Lake Zumbro: Fishing continues to be good! Bluegills, white bass, and northerns are biting. A small jig tipped with a waxie or piece of nightcrawler, or a small hook with bait is working well for gills. Fish have been active at 4-6 ft. You may get some crappies with the bluegills. The white bass are usually suspended over deep water and are running large. They can be caught on flashy lures or minnows. Northerns are being caught in several areas by accident, but seem to be often in shallow water chasing baitfish. Try using sucker minnows or throwing large lures. You may catch a musky as well, but remember to handle these large fish gently so they can be released. Any musky under 40 inches needs to be released. Catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and prepared catfish baits, sometimes in very shallow water.
Foster Arends Lake: A few trout are being caught, along with small bass and a few panfish. Most people have been fishing powerbait or nightcrawlers on the bottom, but a variety of other bait is being used including minnows, waxies, and worms.
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 and bass. There are a few larger 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. Try spinnerbaits for larger bass.
Country Club pits: Producing some panfish and bass. Try small jigs, minnows or worms.
Game Haven: Producing bluegills, crappies and bass. Small jigs, crappie minnows, waxies or worms will work.
Mississippi River backwaters: Some of the traditional areas like Wilcox, West Newton, and the Dike Road are producing nice 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, and leaf worms. 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
Everyone have a GREAT Labor Day weekend and please drive carefully so we can see you all back here on Tuesday.