Fishing Report

Lake Erie and tributaries (Erie County)

Good numbers of steelhead trout remain in the streams, particularly on the west side. Stream-running smallmouth bass began spawning. In the bay crappie and yellow perch were hit-ormiss. Northern pike went for flashy spinnerbaits in small bays, and panfish and largemouth bass were taken in Misery Bay. Beware of scattered thunderstorms Friday and Saturday.

Pymatuning Reservoir (Crawford County)

The annual Pymatuning Lake Association Crappie Tournament starts at 6 a.m. April 27. Early registration $45 per two-member team, $50 day of event at the Espyville Boat Launch in Linesville. Prizes up to $500. Details at Facebook @PymatuningLakeAssociation or 724-418-1501.

Ohio River (Beaver County)

The “no harvest” walleye period runs through May 4, but good-size ‘eyes were taken last week while bouncing swim baits and minnows off the bottom with ¼ounce and ½-ounce jig heads in natural colors.

Thorn Creek (Butler County)

Trout were taking live drifted baits. Saturday marked the 20th consecutive year the Colalella family of Aliquippa fished at the same spot on opening day. They caught more than 50 trout in just one hole.

North Park Lake (Allegheny County)

Limits were taken Saturday using red worms, butter worms, salmon eggs and live minnows under bobbers. Among the biggest trout was a 22-inch rainbow hooked on a spinner.

Montour Run (Allegheny County)

About 30 trout, including two rainbows in the 20-inch range, were caught and released in three hours Tuesday using single salmon eggs or egg sacs.

Peters Creek (Allegheny County)

Private stockings by the Tri-Community Anglers Association. Harvest is legal, but the group is grateful for anglers who catch and release.

Cross Creek Lake (Washington County)

Pre-spawn crappies were suspended at 12 feet and took fatheads and chartreuse jigs tipped with maggots. Bluegills held at the same depth and went for chartreuse and red jigs.

Peters Lake (Washington County)

The “no harvest” bass period began Sunday, but on Wednesday morning one fisherman caught and released 11 smallmouths in the 15-inch range taken on soft plastics.

Pigeon Creek (Washington County)

Private stocking by the Valley Inn Sportsmen Association. Anglers caught three smallmouths, a pan-size rock bass and carp and freshwater drum.

Wilma, Dutch Fork Lakes (Greene, Washington counties)

The state Fish and Boat Commission reported these waters had the highest catch rates locally.

Clear Shade Creek (Somerset County)

Gene Slevinski of Highland Park and two friends took limits of brook trout 12-16 inches using live minnows, butter worms and PowerBait.

File your report and highresolution digital photos (1MB minimum) at fishingreport@post-gazette.com. Include name, age (for children), town, species, size, body of water and optional details.