Lake Erie (Erie County) The walleye bite was good and getting better — an ’eye weighing 10½ pounds was entered in the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie summer fishing contest. Walleye took plugs, spoons and crawler harnesses at 50 feet, kept just off the bottom with Dipseys and riggers. By 1:45 p.m. June 27, a pair of Pittsburgh anglers boated 21 walleye and kept seven in excess of 19 inches while fishing 20 miles out of Walnut Creek on calm, 70-degree waters. A few yellow perch limits were taken, but the bite was sporadic. Lake trout were still being caught at 100 feet out of North East, and smallmouths went for drop-shot rigs and jerkbaits at 30 feet. All of the Great Lakes are high. Lake Erie has swollen 30 inches above its typical June depth. Extreme caution is recommended when launching, putting in or motoring.
Pymatuning Reservoir (Crawford County) Black and white crappies were deep. Walleye were taken drifting crawler harnesses at 18-20 feet.
Conneaut Lake (Crawford County) Temporary “slow no wake” regulations were lifted.
Allegheny River (Venango County) Anglers tossing soft plastics picked up Northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye and a few muskies.
Lake Arthur (Butler County) Crappies took small live minnows under bobbers at 15-20 feet. A 20-inch largemouth took a floating-diving crankbait at the edge of vegetation. Good walleye fishing was reported at night, but in daylight walleye were hit or miss.
Carnegie Lake (Allegheny County) The 2½-acre urban fishing hole in Highland Park is the site of the free Inner-City Fishing Skills Event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It is sponsored by the Let’s Go Fishing ministry. Rods, tackle and live bait will be provided. Pennsylvania fishing license regulations apply. PG outdoors editor John Hayes will bait hooks and provide fishing assistance. Get details at 412-335-5846.
Ohio River (Allegheny County) Waters were still high and muddy from last week’s storms, but several nice flathead catfish were caught on chicken livers or live bait. Walleye fishing had slowed, but smallmouths were taking spinners and live minnows.
Allegheny River (Allegheny County) High water hampered fishing on the North Shore during Venture Outdoors’ TriAnglers program on Wednesday. Just seven fish were caught from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., including a 19-inch freshwater drum hooked by Kelis Campbell of Lincoln, and a 16-inch largemouth bass that took a live shiner fished by John Force of McKees Rocks.
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First Published: June 27, 2019, 7:37 p.m.