Zippel Bay

[forcedtowork]

I am curious to a fishing report out of Zippel Bay.  I am heading up next week Friday and debating which resort to go out of, the last two times I went out of Zippel Bay we caught a lot of fish, but the size was very small (under 14"), my question is what has everyone been seeing for size as of late.  My other option was to go to Dale's or head to Baudette.

[walleyereaper]

Myself and a friend fished  Zipple the previous two Fridays 12/23 and 12/30. We had constant action both days with a good mix of Sauger and Walleyes in 26 ft of water. Managed to keep our limit both days. Best action was mid-day starting around 11am. Most were were caught on red or pink Maynard's Dragon Nymph or the Minnow spoon tipped with chubs. The paint on the Maynard's jigs is outstanding and really holds a glow when hit with a small LED flashlight. The small red Salmo Chubby Darter also produced quite well. We had a nice mix of small "cigars", to large 20" plus fish. The bigger sauger seemed show up later around 2pm. Big and small Walleyes were consistent all day. My Marcum was constantly marking fish pretty much all day. We had 12" of ice at both locations. I've always had good fishing at Zipple in mid to late Dec. It's my go to location for early ice atv/otter due to its very stable condition. Other area's of the lake tend to be more unstable and unsafe during early ice. What can I say, the resort does a wonderful job keeping you safe.

[forcedtowork]

Thanks for the report, that is what I was looking for, I ma taking my 9 year old nephew and want him to catch his first walleye and keep him entertained, it is still fishing so anything can happen.

[walleyereaper]

You're welcome. Keep in mind like all busy resort area's the fishing is usually better early season and gets tougher as the crowds and houses fill in. Try to get as far away from the crowds as possible. Another tactic that works well is to fish shallow in the morning,16-18 ft, then move deep around 10-10:30 till around 3:30, and then back, shallow again. It's takes some work but you can be rewarded with some nice Walleyes, Sauger and big Northern Pike. Nothing better than pickled Pike. If your just catching small fish possibly your too close to the crowds. Best fishing in many cases is weekdays when no one is around.

[CJH]

Was the ice really only 12ins?  Seems like every other report on LOW has been in the 13-20 range.  I am heading up there next week and love Zippel's road system.  12in has me worried we won't be driving out in our SUV.  

[Shallow Runner]

Fished out of Zippel last Saturday.  Used one of Nicks houses sitting on 26' of water.  Ice was 16" thick and was very clear.  Fishing was slow, but had the best action between 10:00 and 1:30.  Surprisingly caught only three saugers all day.  Kept all three as well as 6 good walleyes.  Walleyes ranged from 14" to 18.5".

[CJH]

Thanks for the report.  Did they have the road system open yet?

[walleyereaper]

Yes, they are allowing vehicles out now.

[CJH]

Awesome, thank you!!!!

 

 

[MN BassFisher]

I'm headed up early Friday to fish a 1/2 day out of Zippel, then go out with Ballards for 2 days. Hopefully the bite is still consistent when we get up there Friday!