SteelheadJim
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Where is the MOTHER LODE?
I have been on the tribs about 14 days this month and the fishing has been good, sometimes real good. I fished last Monday and Tuesday at Elk and it was slow, but did OK. In my opinion the huge numbers are either late or something happened out in the Lake. The early run fish have moved pretty far up but they have not been replaced by new ones in any numbers. I fish these fish in the summer out of Wheatley with riggers and slide divers. Boy were my numbers WAY down this past summer. I just figured the lake didnt set up to their liking. Erieau was better than Wheatley, but still not the huge numbers we experienced these last 5 years. If a big push doesnt happen soon, I figure something bad happened to our fish, althouigh I have no idea. Disease, commercial interception?? Jus sayin.....
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glen
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 14:41:48
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I'm sure, they will come. Last winter there was big run in February
If I was a fish I wouldn't be in a big hurry to run the gauntlet at Erie
I'd spawn on a shoal in the lake
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HD
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 15:15:22
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It's the end of October relax couple more good rains and there will be fish everywhere its still early
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chartist
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 15:46:30
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it seems there were more fish nn Elk this time last year
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ShutUpNFish 
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 16:26:04
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I sure don't hope they died, but I sure hope alot of them got lost and ended up in another state!
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kingnuke32
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 17:16:01
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Many steelies in Ohio with Stillers jerseys on. Hey its safer there... just sayin.
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steelheadfillet
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 17:35:09
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 about 30,000 of these were feeding off all the westside tribs may 2007 thru june 2007. the largest concentration I've seen in 30+ years of observing erie co birds.
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Plum Bob
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 17:48:01
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Saw about a 100 of these birds on an east side trib last April. They we're gobbling up smolts like they were potato chips or something. Don't think they were putting much of a dent in the 1 mllion stocked every spring by PA.
post edited by Plum Bob - 2009/10/31 17:53:19
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cp13
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 18:35:20
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ORIGINAL: steelheadfillet
about 30,000 of these were feeding off all the westside tribs may 2007 thru june 2007.
the largest concentration I've seen in 30+ years of observing erie co birds.
They should come back EVERY year....
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swinger
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 18:46:46
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ORIGINAL: cp13
ORIGINAL: steelheadfillet
about 30,000 of these were feeding off all the westside tribs may 2007 thru june 2007.
the largest concentration I've seen in 30+ years of observing erie co birds.
They should come back EVERY year....
Now if I could only find a bird that will eat pinners.
post edited by swinger - 2009/10/31 18:47:32
Quality over quantity I am reality I>U JC Rules!!!!!!!
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troutslammer
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 20:14:02
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arround vterans day will be a good time to up and fish .
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Rapscallion
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 21:58:32
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Personally, I think they are getting harvested in the lower stretches as fast as they come in. The number of anglers this year is simply amazing. More anglers means more meat hunters.
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fisherofmen376
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 22:59:57
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why are so many people "just sayin" right now? boy does that cliche get on my nerves. just sayin.... 
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
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kingnuke32
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:03:52
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Sorry about your and the steelbows issues... Just sayin.
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steelheadfillet
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:12:31
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post edited by steelheadfillet - 2009/10/31 23:14:06
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steelheadfillet
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:15:05
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steelheadfillet
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:16:06
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swinger
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:16:51
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ORIGINAL: fisherofmen376
why are so many people "just sayin" right now? boy does that cliche get on my nerves. just sayin....
I only saw one "just sayin" phrase in this thread. The other one that is close in this thread is "jus sayin." Does the phrase "jus sayin," bug you as well? I have seen many different posts on many different boards. I have not noticed any increases in the phrases of "just sayin" or "just sayin." Actually studies have shown that the phrase "juz sayin" has dramatically lost favor with the public and is on the decrease. Too bad you dont hate "juz sayin" I'm just sayn'.
Quality over quantity I am reality I>U JC Rules!!!!!!!
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steelheadfillet
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:20:03
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hiclassHilbilly
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:29:55
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wow, that red breasted merganser is a really pretty bird. So many of the duck species look like painted works of art.
"A Homewood man led police on an hourlong car chase that ended with a crash injuring three officers. "The car was driving itself," Wright said. "The car has a GPS. It's a Lincoln Navigator. They drive themselves. I wasn't running nowhere."
