DISTRICT

Anglers are advised of the following Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission trout-stockings on area lakes: North Park, Lower Hereford, Raccoon (today), Upper and Middle Deer, Keystone, Northmoreland, Duman, Rowena (Nov. 18), Laurel Hill, Donegal, Indian, Upper and Lower Twin (Nov. 21).

Lake Erie: Foley's End reported yesterday that Elk Creek rose from 1 to 2 feet as a result of recent snowmelt and precipitation. The campground's Jim Phillips expected the creek to be fishable today and "50-50" for tomorrow. The recent cold spell moved steelhead to deeper pools over the past two days, while a south wind made the lakefront a better prospect for many steelheaders. Because stream conditions can change quickly in Erie, anglers are advised to check weather reports frequently. Cattaraugus Creek in New York was spiking and unfishable yesterday.

Allegheny River/Allegheny Reservoir (Warren County): Walleyes from 15 1/2 to 28 inches were reported in the river and the reservoir. Perch, 10 to 12 inches, also were hitting in the reservoir. Smallmouth fishing in the river was good, with anglers catching fish up to 17 inches from boat and shore. A few white bass and trout also were reported in the river.

Allegheny River (Venango County): Walleyes are starting to show up with some regularity. Smallmouth bass have moved into the deeper pools and are hitting on tube jigs and skirted jigs.

Pymatuning Reservoir (Crawford County): Anglers were catching walleyes by jigging Sonars, especially on the south end in recent days. The tailrace is yielding nice numbers of walleyes. Frank Redick of Jamestown limited out on walleyes up to 26 inches, jigging minnows. Crappies were hitting around deeper structure. Numbers of perch also were reported, but sizes were small.

Oil Creek (Venango County): Although still fishable at 11 a.m. yesterday, recent rainfall (with more rain in the forecast) was expected to affect conditions. Anglers were doing well on rainbow trout and brown trout on streamers and nymphs. Midge fishing has slowed.

Allegheny River (Venango County): Good walleye catches were reported in recent days.

Lake Wilhelm (Mercer County): Anglers were catching crappies and bluegills, although sizes were mixed. The Sheakleyville bridge and the marina docks were getting the most action. Largemouth bass also were reported, with fish running 16 to 20 inches.

Neshannock Creek (Mercer County): Yesterday's light rainfall wasn't enough to boost the low clear water that has prevailed for weeks.

Lake Arthur (Butler County): Crappies were reported in 8 to 10 feet on brush piles on small and medium fathead minnows in recent days. Perch, 8 to 12 inches, also were reported on small fatheads. Water temperatures were in the mid-40s Wednesday.

Allegheny River: Jeff Stringer of Gibsonia released a 32 1/2-inch, 11-pound 12-ounce walleye on a creek chub last week. John Brady of Verona caught a 31-inch walleye on the day before the full moon at the Highland Park Dam. Ron Fulton of Spring Church, Pa., caught two walleyes, 31 inches, 10 1/2 pounds and 30 inches, 9 pounds, in recent weeks. Smallmouth bass up to 4 pounds were reported, but the bite is expected to slow with falling water temperatures. The Venture Outdoors Downtown TriAnglers finished their season Wednesday on the North Shore. Their totals for the year included 874 angler visits, 20 fish species and 429 live releases of fish. All are increases over last year.

Ohio River: Judy West of Vandergrift caught an 8-pound, 29 1/4-inch walleye earlier this month. Angling pressure has been light in recent days.

North Fork of Dunkard Fork, Wheeling Creek (Greene County): Frank Pulkownik caught a 24 1/4-inch, 5-pound rainbow trout on a spinner in Ryerson Station State Park.

Little Juniata River (Blair County): Water was low yesterday and anglers were advised to avoid spawning trout and their gravelly spawning beds. Basic nymphs, such as Pheasant Tails and Hare's Ears, as well as caddis larvae and Green Weenies were recommended, along with stripping streamers near the bank. For more, visit www.tcoflyfishing.com.

Spring Creek (Centre County): This limestone-fed stream was low yesterday and anglers were advised to avoid spawning trout as well as their gravelly spawning beds. Sporadic hatches included Tan Caddis (16) and Blue-Winged Olives (22, 24). Productive patterns included Green Weenies, Scuds, Cressbugs, Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, and Zebra Midges (18 and smaller).

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 fishing photos at www.post-gazette.com/sports/huntingfishing.