Lake Zumbro – ice is 9-13 inches with possible thin ice in spots. There is some current running through this body of water, so be extra careful! Bluegills and crappies are being found in deep water and are often suspended. Minnows and waxies are working.
Chester Woods – ice is approximately 9-14 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. Bluegills and crappies are being caught. 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. Minnows may produce some crappies.
KR7 reservoir – ice is reported to be 10-14 inches. Lots of smaller fish being caught with an occasional 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 – Some trout are being caught, as well as some crappies and sunfish. Minnows, jigging spoons, or small jigs tipped with a waxie are working well. Power bait can also be very good for the trout. Ice is 10-13 inches most places.
Country Club Manor pits – Bluegills and crappies are being caught. Try small ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spike.
Willow Creek Reservoir – 8-12 inches of ice. Bluegills are being caught using a small ice jig tipped with a waxie or spike.
Gamehaven (boyscout) Lake – 8-12 inches of ice. Bluegills and crappies are being caught using a small ice jig tipped with a waxie or spike.
Mississippi River backwaters – most areas have at least 10 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, jigging spoons, minnows, or plastics (like Ratso’s).
