DISTRICT

Anglers are reminded that Early Season Trout-Stocked Program waters, including the tailrace of the Youghiogheny and Shenango rivers will reopen April 18, the opening day of trout season.

Lake Erie: Spring steelheading continued this week in the tributaries, which were a good level and color as of yesterday. The action has slowed some since last week, and Poor Richard's reported no fresh-run steelhead. In Presque Isle Bay, anglers were catching perch and crappies.

Allegheny River/Allegheny Reservoir (Warren County): Shore anglers were releasing muskies, mostly sublegal size, in the river in recent days. Water levels in the reservoir have been fluctuating, causing instability in the river.

Oil, Little Sandy, Caldwell creeks (Venango, Warren counties): Water was fishable, but a little high and with color midweek, and anglers were fishing streamers and nymphs. There was topwater action on early black stoneflies and early brown stoneflies before Sunday's rainfall.

Lake Wilhelm (Mercer County): Crappie fishing picked up in recent days, especially in the evenings in the bay by Launch 3 and Sheakleyville Bridge. Bluegills also were hitting evenings around Sheakleyville, where the upper end warms up first.

Shenango Reservoir (Mercer County): Water was about a foot below summer pool Wednesday and crappie fishing was picking up in recent days, with many caught around structure in 3 to 8 feet. Northern pike and smallmouth bass also were reported.

Pymatuning (Crawford County): Reports on walleyes were mixed in recent days. Crappies, including some slabs, largemouth bass and muskies, including a 47-incher, were reported from boat and shore, with some anglers wading for walleyes in the evening. All catches were in shallow water.

Lake Arthur (Butler County): Bob Sarnese of Prospect boated several crappies up to 161/2 inches and 2 pounds, 9 ounces March 26-27. Other anglers reported nice numbers of crappies in the eastern bays, where shallow water is warming to 50 degrees. Bass, mostly largemouths, were reported. Pike also were released in shallow water, along with muskie in about 8 to 10 feet. Bob Satnese caught an 8-pounder while targeting crappies. The Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit kicks off its season with a tournament tomorrow. For more, visit www.kbass.com.

Allegheny River: Anglers were releasing walleyes, saugers and a few hybrid striped bass in good conditions in recent days.

Monongahela River: Anglers were releasing small white bass this week at the mouth of Pigeon Creek.

Youghiogheny River: Chris Lytle of Ursina caught rainbow trout in recent days in the All Tackle Trophy Trout section, a 9-mile stretch from Ramcat Run to Ohiopyle that is open to angling year-round.

Youghiogheny Reservoir (Fayette County, Maryland): Quality perch up to 12 inches and pike up to 29 inches were hitting in the upper end in recent days. Crappies also were reported.

Spring Creek (Centre County): Very low flow made for good dry fly conditions mid-week. Midges were expected to continue, and fish were beginning to take (size 18) Blue-Winged Olives. Nymphing with Green Weenies, Pheasant Tails and Hare's Ears also was productive.

Little Juniata River (Blair, Huntingdon counties): Good water levels were reported in recent days. While nymphing has been productive, fish also were rising to (size 18) Blue-winged Olives and midges in the slower pools. With the grannom hatch expected in several weeks, anglers should find nymphing with a Peeking Caddis productive.

Report your catch to fishingreport@post-gazette.com. Include angler's name, age (for children), 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.