The Bullgills and sunnys were biting in just about every spot we hit today. The bites were light with the cold front that came through but the right combination caught alot of fish today.
The first pic is Mike [HOF] with a nice one of the many fish caught on a Mini Mite jig/plastic today. We fished with Mini Mites only [only lure used] today and when things would slow down we added a waxies to spice things up alittle bit as the water ranged from 49-55 degrees thoughout the day.
With most fishermen chasing walleyes on other waters this weekend it was real peacefull on the water with maybe only a dozen boats out. Every place we went we had to ourselves which mean’t we were able to cast Mini Mites under a bobber just about anywhere we wanted to and adjusting the depth of the lure was easy since we weren’t in anyones way.
Lake Zumbro is home to alot of good size bluegills along with many other spieces of fish too. The water clarity, even under high water conditions which usually means dirty water, is much better than it use to be. This has greatly improved the fishery. Next time you need a fishing fix try hitting a bodies of water with light action rods and tackle and catch some bullgills. They fight great with light tackle.
Thanks, Bill]
The purpose of these Lake Zumbro fishing reports [and other spieces will be featured too] are to bring an awareness of the great fishing opportunities there are around the Rochester, Mn. area. I believe there are something like 14 bodies of water in the Rochester area for fishing and thats alot of water in one area for everyone to enjoy if they become aware of it. We plan to target different fish spieces on different waters and hope you will also get out and fish too. This presents a great opportunty for familys and/or father and son/daughter to get out and do things together. We encourage and look forward to reading about your fishing outtings too as we ALL learn from each other. We are also hoping others who live in different areas will join in the fun of panfishing on light tackle with their kids and spouse or fishing buddy. Its a great way to spend a fun filled relaxing day. Thanks and I hope to see you on the water.
Thanks, Bill
Wow, wish I could find the gills like you guys do.
With your health back now Cheri I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before you are finding them too. I enjoyed reading your musky report. Keep em comin.
In other words-keep on doing what we all love so much-Fishin. 
Thanks, Bill
Bill,
Sounds like a pretty darn good day, may have to call and see if you could introduce this lake to me and a friend of mine.
Jack..
Dear Bill,
May I know what are the other 13 bodies of water down in Rochester? I know only of Lake Zumbro. Are they all accessible by boat?
I’ll jump in here for Bill. There are more than 14 if you consider several smaller lakes, some of which are considered private.
Lake Zumbro
Foster Arends
Chester Woods
Willow Creek Reservoir
Gamehaven (boy scout camp)
Country Club Manor lakes
Silver Lake
Silver Creek Reservoir
Woodlake
several areas along small rivers like Oxbow park, Zumbro as it goes through and outside of Rochester, Bear Creek, etc.
Good Fishing,
Mike
Nice report you pan fish masters. Looks like fun
Thanks for sharing Bill.
An ultralight a little 2lb p-line and you got a blast.
I had a chance to grab a handful of mini-mites a couple of weeks ago. My findings mirror yours, great alone, when things slow tip with meat
dave
Also there is a small lake at Mayowood, the Zumbro River runs through town and continues north of Rochester. There are several private lakes plus Lake Pepin is only 33 miles north of Rochester. The city is in the process of creating a new lake just off of highway 14 going west. You can see it from the highway. Lake Zumbro is gas motors and Chesterwoods Resivior is electric trolling motor only. You can put big boats in there but can’t use the gas motor. Theres alot of water in the area and theres not much fishing pressure on the shore fishing bodies of water. Exploring the possibilities could mean alot of fun.
Thanks, Bill
I was wondering if you guys had any pointers for me i am looking on getting out there this year since i got my lisence and my dads boat. if you have any tips that would be awesome.
Hey Andy,
I’m not real sure what tips you might want, but I would suggest going to the Rochester forum and reading through the posts. There are a lot of excellent tips there and information on the various bodies of water around Rochester.
Good Fishing,
Mike