DISTRICT

Hunting season and steelheading have meant very light angling pressure on many Western Pennsylvania fisheries. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stockings remain postponed on many waters. For a schedule, visit www.fishandboat.com.

Lake Erie: Low, clear conditions prevailed on Pennsylvania tributaries yesterday, and steelhead were scattered. Elk Creek seemed to have the best yields and anglers were catching them on single eggs and jigs and maggots. The Cattaraugus River in New York had been fishing well in recent weeks but was blown out Wednesday. In Presque Isle Bay, perch were hitting off the north pier and some steelhead were reported by the waterworks and from the east and west piers.

Allegheny River/Reservoir (Warren County): Anglers were still chasing bass, walleyes and muskies on the river this week. Bass, walleyes and perch were hitting in the reservoir.

East Hickory, Salmon creeks (Forest County): The state stocked both waters last week amid low conditions and 49-degree water temperatures.

Shenango Reservoir (Mercer County): The crappie bite continued midweek, with moderate catch rates, and one angler reporting a mix of sizes, including two 14-inchers.

Lake Wilhelm (Mercer County): Walleyes were hitting off Launch 4 for anglers drifting fatheads. Perch were reported in 15 feet.

Neshannock Creek (Mercer County): Anglers were finding it hard to get a drift in very low flow as of yesterday. Small caddis patterns and some terrestrials were drawing fish to the top. Small nymphs and small Wooly Buggers (14) also were working. Fish were healthy and strong because water is cold.

Allegheny River: A good bass bite was reported with dandy smallmouths taken around Highland Park and Lock 3 this week. Jerome Turner caught a 4 1/2-pounder on a minnow Sunday from shore near Lock 3. Anglers also were catching walleyes up to 20 inches in low water that was in the low 50-degree range Wednesday. A flurry of catfish activity also was reported at Highland Park.

Ohio River: Good fishing was reported. A 30-inch, 9-pound walleye was landed Monday on a shiner from shore. George Hindsman of Neville Island caught crappies including some 12- to 14-inchers near shore around the I-79 bridge earlier this week. Small bass catches were reported. Anglers were seeing big numbers of shad and skipjack herring.

Loyalhanna Creek (Westmoreland County): Anglers were catching trout in the Delayed Harvest section, although low water and falling leaves made for challenging conditions.

Youghiogheny River: Anglers were catching trout after an Oct. 8 stocking.

Little Juniata River (Blair County): Low, clear conditions prevailed midweek. Nymphing Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears and Green Weenies was recommended, as was stripping small streamers along the banks. Tan Caddis (14, 16), isonichia and small Blue-Winged Olives (18, 20) were effective on cloudy days. For more, visit www.tcoflyfishing.com.

Raystown Lake (Huntingdon County): Water was in the high 50s yesterday, and striped bass were hitting on shad and alewife in 25 to 35 feet in the channels. The bite was slow early yesterday morning. Lake trout were being caught from mile marker 11 to the breast of the dam, with some coming in 30 to 40 feet.

Spring Creek (Centre County): Low clear conditions prevailed yesterday. Tricos have been tailing off, and tan, olive and dun-color Caddis (16, 18) remain intermittent, along with Blue-Winged Olives (22, 24). White and grey midges have been taking rising trout. Also fish Green Weenies, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, scuds and cressbugs.

Report your catch to fishingreport@post-gazette.com. Include angler's name, age (if he or she is a child), place of residence, species, size, body of water, date of catch and phone number (not for publication). Publish your digital photos at Post Your Catch, www.post-gazette.com/sports/huntingfishing.