DISTRICT REPORT

Frigid temperatures and snow put the kibosh on several fisheries this week. The start of firearm deer season Monday is expected to impact fishing pressure, too. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will begin its winter trout stockings next week. Locally, Lower Twin Lake in Westmoreland County is slated for stocking next Friday. For a statewide schedule, visit www.fishandboat.com. Anglers are reminded that 2009 fishing licenses go on sale Monday, and are effective the day they are purchased.

Lake Erie and tributaries -- Frank Sulzer of Stowe Township landed a 13-pound 3-ounce steelhead on a flatfish plug on Elk Creek Monday. The day after Thanksgiving typically draws big crowds to steelhead tributaries, but anglers may encounter high, murky or muddy water, depending on recent snowmelt and additional precipitation. These conditions call for bigger, brighter presentations. The lakefront was too rough to fish much of this week. Numbers of fish were reported in the tribs. Until conditions turned more challenging Wednesday, streams were high and fast-flowing, but more fishable. A few steelhead were holding in the pockets and riffles, where anglers were swinging streamers, although the runs, whether shallow or deep, were generally more productive. In frigid water, steelhead tend to be in the tail-out more than the head of a run or wherever current is slower. Fish in runs are often oriented to eggs or nymphs. Good egg colors include cream, white, pink, orange and chartreuse. Effective nymphs include Black Stoneflies, Brown Stoneflies, and Caddis Larvae in tan, olive and green. Anglers are reminded that, effective Monday and until March 31, perch caught in the lake, Presque Isle Bay or the tributaries must be at least 7 inches for harvest. There is no size minimum from April 1--Nov. 30. The daily creel limit is 30 year-round.

Lake Wilhelm (Mercer County) -- A few anglers were catching bluegills and crappies at Sheakleyville Bridge before skim ice began forming on the lake in recent days.

Neshannock Creek (Mercer County) -- Flow was March-like but dirty, Wednesday. Conditions may be marginal today. In conditions like these, fish larger nymphs (14), streamers, and egg patterns. For updates, visit www.ncflyshop.com.

Pymatuning Reservoir (Crawford County) -- Walleyes were biting last week for the few anglers who were on the water. Snowfall last weekend made access to the lake difficult. The Shenango River was easier to get to, and a couple of anglers were targeting walleyes there with live minnows. Some anglers were catching small crappies and other panfish off the docks in Jamestown.

Lake Arthur (Butler County) -- Freezing temperatures and skim ice in the eastern bays, including Muddy, Shannon and Swamp runs, shut down angling activity last weekend, although the water under the Rt. 528 bridge was open.

Allegheny, Ohio, Monongahela river -- Cold weather kept fishing pressure to a minimum, despite good conditions, in recent days.

Little Juniata River (Blair County) -- Water was low in recent days. Anglers were nymphing Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears, Caddis Larvae and Green Weenies, and stripping small streamers along the banks. Anglers could see Tan Caddis (14, 16) and, on cloudy days, small Blue-Winged Olives (18, 20).

Spring Creek (Centre County) -- Low, clear conditions prevailed in recent days. Tan Caddis (16) were hatching occasionally, along with small Blue-Winged Olives (22, 24). A few fish have been rising to white and grey midges. Anglers were also fishing Green Weenies, Scuds, Cressbugs, Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears and Zebra Midges. For more on central Pennsylvania streams, visit www.tcoflyfishing.com.

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.