John Stears and I headed out to Lake Zumbro this morning. Our goal was to catch some nice crappies through the ice. John had not been ice fishing on Lake Zumbro for a few years and was hoping to rediscover the techniques used to put some of those big brutes on ice.
We settled into a shoreline area that had steep dropoffs, settling into 23 FOW. After drilling a couple holes for each of us, we put the transducer from the Marcum into the first hole and immediately saw fish near the bottom. A Diamond jig from Custom Jigs was sent down to about the 20 ft. level. Working the jig very slowly with a slight jiggle resulted in a quick bite and the first crappie of the day was on the ice. We tipped our jigs with waxies or spikes. Minnows were producing some fish for a few other people.
Other crappies followed quickly, but our action eventually slowed down. There were lots of lookers that we just couldn’t convert into takers. We still managed to turn several looks into bites throughout the morning, ending up with around 30 nice fish. Most of the fish were released except for a meal of these tasty critters, the largest measuring 12 1/2 inches.
Some of the fish were quite high in the water column, as much as 15 ft. off bottom, but most were about 2-5 ft. off. The biters could be coaxed into taking the baits by working them upward slowly, with fish often following for 5-10 ft. before taking a swipe at the lure. It was an extremely windy day as well making a shelter a necessity. The morning showed that fish can still be caught on this lake even though the conditions were not optimum. Thanks John for a great time of fishing and fun. Hope we can do it again soon!
Thanks for the report. sounds like a good time out there. Looks like some nice slabs too.
Way to go guys!!!
Nice looking fish. 
Are you planning a get together there this year? 
Ed
Nice Crappies! Thanks for the report!
Thanks for the report and pics. Looks like you found some nice fish.
Thanks, Bill
Yes, we should have the details in a few weeks. It is usually around the first weekend in March.
Great, I’m Planning on making it this year!!
Ed
Hey Mike, Nice report, I too was there & had the same day as you guys. Most of my fish came early also.
Nice fish! Thanks for the report.
How were the ice conditions? Any spots to stay way from, besides the one you were fishing?
The ice appears to be in good shape, mostly around 12 inches. I would stay away from the Fisherman’s Inn area yet as that tends to have less ice than the lower end of the lake. Good news is that the fish are biting pretty well in all the community spots.
i would like to try this lake out on sunday but not sure where to go or get on this lake ? can anyone help us out ?
Northwood,
Take Hwy 52 south to Oronoco. Exit on Co 12 east for about 1 mile. Turn north on Power Dam Road for about 3-4 miles. Watch for signs for Grampa Ed’s and The Pondorasa Campgrounds. The public access is in the center of the ground. Follow the tire tracks to the left. Most of the fishing is about a mile down to the center of the lake. You’ll see the hot spots. Be carefull if we get a lot of melting.
John
THANKS RIVERFAN FOR THE INFO , I THINK WERE GONNA HEAD DOWN IN THE MORNING AND GIVE IT A SHOT. NOT SURE HOW THICK THE ICE IS SO I THINK ILL TAKE THE WHEELER WITH TO BE SAFE RATHER THAN DRIVE MY TRUCK OUT THERE
THANKS AGAIN
Hey guys anyone know what the ice conditions are like on the Zumbro??? Thinking of heading out early tomorrow morning not sure if I should walk or drive my car…
The ice still in good condition. You will need to access the ice from the DNR launch by Ponderosa Campground. The ice is also very slippery, so wearing cleats is advisable.
Thanks for the info is it possible to drive out there now or would foot travel be best. I didn’t make it out this morning hopefully I will on friday early am.
There are still vehicles going out on the ice.
Thanks for the info Mike I will do my best to find the crappies on friday morning!
We always used to get on the lake right at grampa Eds. Is this still possible. Grampa Eds has great burgers, stop in after fishing and try one they also go great with a beer. The spots you are talking about must be just past Ryans bay are those steep banks where it goes from about 23-27 ft. Is this the area you have been fishing.
Grandpa Ed’s is closed and you cannot access the ice there. The only way to access the ice now is at the DNR launch at Ponerosa Campground. Fish are being caught at all the common areas on the lake.