Most area ice is around 6-10 inches, but there may be a few areas with thinner ice due to the warmer weather. Use caution and remember that the DNR always says that no ice is ever 100% safe. The ice has become very slippery, so use of ice creepers is recommended.
Foster Arends Lake:
Minnows, waxies, and power bait are working on trout or try flash lures like Swedish Pimples. Some small crappies, perch, and gills are also being caught.
Lake Zumbro:
Some nice bluegills and crappies are being caught. Gills are fairly tight to the bottom in deep water, with crappies higher up off the bottom. Ice jigs tipped with waxies or spikes seem to be working best, but minnows are starting to produce a few fish. Some catfish are also biting. Small stripers or shiners can be pests.
Chester Woods:
Some nice gills and a few crappies are being caught on ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spike. Be careful around exposed wood as it absorbs heat and the ice will be thinner around the wood.
Willow Creek:
Some nice gills are being caught on ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spike.
Boyscout (Gamehaven) Lake:
Good action on gills and crappies. Ice jigs tipped with spikes or waxies are working.
Mississippi River backwaters:
Most of the backwaters have 4-10 inches of ice. Some of the areas do have some current or springs (like the Finger Lakes), so the ice may not be safe in those areas. Wilcox, West Newton, the Dike Road, Moseman’s, and several boat harbors should be worth checking for 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 sucker minnows, fathead minnows, crappie minnows, and waxies.
We are located 1 1/2 miles past 37 St. NW on Hwy. 63 (North Broadway.)
Good Fishing,
Mike
