Zumbro Report

[Jim W]

Bogsucker from FM and I hit the ZUm yesterday afternoon.

We decided to do a little exploring looking for "virgin" ice that might equate to a bite.

We cruised around on the East side of the lake, were granted permission to access the lake via private property and set out.

Granted, the access wasn't the most favorable for hauling gear, but fortunately I had some ice cleats on to help a bit.

We cruised downstream of Ryan's Bay and began popping holes.

After finding what looked like a place to drop down, I realized I left the waxies back at the truck. Being a good sport, Bogsucker "volunteered" to walk/slide and slip back to the truck a solid 1/2 mile or so!(Thanks man).

The first spot, didn't produce anything. Then we moved down and found a small under water point with a nice steep grade.

With in minutes the fish began appearing below. With in minutes we soon found they weren't going to go gangbusters either.

We managed some sunfish, after scaling down some. Even then they didn't cooperate like we wanted them to. Fish came on both tear drops and a small forage minnow tipped with waxies. Much coaxing involved. Fish were found in 24-27 feet of water.

Then to make matters worse, a large fish came through on my Marcum. Note: Predators like Northern pike and Miskellunge will often show themselves 4-8 feet off of the bottom.

This fish actually came up and ripped my waxie off with out me feeling it. It was VERY interested in my little spoon, but slowly faded below. I quickly pulled the line up and the waxie was gone! Amazing!

However, the sunnies had vanished as well. By this time the wind had kicked up and with no marks we pulled up forthe evening!

People are driving on the lake. I do not recommend this.

Bogsucker and I discovered a peculiar small open water area bubbling from below. out in the main lake directly in front of Ryan's Bay. A lot of strange and uncertain ice in that area. Please be aware.

Well, I'll be on Winnie helping out and getting a little fishing in at the first Ice Series this weekend. Hope to see a few of you there!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[Dan Thiem]

Jim,

Thanks for making the spot in front of Ryan's Bay aware to everyone. That spot has always been there. Usually it's marked but if you've never seen it, it's more on the left side (as you're looking into the bay) right at the mouth or opening of the bay.

Have a great time at the Winne event.

[Dan Thiem]

Got out today from around 11:00 am till 2:30 pm and didn't see too much action. Fished along the high bank in about 27ft. We were seeing some fish come through on the flasher but couldn't convince anything to bite.

Got talking to an old freind and he said they were doing good on Rattlesnake with the crappies. He also caught a nice small mouth bass there today. Way to go Abe.

Gonna give a shot tomorrow and see if we can't do better.

[fish or die]

went out today only managed one crappie we were in 30 ft. of water found some awesome structure had the camera they were down there but would not bite man that is very frusterating guess i'll have to try tomarrow like to know which shack is yours dan i would stop bye and say hi then i could show u that spot you might already know where it is.

Well good luck

[Dan Thiem]

Hey fish or die, how are ya? My shack is along the high bank. It's got red barn tin siding with a white door. The door has a crappie on it.

I went out there last nite far about an hour. Man what a ghost town. Nobody around, except for a lonely pair of Colmen lanterns burning on the point up by Roosh's bay. Curiosity got the best of me so I had to go and investigate.

What I found was two Hardcore ice fishermen. Just fishing with the basics braving the elements. Constantly skimming ice from their holes. Hadn't caught anything but were still having a good time.

[fish or die]

Dan,

Me and my buddy were fishing kind of by your shack now I know which one yours is I'll have to stop bye and say hi

[ikeslayer]

I was thinking about heading up to the Pondy tomorrow and punching some holes but now after reading i am not sure if it is worth my time. i guess it depends on my goals. I am i going out to catch fish or just going to say i went. Let me know what kind of fishing it is. thanks.