Lake Zumbro has been fairly good. Some very nice crappies and bluegills are being caught, usually in deep water. Most fishing is happening across from Ryan’s Bay and some people are fishing across from Ponderosa, but there are also some other areas starting to be fished. Minnows and ice jigs tipped with waxies are working. Ice is about 12-18 inches in most places. People are driving on the ice, but remember that ice should never be considered fully safe. Never go on the ice above Fisherman’s Inn – that is where the snowmobiles went through the ice this past week.
Foster-Arends Lake is still producing a few trout (some very nice ones at times) and some small panfish. Minnows and ice jigs tipped with waxies are working best. Some people are also using smaller spoon type baits. Ice is about 12-16 inches in most places. Don’t forget the kid’s ice fishng contest coming up Feb. 12th.
Chester Woods is slow, not sure why but this seems to be something of an off year there. It is still producing bluegills and a few crappies. Ice is 10-16 inches in most places.
Willow Creek is still producing bluegills. This body of water has been the surprise of the winter, producng lots of very nice bluegills. Best fishng seems to be in about 10+ ft. Small ice jigs tipped with a waxie is working. Ice is 12-18 inches in most places.
The Gamehaven Lake (boy scout camp) is producing bluegills and small crappies. Using electronics will help to locate suspended fish. Minnows and small ice jigs with waxies are working. Ice is 12-16 inches in most places.
Country Club Manor pits are producing lots of gills and crappies, although the fish are on the small side. Minnows and small ice jigs tipped with waxies are working. Ice is 10-16 inches in most places.
The Mississippi backwaters are going well some days. The harbors have been slow most days. Wilcox, West Newton, the Finger Lakes, the Dike Road, Winona, Alma, etc. are all producing fish – mostly bluegills, but there are some very nice crappies. Small ice jigs tipped with waxies or spikes are working, with minnows producing a few fish. Ice in most places is 10-18 inches.
Please help to keep our fishing areas free from trash. Maybe some of us can make it a habit to take a bag with us and pick up some trash left by others.
Good Fishing,
Mike
That only means some of the best is yet to come. 
With warmer and longer days, water running back down the hole will only put those places Mike has mentioned into high gear. 
This year has been a bit different, late start but yet good first ice fishing. Mid ice didn’t completely die, lots of fish were to be caught and by the looks of it, late ice should be here soon. Everyone knows what those late February and early March days can bring. Hungry and active fish.