Had the chance to ice fish with a couple friends on Lake Zumbro – BrianK and Dan Thiem were my fishing partners for today. We wanted some of those big bull bluegills Lake Zumbro is famous for. We would not be disappointed! Small jigs with waxworms seemed to be the meal that those bullgills were ready to eat.
The ice has finally set up enough to allow snowmobiles and 4-wheelers to access the lake from the DNR ramp by the campground. The upper end of the lake is still not accessible because of thin ice. We did cross a few areas of minor slush, but no problems with the ice were seen and there appear to be tracks all over the lower area of the lake.
We set up in 25 fow on a sharply breaking shoreline. Brian put down some SOS Reel Weeds near his holes and once again proved that they make a difference. He continued to catch fish while Dan and I were not doing as well. Once I decided enough was enough, I also put some Reel Weeds close to me and immediately saw a vast improvement in my catching. Those Reel Weeds can be a very positive weapon to have available when the fish are not jumping out of the ice holes! There is no doubt that they attract fish and hold them close.
We ended our day of fishing by early afternoon with enough for a couple meals to send home with Brian. Our largest gill measured about 9 1/2 inches with most between 7 1/2 – 8 1/2 inches. We got a few crappie and perch mixed in as well. The ice was about 10 inches at the area we fished with lesser thichnesses as you moved further up the lake. It is still way to early to think about driving cars or trucks out on the lake. Thanks to my buddies for an enjoyable day. Sure was great to be back on one of my favorite lakes! Hope you all get out to enjoy some ice fishing soon!
. Then you add Briank and Dan and its even more fun even if the fish wouldn’t have been biting. Sounds like you guys had alot of fun. 
