Another ice fishing season is about done. I sure enjoyed my time on the ice this year! Did most of my ice fishing on Lake Zumbro and had some real great days! 
Now that we are looking for open water, where does everyone intend to get started? Any hints or strategies you care to share? 
Good Fishing,
Mike
I think it may be a while for us metro guys to get on the lakes up here, there is still a lot of ice on the lakes. I am looking forward to getting back in the boat and getting on some nice metro pannies. Sylvia will be on the top of my list when the ice goes. I for one….can’t wait.
START!? Have been!
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START!? Have been!
Yes, I realize some of you have already started. 
I’m thinking more along the lines of early season panfish. For Briank – those other bait fish…. 
Good Fishing,
Mike
Im thinking with the weather outlook another week or so and the best time of the year for trout at foster will be here, when the ice is about 10-20 feet out. Its already looking up with open water on shore in some places.I found the best way to land the this time of year is with either a waxy or minnow about 4-6 feet down on a bobber casted on the ice and dragged of so your fishing right on the edge.
POOL 2 this Saturday!
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Im thinking with the weather outlook another week or so and the best time of the year for trout at foster will be here, when the ice is about 10-20 feet out. Its already looking up with open water on shore in some places.I found the best way to land the this time of year is with either a waxy or minnow about 4-6 feet down on a bobber casted on the ice and dragged of so your fishing right on the edge.
You can also cast a smaller spoon type lure onto the ice and then let it fall at the edge. They hit it like a freight train!
Good Fishing,
Mike
Usually hit Grindstone or LCO, so I can run the gas out of the tank and generally check the boat out and of course get some fishing in.
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Im thinking with the weather outlook another week or so and the best time of the year for trout at foster will be here, when the ice is about 10-20 feet out. Its already looking up with open water on shore in some places.I found the best way to land the this time of year is with either a waxy or minnow about 4-6 feet down on a bobber casted on the ice and dragged of so your fishing right on the edge.
Now that sounds like FUN. 
I drove by Fosters last night and there were still a few guys out ice fishing but the ice has to be getting thinner I would think.
Drove out to Fishermans Inn on Lake Zumbro tonight after work and there were three guys ice fishing there. The frozen bay in front of Fishermans Inn is getting alittle smaller but not nearly as fast as I want that bay and ramp to open up. 
The open water I saw there sure looked awful purtty to the eyes.
My first open water spot was suppose to be Red Wing pool 4 on the Mississippi River but that did not pan out last weekend. Right now its really a toss up of Red Wing, Lake Zumbro if we get a miracle and that darn ice gets out of the way, and now Ben has thrown a very nice option into the hat with Foster Arends if the shorelines open up for us. 
Anyone been on the ice anywhere where its safe? Anyone found any open water areas around Rochester besides the Zumbro River? Anyone been fishing any stretch of the Zumbro River?
Come On Spring!!! 
Thanks, Bill
Buddy of mine called and said that we HAVE to go fishing this weekend (Saturday) to retain/maintain our sanity. I agreed on the spot. Any ideas around? Any Mississloppi holes open? We feel the need to succeed (at fishing at least, maybe not catching fish)
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Buddy of mine called and said that we HAVE to go fishing this weekend (Saturday) to retain/maintain our sanity. I agreed on the spot. Any ideas around? Any Mississloppi holes open? We feel the need to succeed (at fishing at least, maybe not catching fish)
Lots of possibilities below the dams on the MS. Can’t say that I’ve heard of any panfish lakes that are open yet.
Good Fishing,
Mike
If I had to guess it will either end up being either Zumbro or Chesterwoods for crappies. I would like to make it over to the river, but I don’t think that will happen. Hearing you guys talk about Foster though has gotten me intrigued. If that opens up a bit early, I may have to play hooky from work some late afternoon and try that. Guess I should have bought that trout stamp. What kind of spoons would you recommend trying? Also any small spinners worth trying?
Thanks.
Andy
Yes, smaller spinners should be worth trying. Spoon type lures like Kastmasters is the sort of lure I as referring to. It is always worth bringing some live bait (minnows, and maybe waxies), as well as powerbait. Yes, you do need a trout stamp if you intend to keep any. Always a good idea to have a trout stamp just in case you cannot release a damaged fish, or you catch a wall-hanger – and believe me there are some very large trout swimming there.
Good Fishing,
Mike
I noticed HOF has some Kastmaster spoons in stock when I was there last weekend along with some smaller spoons for panfish that I just had to get my hands on a few. Don’t worry, I saved everyone some. 
Mike also has a bunch of powerbait too which works nice. I bought a bunch last year as good stuff.
Thanks, Bill
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