Chesterwoods this morning

After a switch in plans I ended up fishing Chesterwoods this morning instead of Zumbro. I got there put my $$ in the envelope and box and proceeded to a closed gate. Evidently the ranger in charge overslept this morning. A car that came in behind me had gone over to the house to find him still at home in his PJs. Anyways she came back and opened the gate. Now for the fishing:

Action wasn’t all that consistent, but I did find a few fish here and there. Had to pretty much stick to the shoreline timber. Anything out deep was unsuccessful. Had a small mixed bag of fish come to the boat, bluegills, crappies and even bass(guess they didn’t get the memo not to bite until later in the month). A few of the bluegills that came in would be bulls in any body of water as I pulled in a 8.5″ and a one just a tad under 9.5″ Everything came in on plastics. Both Chart/Chart. mini mites and Culprit paddletails in purple/junebug and black/black with chart. tail. Fished everything below a float around 3′ down. Even had some wildlife grace my presence. All in all a decent morning. There should be plenty of fish to be caught on Saturday for the RAF event.

Andy

9 3/8″ Gill:

Beaver:

Turtles Sunning:

Awesome! That bluegill is huge! I like the wildlife photos too. Nice post SBR, very good tips on presentation. Some that I’ll be sure to use this Saturday. I hope the gate keeper don’t oversleep.

I fish there a lot early morning- gate is always closed but unlocked- as long as you paid, just go on through.

Thanks for the report and pics. Very nice gill. I have never fished Chesterwoods before so the tips will come in handy. Been out there on land and it looks like a nice place for fishing and camping. The DNR is managing this fishery for a world class bluegill fishery.

Thanks, Bill

I have only lived in Rochester 7 years now and fish Chesterwoods on a fairly regular occasion, though more so in the summer as in the Spring I tend to concentrate on Zumbro a bit more. But I remember back when I first started fishing Chesterwoods, it seemed like a lake full of stunted bluegills. Everyone I’d catch would be in that 5-6.5″ range. Gradually over the past couple years though I’ve noticed catching bigger and bigger gills. I’m guessing a lot has to do with catch and release and also maybe the maturing bass population. I’m not an expert on a bass’s diet, but I have to think they are playing some kind of role. Whatever it is, its definately working. Hopefully some of the bulls will show up for everyone on Saturday. Looks like the weather is going to cooperate and it seems like we are going to be having a pretty good turnout as well. I’m relatively new to IDA so it will be nice to meet some new people.

Andy