Zumbro Channel Catfish

[Sarge]

I made my first attempt at chasing some catfish in the Zumbro, this past thursday night before all the rain came. I went after I got off work at midnight.

Earlier in the day I had watched a couple kids land a nice cat (about 8lbs) right in Silver Lake, so I thought I would have a good chance to catch one there after dark. So I bought some chicken livers at the 24hr HyVee I headed back to the spot the kids were at, only to find the park rangers kicking everyone out. Oh well, looks like I have to come up with plan B, I got the bait, I'm goona at least try to find somewhere to fish.

With lightning filling the sky, and spots of rain, I thought "should be a hole on the down stream side of the bridges" and "if I stay under the bridge I'll be out of the rain and lightning". Not knowing for sure, but I'll give it a whirl.

Well not getting to fish where I had planned worked out great. I ended up having a blast, 6 channel cats in an hour and a half, with the two largest just over 20 inches. It was nearly nonstop action from the getgo. Tips from guys here on FM made my first attempt for local cats a success.

I will be going out again once the water level drops and clears.

[DARK30]

Hey Sarge!....Cool!...Were Ya right in town? Might have to stop around there next time I head for the camper. I want to check around downstream from Lanesboro on the Root too.

WET NETS!

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Sarge]

Yep, right in town. The second bridge down from the dam.

Wasn't sure if it would be a good area with all the flood control work done through there, but obviously the cats don't mind. I'm gonna check out the first bridge out of town where the flood control project ends, hopefully I can find a big hole with some bigger cats.

I setup up just like you showed me. Thanks.

[Guest]

On the root try just downstream of the Peterson bridge. The DNR has shocked a few from the snags on the left side. There are alos some stugeon as well.
Does anybody know of some good cat holes near Albert Lea I have fished in the Channel between the 2 lakes but had minimal success. I'm looking for some more options as summer is starting to heat up.

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<;(((><

[Born2Fish]

I have been catching cats in Lake Zumbro very consistantly. All i have to do is go back in a nice warm shallow bay, throw out a 1/16 jig with a tip of worm all under the ole' slip bobber and hold on. I like to use my 5'9" ultra-light set up. If you set the drag just right it all works out great! My biggest was around 15lbs. I fought it on light tackle for around 10 min. I use no bigger than 6lbs test so if the fish breaks the line it wins. Try out the Lake find a shallow bay throw in a nice juicy worm it'll work wonders. blues and channels can be found extensivly.