8/11 Rochester Area Fishing Summary

  • hof
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2443
    #1317469

    Lake Zumbro: White bass and catfish are still being caught consistently. The white bass are usually suspended over deep water and are running large. Bluegills are becoming more cooperative, but still in fairly deep water. There are sometimes crappies with the bluegills. Crappie minnows, waxies or worms, and small jigs will work. There are also some nice sized northerns, a few muskies, largemouth and smallmouth bass being caught. Catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and prepared catfish baits, sometimes in very shallow water.

    Foster Arends Lake: It has been slow. A few trout are being caught, along with small bass and a few panfish. Low light times seem to be best, and the fish have been deeper. Most people have been fishing powerbait or nightcrawlers on the bottom, but a variety of other bait is being used including minnows, waxies, and flash type lures.

    Chester Woods: Nice bluegills and some crappies are being caught. Look around submerged wood. Largemouth bass and some big catfish are also being caught. Low light periods are best for crappie.

    Willow Creek: Producing some nice bluegills, but mostly small bluegills and bass. There are a few nice bass being caught by people able to fish away from the shore. Small jigs, crappie minnows, waxies or worms will work. Try setting your bait 4-10 ft. deep for the bluegills.

    Country Club pits: Producing some panfish and bass. Try small jigs, minnows or worms.

    Game Haven: Producing panfish and bass. Small jigs, crappie minnows, waxies or worms will work.

    Mississippi River backwaters: Some of the traditional areas like West Newton, Wilcox, The Dike Road, and Finger Lakes are producing nice crappies, bluegills, bass, and northern. Small jigs, minnows, waxies or worms will work. Some northerns and bass are also being caught on sucker minnows, larger spoons and surface lures. The white bass are very active in a few areas. Northerns are showing up in areas with cooler water.

    Stop by HOF for all your fishing needs. We carry the best selection of fresh live bait including crappie minnows, fathead minnows, sucker minnows, nightcrawlers, baby nightcrawlers, leaf worms, red worms, and leeches. Our large selection of tackle is sure to produce fish for the local waters. Our custom fishing rods are top quality and the lowest prices in the area. We are located 1 1/2 miles north of the 37th St. and North Broadway intersection.

    Good Fishing,

    Mike

    bill_cadwell
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 12607
    #377492

    Thanks Mike. This is a FREE servive that Mike has been providing all of us and is much appreciated. Please show your appreciation by stopping out and saying ”Thanks” and pick up a few goodies while you are there. Mike takes alot of pride in carrying the fishing products that work very well in the Rochester Area Lakes and Rivers along with the Mississippi River too.
    Thanks, Bill

    18fisher
    Hastings,MN
    Posts: 412
    #377783

    Mike I will be taking a youngster out to lake zumbro next weekend and this will be his first time fishing. What landings are in good shape. I have to launch an 1800 fisherman so I am limited. I will be sure to stop by your shop and load up on goodies but, What should we try to guarantee a memorable day for him? He’s 9 years old.

    Thanks for the input ahead of time, see you soon!

    hof
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2443
    #377846

    The public launch by Ponderosa Campgound is best. It is also free. There are several possibilities for Lake Zumbro. Right now the white bass are hitting pretty well. They have been suspended over deep water and are easy to spot on a locator. The panfish are getting more cooperative and are also going to usually be suspended over deep water. Bass and northerns are a little slow, but are being caught on artificial baits. Catfish have been fairly active, biting nightcrawlers and prepared catfish baits. You’ll also get a variety of “other” fish like carp, sucker, sheephead, etc.
    If you go on a weekend, there will probably be a lot of boat traffic. Fishing in the bays away from the main lake is often the best bet on weekends.

    Good Fishing,
    Mike

    18fisher
    Hastings,MN
    Posts: 412
    #377847

    By boat traffic do you mean recreational? as in skiing and tubing? How early does a guy have to get to the landing and still have a parking spot?
    Thanks for the reply, it’s been awhile since ive actually fished the “scumbro” it will be nice to get back on it

    bill_cadwell
    Rochester, Minnesota
    Posts: 12607
    #377881

    Yep, pleasure boats and skiers. The closer it gets towards the later part of the morning the busier it gets. The water is alot cleaner than it use to be but with the rain lately it could dirty up some. If you get there by 9:00 there should be a spot for you. Earlier the better. Have fun and please let us know how you do.

    Thanks, Bill

    markmoran
    Rochester MN
    Posts: 569
    #377886

    Was out on Lake Zumbro this morning, thurs. and the white bass were hot and heavy, just about anything flashy they would hit it. Really fun if you are just looking to catch fish. Find a school and go to town.

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