Yinzer catfish caught in Ohio River; state record brown trout confirmed
Lake Erie ( Erie County) The Pennsylvania record for brown trout was crushed this week when the state Fish and Boat Commission confirmed a catch by Robert Ferraro, 68, of Erie. The fish weighed 20 pounds, 9 ounces, exceeding the previous record by 11 ounces. Mr. Ferraro’s big brown measured 33 ¾ inches with over 21 inches of girth. It was caught at about 8: 30 a. m. off the Condos east of Walnut Creek while trolling a small spoon for steelhead using a 14- pound copolymer line at 56 feet in 74 feet of water.
Also off Erie County, weather and waves kept most anglers off the water, and Fish and Boat reported that the lake temperature was 77 degrees. Walleye were positioned in three layers — a few near- shore residents scattered from the shallows to 40 feet, the greater number at about 60 feet, and fewer but bigger ’ eyes at about 75 feet. All could be coaxed with worm harnesses, spoons and big- lipped plugs from Walnut Creek to North East. A few steelhead were taken, and lake trout were caught at greater depths. Panfish were taken in the bay and channel.
Pymatuning Reservoir
( Crawford County) Crappies were taken on live minnows fished deep at night. A 29inch, 8- pound walleye was caught, and catfish were active everywhere.
Woodcock Lake ( Crawford County) Anglers caught walleye, panfish and goodsized smallmouth bass. As the Army Corps draws down
the lake for winter, muskellunge, walleye, bass and bowfin were caught in the tailrace around dusk.
Lake Wilhelm ( Mercer County) Largemouths and crappies went for jigs and inline spinners. Allegheny River ( Venango County) The rain stained and cooled the water. Smallmouths took soft plastics and crankbaits.
Lake Arthur ( Butler County) The recent cold front pushed the water temperature down 5 degrees and slowed the crappie bite. Small and midsize crappies scattered, but one angler boated and released dozens of slabs in the 13- to 15- inch range at night.
North Park Lake ( Allegheny County) In good weather the lake shore was crowded and a lot of bobbers went under. Jocelyn Bright, 8, of Wexford caught her first fish, a bluegill.
Leopold Lake ( Allegheny County) Jack Mackin, 5, of Robinson landed a 5pound largemouth bass that went for a worm under a bobber.
Ohio River ( Allegheny County) Under Pittsburgh city lights on the night of Aug. 30, a big flathead took cutbait, was boated and released by James Swearingen of Windgap.
Allegheny River ( Allegheny County) Veterans of Venture Outdoors’ TriAnglers fishing program caught and released two small catfish, two undersize bass and a little yellow perch. The program is free, provides rods and live bait and runs 11: 30 a. m. to 1: 30 p. m. Wednesdays on the wharf under the Clemente Bridge. License regulations apply. Register at ventureoutdoors. org.
Twin Lakes ( Westmoreland County) Trout took paste baits fished deep and panfish were caught in shallower waters.
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