Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015 - 16

access sites, anglers can find a suitable winter-over hole to fish within
sight of the parking area. Local anglers also know of additional pull-off
sites along a streamside road where winter holes can be reached; one
of the most recognized sites is the confluence of Conneauttee Creek,
a couple miles downstream of Cambridge Springs. Referred to as The
Point, Muskellunge and Walleyes are taken from the current breaklines
of the two merging streams, while crappies are caught in minimal
current backwaters of Conneauttee Creek. For more detailed access,
request a French Creek Water Trail map from VisitErie or Crawford
County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
And, what about those spots that never freeze (the tailwaters of dam
outflows)? These include Shenango Dam, Pymatuning Reservoir, Lake
Wilhelm Dam, Woodcock Creek Dam, Tionesta Dam and Kinzua
Dam. The amount of fishable water ranges from a single 50-yard pool
at Lake Wilhelm Dam up to several miles at Kinzua Dam. All have
relatively easy access, although ice and snow can make for slippery
bank conditions.
Higher stream flows seem to attract gamefish from downstream
to the outflow section, likely arriving to dine on stunned baitfish that
have come though the dam. The high water creates shoreline pocket
eddies, which generally hold catchable fish. However, extremely
high discharge rates create dangerous fishing conditions. This is
particularly true at the Kinzua Dam outflow where low flow actually
creates better fishing opportunities.
This winter steelhead was caught on Sixteenmile Creek,
Depending on the specific outflow, species may include trout, pike,
Erie County.
Muskellunge, Walleyes and sometimes panfish. Here is a rundown of
the most likely species at each tailrace.
Shenango Dam tailwater: Northern Pike, Walleyes and trout can
be caught from the dam outflow to the first bridge downstream. The
best winter access is found by parking at Log Cabin at Sandy Beach
Bridge. Then, walk up the Canal Towpath trail. There is also a trail
on the opposite side of river.
Pymatuning Reservoir tailwater: This is roughly a 1-mile stretch
of fishable water. In the main current seams, expect to catch Walleyes,
occasionally Muskellunge and sporadically a hybrid striped bass from
downstream Shenango River Lake. Also, small crappies, perch and
Bluegills are found in a backwater pool at the mouth of a seepage
stream that is 100 yards south of the parking lot.
Lake Wilhelm Dam tailwater: A short pool right below the dam
holds a few Walleyes and panfish.
Woodcock Creek Dam tailwater: A deep, strong current pool of
perhaps 75 yards yields Walleyes and the occasional Muskellunge.
Tionesta Dam tailwater: A rocky shoreline makes for difficult
access near the outflow, but the water flow remains open downstream.
Species mix includes Walleyes, Muskellunge, Yellow Perch, the
occasional Rainbow Trout and the only recorded Paddlefish caught
and released on hook and line in many years.
Kinzua Dam tailrace: This is perhaps the best winter big trout
fishing in Pennsylvania. The 8.75-mile stretch from the dam outflow
to the confluence of Conewango Creek is strictly catch and release for
trout during the winter. The river may be accessed from both sides,
and wading is popular below the outflow pool. However, local anglers
do not venture into the water unless the flow is less than 1,800 cubic
feet per second; most prefer a flow around 1,200 cubic feet per second.
Fly anglers employ big streamers for Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Gaining access to the better winter holes on French Creek
can be difficult in the winter. Only someone who knows
Spin anglers typically use small marabou jigs or long suspending
the stream section very well should undertake wading.
minnow plugs.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2015

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2015

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