Chesterwoods Lake Update

I fished Chesterwoods last Sunday and the wind was a bear. The bays were packed with fishermen so couldn’t get out of the wind to fish. We [myself and 3 grandaughters] all caught bluegills on and near wood in the openings to bays along with inside one bay we were finally able to get into to get out of the wind. All fish were caught on Mini Mites set about one and two feet under a bobber. Somebody, can’t imagine who, forgot the camera so no fish pics this time. Waxies were added when the bite would slow down. My two youngest grandaughters [ages 5 and 6] made new friends with the waxies. Great little pets they said. After fishing for awhile we motored [electric trolling motors only can be used] over to the beach so the girls could swim. Chesterwoods is a great place to take the family as you can mix fishing and swimming and its close to Rochester too. Makes for a great family outting and keeps everyone happy. They also rent canoes and paddleboats too so if you don’t have a boat you can still fish the lake. Also there are several fishing docks too.
Thanks, Bill

Great report Bill- way to get those youngsters out there. I have a 7 and 4 year old that love fishing. Sounds like Chester would be a great place to head for a long day trip. Love2Fish.

Why not make it better and make a weekend out of it as they offer camping at the park. I agree with Bill, in that Chesterwoods is a great place to take kids fishing. The fish are pretty much always agreeable during the summer months. Its especially nice when in a boat as it is a electric motor only lake. You don’t have to worry about getting bounced around by jet skis and larger boats while spending time with your kids. You can concentrate on fishing and enjoying the moment. If they get tired of fishing the kids can always enjoy the beach area, hiking trails, playground, etc. Here is a good place to find more info:

http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/chester_woods.asp

Andy

Thanks for the link. Thanks, Bill

i am just wondering if anyone catches bass in chester that excede 1 pound. So many little ones you would think there would have to be a couple that would grow up???

Ok, not a fishing update, but a fish update none the less. I went out to get an open water swim in this afternoon at the beach and saw plenty of fish as I swam the inside of the marked off buoys. Plenty of bass and bluegills where holding at the inside of the weedline in 5-7′ of water. Weeds were coming up to about 1-2 feet to the surface, so I believe fishing a presentation with a float set at such a depth to work above the weeds would prove effective.

I continue to be amazed at how far the bluegill fishery has come as I saw plenty of nice sized keeper and bull sized sunnies down below as I swam overtop of them. It wasn’t too long a go it seemed like everyone in there was around 5-6″ and that was it. Went through 1 schooled up group of bass and saw countless others. A lot of those standard 10-13″ bass, but also a good number in the 13-15+” range.

Overall, it was great scenary to look at while getting a workout in. Weather looks like it should be good, so I’m expecting good things come Thursday night. I predict it will take a 9″ gill to take top honors.

Andy