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