Rochester area ice fishing

As you all know – we need to be very careful when going out onto the ice. Use an ice spud to test ice ahead of where you will be walking. With that said, here are some reports of ice around the area.

Lake Zumbro – ice is not yet ready.

Chester Woods – ice is approximately 2-4 inches thick. Stay clear of wood sticking out of the water as it absorbs heat from sunlight and the ice will be thinner near it. Chester Woods offers some great bluegill action and at times good crappie action. The fish will usually be at least 10-15 ft. deep over even deeper water. Try small jigs tipped with either a waxie or spike.

KR7 reservoir – ice is reported to be 3-6 inches. Lots of smaller fish being caught with an occaisional nice perch or bluegill. Try to locate the deeper water which is only 7-10 ft. and use smaller ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spike. Minnows might also produce perch or crappies.

Foster-Arends Lake – The trout were biting well before freeze-up. I have not heard of anyone going out there to ice fish, but did hear that the ice is 2-5 inches depending on location. Traditionally, minnows or jigging spoons work well. Power bait can also be very good for the trout.

Country Club Manor pits – have not had any reports about the ice, but it is likely similar to the other reservoirs around town. Good bluegills and crappies are the main fishing opportunities. Try small ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spike.

Willow Creek Reservoir – heard there is still an area of open water (likely open due to the geese), but there have been people on the ice in other spots. Look for bluegills using a small ice jig tipped with a waxie or spike.

Gamehaven (boyscout) Lake – have not had any reports, but should be similar to the other reservoirs.

Mississippi River backwaters – most areas have at least 4 inches of ice. Areas with any current need to be avoided because ice will be thinner. Nice crappies, bluegills, perch, northern, bass, etc. are available. Try a variety of different baits including ice jigs, jiggin spoons, minnows, or plastics (like Ratso’s).

Again, please use caution when going out onto the ice. Try to go with someone else so you will have help if needed. Good luck and let us know how you do.

Good Fishing,
Mike

Thanks Mike. For those of you who don’t know Mike [HOF] he is the owner of Hooked On Fishing Bait & Tackle in Rochester north of Shopko North about a mile or so on broadway/Hwy #63. Its a blue building on the right side. He provides us anglers with these fishing reports free of charge so it would be nice if we show our appreciation and give him our business. Stop out and see him and look around to see what all he carries. Mike is an angler himself, a big time ice fisherman, so he knows what catches fish and carries the stuff that works.
Thanks, Bill

Mike, thanks for posting the ice updates.

Appreciate it. Would probably try Foster Arend one of these days.

Thanks for the update Mike Going to do some hardwater fishin Saturday and softwater on Sunday Great to know a general idea of how the ice is. I really appreciate it!

Chris