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steelheadfillet
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/10/31 23:59:19
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check out that bill. serrated with fish catching teeth.
looking at mergansers is like looking at a live dinosaur.
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fisherofmen376
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 00:26:50
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"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
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Wild John
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 05:38:59
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Mergansers are very cool birds. We lived with a small family that nested under our dock house in Canada. And yes, they can flat out fish. But, if you are looking for the cause of lowering fish stocks in all of the great lakes and across much of Canada and the Northern Tier, here is your culprit: .jpg) And these mothers eat EVERYTHING!   Blast these things into oblivion, please!
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woodnickle
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 07:16:48
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I agree with that one. Between them and the Amish , Shenango,s crappie pop. has declined drasticly.
Cummerants need a hunting season.
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SteelheadJim
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 11:24:08
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I am not looking for a reason quite yet. There are plenty of fish upstream now. Maybe when the Elk come down tomorrow just might be THE day. I have a friend who witnessed the salmon crash on lake Michigan. Stuff happens. I just hope it doesnt happen to us. But it could. jus sayin I am not the only one a bit concerned.
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ShutUpNFish
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 11:31:28
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ORIGINAL: swinger
ORIGINAL: cp13
ORIGINAL: steelheadfillet
about 30,000 of these were feeding off all the westside tribs may 2007 thru june 2007.
the largest concentration I've seen in 30+ years of observing erie co birds.
They should come back EVERY year....
Now if I could only find a bird that will eat pinners.
 just sayin'
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spoonchucker
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 12:35:52
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You guys can't be serious. The fish are ( have been ) there in the lower, and middle stretches, and more wil come. I can't say they are in "good" numbers in the upper stretches, but I haven't fish them that hard, or in good visibility. I have found a few though. This same conversation occurs every year, and every year the fish show up. One thing to consider, is that a couple of the rains after the fish started to show up coincided with a major cold front. The water temps dropped over 10 degrees in just a day, or two, and probabley limited the amount of fish movement. I'm not sure whether folks can't see them, don't know where to look, or they're just not catching them. If it's the latter, I can somewhat understand. There have been some very serious "tough bite" days this year, and my catch rate is way down. It has nothing to do with low fish numbers though. In fact too many fish has been a problem at times. when they're stacked that tight, it's hard to presnt a bait to one group, without spooking another groups, and turning off the fish you are targetting. Other than that, they have just been tough for me this year. I think the PF&BC has been using stamp money to improve the quality of their schools ( pun intended ), and they're better educated 
Get Informed, Get Involved, And Make A Difference. Step Up, or Step Aside The next time you say "Somebody should do something", remember that YOU are somebody. GL
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ShutUpNFish
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 12:58:27
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ORIGINAL: spoonchucker
You guys can't be serious. The fish are ( have been ) there in the lower, and middle stretches, and more wil come. I can't say they are in "good" numbers in the upper stretches, but I haven't fish them that hard, or in good visibility. I have found a few though. This same conversation occurs every year, and every year the fish show up. One thing to consider, is that a couple of the rains after the fish started to show up coincided with a major cold front. The water temps dropped over 10 degrees in just a day, or two, and probabley limited the amount of fish movement.
I'm not sure whether folks can't see them, don't know where to look, or they're just not catching them. If it's the latter, I can somewhat understand. There have been some very serious "tough bite" days this year, and my catch rate is way down. It has nothing to do with low fish numbers though. In fact too many fish has been a problem at times. when they're stacked that tight, it's hard to presnt a bait to one group, without spooking another groups, and turning off the fish you are targetting.
Other than that, they have just been tough for me this year. I think the PF&BC has been using stamp money to improve the quality of their schools ( pun intended ), and they're better educated
Same conversation - just like... - How far up are the fish? - Crowds seem more plentiful this year. - Do the Fish seem larger than average? - Private property issues. - Guys keeping too many. - Proper fish handling. - Numbers seem less/more. - Fly vs. Bait vs. Pin Probably missed a ton...
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SteelheadJim
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 14:53:57
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ORIGINAL: spoonchucker
You guys can't be serious. The fish are ( have been ) there in the lower, and middle stretches, and more wil come. I can't say they are in "good" numbers in the upper stretches, but I haven't fish them that hard, or in good visibility. I have found a few though. This same conversation occurs every year, and every year the fish show up. One thing to consider, is that a couple of the rains after the fish started to show up coincided with a major cold front. The water temps dropped over 10 degrees in just a day, or two, and probabley limited the amount of fish movement.
