Ice fishing has arrived on a couple of lakes midweek, although snow and rain in some areas had slowed ice production, and warmer temperatures were in the forecast. Anglers are advised to exercise caution when venturing onto frozen surfaces, given how variable conditions can be. The bulk of Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission winter trout stockings are scheduled for February, although Lake Pleasant, Justus Lake and Chapman Dam were recently stocked, and Bessemer and Harbor Acres lakes are slated to receive trout Jan. 5. For a statewide stocking schedule and ice fishing tips, visit www.fishandboat.com.

Lake Erie: The steelhead tributaries were starting to freeze midweek. Some anglers were heading to Sixteen Mile Creek, where sewage plant discharges keep water warm and flowing. Strong northwest winds made the mouths of the creeks unfishable Wednesday. A warming trend was in the forecast midweek. In Presque Isle Bay, skim ice was forming in Misery Bay and Horseshoe Pond.

Allegheny Reservoir/Allegheny River (Warren County): Die-hard walleye anglers were catching fish in the tailwaters in recent days. Releases of brown and rainbow trout up to 20 inches also were reported. In the reservoir, a thin layer of ice had formed on the Willow Bay and Chapel Forks Red Bridge areas, but water was still 41 degrees as of Wednesday morning. The river was 39 degrees.

Chapman Dam (Warren County): A few ice anglers were targeting state-stocked trout midweek.

Lake Wilhelm (Mercer County): Ice was forming midweek near the log boom, at the stumps and Launch 3.

Shenango Reservoir (Mercer County): Ice was forming, but still thin as of Wednesday.

French Creek (Crawford County): A few walleyes were reported in recent days, with the mouth of Conneautee Creek a productive spot.

Pymatuning Reservoir (Crawford County): A thin coat of ice and no open water put the lake in transitional mode Wednesday.

Lake Arthur (Butler County): Anglers were on the ice, mostly at Muddy Creek, where Mark Brletrick of Templeton caught a 20-inch largemouth bass Tuesday. Some action was at Shannon Run. Other bass and northern pike up to 30 inches also were reported. As of Wednesday, most anglers were staying north of the parking lot near the Muddy Creek arm, where water was 4- to 5-feet deep.

Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio rivers: Angling action was very quiet on all three rivers in recent days.

Cranberry Glade, High Point lakes (Somerset County): Ice was beginning to form on both reservoirs midweek. Cranberry Glade is 112 acres, High point 338 acres.

Spring Creek (Centre County): Above-average but fishable flow was reported midweek on this limestone stream. A few midges, Blue-Winged Olives (20-22) and craneflies were hatching.

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.

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