on Lake Erie, it is not unusual to pick up a Canadian tower which will be of little use in an emergency not to mention being an expensive call.

Boating maps or charts
These items are useful for planning outings. They can help boaters avoid problems and familiarize the operator with local waters.

GPS
Satellite guidance systems are now affordable to the average boater, especially the portable ones. Not only can they "bring you home" they can save fuel by displaying the most direct route back to shore.

Other useful items
Sunscreen, bug spray or protectant, flashlight, visual distress signals (required on Lake Erie), compass, throw (rescue) bag, extra gas can, first aid kit, boat fenders, tool kit, spare spark plugs, propeller pins, spare propeller and extra light bulbs and fuses.

Local Weather

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday
Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. South winds around 5 mph...becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy in the evening...then becoming partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s. East winds around 5 mph... Becoming south after midnight.
Friday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 80s.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy in the evening...then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s.
Saturday
Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows around 70. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 80s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Monday
Partly cloudy. Highs around 80.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Highs around 80.