I just had to get out for a couple hours Sunday afternoon with the warm temps and sunshine, so decided to stay close to home. Foster Arends Lake was just what the doctor ordered! It is located in NW Rochester and has special regulations to allow year round trout fishing.
The ice was still a very solid 6 inches everywhere I checked, but there are a few springs on this lake to be cautious of. They are usually near the shoreline and easy to see. The ice was fairly clear which means the fish can see you just as easily as you can see the fish. If they saw you – they were gone!
I tried several different lures to see what they liked best. The good old standby, a white tail/pink head ratso proved to be the winner. The trout on this lake are usually on the move and it is very normal to see many of them just swim by without biting. It just gets to be a bit frustrating when they continue to swim by one after another! The bite picked up late afternoon. Here is my buddy Ed with a nice 14 inch rainbow.
The trout seemed to be down about 4-6 ft. in the water and that is where I concentrated. A slight jiggle of the ratso followed by a short pause of the lure seemed to work best. The fish were only nudging the lure instead of inhaling it. Often times they would nudge it 3-4 times before finally deciding to eat it. This was a day to finesse the fish and it paid off with some nice trout. All the fish were released to fight again another day. Sure was nice to be out on the ice in such great weather! Hope you get a chance to enjoy some ice fishing soon!
Mike: Looks like you had fun. I’m envious. I was busy wiring a friends garage and never got the chance to get out. It’s a long winter yet. I have time. By the looks of the news last night the place was crowded.
Great report Mike
It certainly was a nice day to get out on the ice. The people in Rochester and surrounding areas are lucky to have such a nice little lake to plant their cabooses if they need a quick fishing fix. Did you try anywhere near where the fill was dumped? I’m curious what the new structure is like to fish.
Thanks,
Chris
Sounds like fun.
Sounds like the water is still clear after the dumping of that crud into the lake. Thats good to hear. Thanks for the report and pics.
Thanks, Bill
I didn’t get over by that area, so am not sure. There were a lot of people fishing close to that area though.
Good Fishing,
Mike
Thanks Mike
Trout dinner sounds nice.
Do you miss that place Greg? You use to only live a mile or two from there.
Its a nice close lake to have fun on. 
Thanks, Bill