I'm not sure whether folks can't see them, don't know where to look, or they're just not catching them. If it's the latter, I can somewhat understand. There have been some very serious "tough bite" days this year, and my catch rate is way down. It has nothing to do with low fish numbers though. In fact too many fish has been a problem at times. when they're stacked that tight, it's hard to presnt a bait to one group, without spooking another groups, and turning off the fish you are targetting.
Other than that, they have just been tough for me this year. I think the PF&BC has been using stamp money to improve the quality of their schools ( pun intended ), and they're better educated
You just dont get it chuck. there are plenty of fish way up the Elk. I saw them and caught some. I am talking about the lower river there just isnt a BIG bunch of fish there now. And there hasnt been a lot of fish in lower Elk for a week or so. The last 2 high water events did not bring in a bunch of fish. Looking at the high water at Elk yesterday, there should be a load of new fish by tomorrow or tonight. If they dont come after this flood, my concern will only grow. Fish runs do crash. Dont go thinking these fish are exempt from such an event. I certainly do not have all the answers nor do I consider myself a steelhead god. But I have fished for them for 35 years in Alaska, BC, Washington, Michigan, Ohio and PA. How can anyone equate this to how high up are the fish?? For those of us who have spent considerable time on the river this October knows there appears to be a year class missing and a distinct lack of numbers opposed to past years. I also do not want to be an alarmist but the fact remains Where is the Mother Lode?? As I type this it could all be happening now. I am my desk in Michigan. Either these fish are late or they aint coming.
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swinger
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RE: Where is the MOTHER LODE?
2009/11/01 18:17:15
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ORIGINAL: SteelheadJim
ORIGINAL: spoonchucker
You guys can't be serious. The fish are ( have been ) there in the lower, and middle stretches, and more wil come. I can't say they are in "good" numbers in the upper stretches, but I haven't fish them that hard, or in good visibility. I have found a few though. This same conversation occurs every year, and every year the fish show up. One thing to consider, is that a couple of the rains after the fish started to show up coincided with a major cold front. The water temps dropped over 10 degrees in just a day, or two, and probable limited the amount of fish movement.
I'm not sure whether folks can't see them, don't know where to look, or they're just not catching them. If it's the latter, I can somewhat understand. There have been some very serious "tough bite" days this year, and my catch rate is way down. It has nothing to do with low fish numbers though. In fact too many fish has been a problem at times. when they're stacked that tight, it's hard to present a bait to one group, without spooking another groups, and turning off the fish you are targeting.
Other than that, they have just been tough for me this year. I think the PF&BC has been using stamp money to improve the quality of their schools ( pun intended ), and they're better educated
You just dont get it chuck. there are plenty of fish way up the Elk. I saw them and caught some. I am talking about the lower river there just isnt a BIG bunch of fish there now. And there hasnt been a lot of fish in lower Elk for a week or so. The last 2 high water events did not bring in a bunch of fish. Looking at the high water at Elk yesterday, there should be a load of new fish by tomorrow or tonight. If they dont come after this flood, my concern will only grow. Fish runs do crash. Dont go thinking these fish are exempt from such an event. I certainly do not have all the answers nor do I consider myself a steelhead god. But I have fished for them for 35 years in Alaska, BC, Washington, Michigan, Ohio and PA. How can anyone equate this to how high up are the fish?? For those of us who have spent considerable time on the river this October knows there appears to be a year class missing and a distinct lack of numbers opposed to past years. I also do not want to be an alarmist but the fact remains Where is the Mother Lode?? As I type this it could all be happening now. I am my desk in Michigan. Either these fish are late or they aint coming.
You say you have fished all these other places for steelhead. Fine, I think that is great. One day I want to go out west. The wife and I both want to hit up BC someday. She could shop while I swing. Anyways.... None of these places have the amount of steelhead per acre than PA. Your post really makes you appear desperate. A man as well traveled as yourself should not need to worry about where the mother load is. I cant tell you exactly for sure where the mother load is. But I for sure can tell you where it isnt. It isnt behind your desk or on your computer. My advice is to get out from behind there and go out and find it. If you dont find it, well, at least you didnt spend the day behind your desk. What do you need to find the mother load for anyway?
Quality over quantity I am reality I>U JC Rules!!!!!!!
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