Page 5 - Fishing Report | 2-16-18

MERCER COUNTY

Lake Wilhelm
Tom @ Myers Sportsman’s Connection; filed 2-14: Down at Wilhelm, anglers had been doing
very well on bluegills in the stumps and upper part of lake. We now hear the bite has shifted to
down around the Dam, and crappies are being caught.

John @ Fergie’s Bait; filed 2-14: Not hearing a lot from anglers. We had reports of decent crap-
pies down lake. But lots of water on the ice, and with anticipated warmup and rain, ice may
weaken before end of February.

Shenango Lake
Ken Smith (Sharon); filed 2-14: Ken reports some decent mixed bag catches of panfish in past

week. Crappies and bluegills are being taken on ice jigs tipped with waxworm. Ten feet of water
in front of Swim Beach was hot several days ago. He reports about 7 inches of ice at Shenango.
He also cautions that forecast rain and warmup will likely ruin the ice, especially when the
Corps begins to hold water back in Shenango Dam. (See photos below)

Neshannock Creek
Bob Shuey @ Neshannock Creek Fly Shop; filed 2-14: Before you know it spring will be here.

And with spring comes our two biggest events of the year – (1) Annual Pre-Season Trout Stock-
ing on Saturday March 3 and Lunker Stocking and Rod Raffle on Saturday, March 10. We will be
open every Sunday beginning on March 4. Also, we will conduct Fly Fishing Schools for females
and young anglers, and Fly Fishing Lessons. For more information, phone 724-533-3212 or visit
our website.

Interesting…new species? Although not caught in NW PA, this photo
was sent to me by John Reese. He caught it ice fishing in SW PA lake. It

is an albino channel catfish—something I’ve never seen before. But I
think we should call it a Golden Catfish!