There is ice on almost all area lakes, but it is still early and there is less than 6 inches of ice. In areas with any current or with springs, the ice may not be safe to walk on. Use an ice spud to check the thickness of the ice ahead of where you are walking and do not go alone.
Foster Arends Lake:
People have just begun to walk on the ice here. There are some trout being caught. Minnows seem to be working the best, but flash lures like Swedish Pimples will also produce trout at times.
Lake Zumbro:
I would recommend waiting a little bit for this body of water. This is a river system and thus has current. I have not heard of anyone on the ice here yet.
Chester Woods:
Stay away from the wood sticking above the ice, it absorbs heat and will cause the ice to be weak. I would not recommend blazing any new trails and use an ice spud to check ice thickness ahead of where you walk. There are some nice gills to be caught on ice jigs tipped with a waxie.
Willow Creek and other area resevoirs:
First ice conditions. Some nice gills and crappies are being caught on ice jigs tipped with a waxie. Be careful! Watch out for springs! Use an ice spud to check ice thickness ahead of where you walk.
Mississippi River backwaters:
Most of the backwaters have 3-5 inches of ice. Some of the areas do have some current or springs, so the ice may not be safe in those areas. Wilcox, West Newton, the Dike Road, the Finger Lakes, Moseman’s, and several boat harbors should be worth checking for outstanding first ice action on gills and crappies. Ice jigs tipped with a waxie or small jigs with plastic (like Ratso’s) are usually best.
Stop by Hooked On Fishing for all your fishing needs. We have the largest selection of ice jigs in the area, and offer new ice auger blades at the lowest prices. We also have minnows, waxies, red worms, spikes, and red colored spikes.
We are located 1 1/2 miles past 37 St. NW on Hwy. 63 (North Broadway.)
