Lake Zumbro:
The lake is difficult to get around on with the snow and slush, but snowmobiles are able to get out. Some areas are able to be accessed by foot, like the Fisherman’s Inn area. Bluegills are being caught on small ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spike. Crappies are being caught on minnows or small jigs, usually over deep water but suspended off the bottom.
Foster Arend Lake:
Some trout are being caught, with some very nice size. Heard of a 24 inch rainbow being caught and released this week. Minnows, powerbait, waxies on small jigs, Kastmasters and Swedish Pimples are worth trying. Some smaller crappies and sunfish are also being caught.
Chester Woods:
Bluegills and crappies are being caught. Try minnows or ice jigs tipped with a waxie or spikes.
Willow Creek:
Fishing has been better with some bluegills being caught. Small ice jigs topped with a waxie or spike are working.
Country Club Manor pits:
Some panfish are being caught. Try minnows or small jigs tipped with a waxie.
Boy Scout (Gamehaven) Lake:
Some gills and crappies are being caught. Try small jigs tipped with a waxie.
Mississippi backwaters:
Areas like Wilcox, West Newton, The Finger Lakes, and The Dike Road are producing crappies and bluegills. Try small ice jigs tipped with a waxie or minnows. There are lots of smaller fish being caught, but also some nice ones.
Use extra caution as we move into the late winter ice conditions, as they can change rapidly. There is currently deep snow with water between the snow and ice.
Last ice will soon be here and the feedbag will be on!