It’s home to diverse species like walleyes, crappies, largemouth bass and muskies, plus more riverine fish, such as white bass, catfish and, of course, smallmouths. Rochester-area bass fans regularly catch good-sized smallies in Zumbro, along with fair numbers of largemouths. Because it’s the only substantial lake in southeast Minnesota, weekend use is often heavy, but weekday fishing is good.

Working shorelines and points littered with small to medium-sized broken rock is an easy way to connect with fish. And targeting less obvious rocky structure, such as small humps, flats and ridges 6 to 12 feet deep, is a way to find less-disturbed fish.

Spinnerbaits are popular with local anglers for both of Zumbro Lake’s bass species. But when the fish are less active, it’s hard to beat a trusty jighead dressed with a tube or grub body. Three boat landings scattered along the length of the lake allow easy access.

For more information, contact the Rochester Chamber of Commerce at www.rochestermnchamber.com or the Lake City DNR at (651) 345-3365.

LAKE MINNETONKA
Just about everyone knows that 14,000-acre Lake Minnetonka is one of the metro’s top bigmouth destinations, but fewer are aware of its smallmouth potential.

Sure, ‘Tonka’s smallmouth population is low compared with its hordes of largemouths, but competent fishermen can still connect with some excellent bronzebacks. And, since Twin Cities lakes holding smallmouths are limited, Minnetonka has the advantage of being a close-to-home destination for many.

You probably won’t catch high numbers of smallmouths from ‘Tonka, but the quality is excellent. Stout fish exceeding 17 inches aren’t unusual, and 5-pound giants are sometimes hooked.

Over the past 20 years, smallies appear to have expanded their range and turn up occasionally in all parts of Minnetonka. However, your best odds are still in the eastern third of the lake. Consider Brown’s, Robinson and Wayzata bays and Big Island for the best numbers. Classic rock reefs and points are good, too. Even those largemouth favorites, boat docks, have potential if they’re over gravel.

Suspending thin-minnow crankbaits within a couple feet of the bottom are effective as search baits where vegetation isn’t heavy. And like they are in so many places, snagless-rigged jigs, including 3- and 4-inch grubs and tubes, are killers for thoroughly working specific targets.

Minnetonka’s boat traffic, especially on weekends, is notoriously heavy, but surprisingly, even in mid-day some fish may be caught if you fish deeper than 15 feet. Naturally, the best fishing time is weekday mornings when boat traffic is light.

Stop by Wayzata Bait at 15748 Wayzata Blvd. or call (952) 473-2227 for the latest scoop on ‘Tonka bronze.

BIG FORK RIVER
Many rivers in Minnesota don’t receive much attention, and the Big Fork certainly falls into that category. In the north-central region’s Koochiching County, the Big Fork flows north to its junction with the much larger Rainy River. And what limited angler interest there is in the Big Fork is primarily for muskies. However, plenty of big smallies swim in this river, too. Some of the best fishing is in the lower 50 miles, which hold muskies, pike and walleyes, in addition to big smallmouths. Seven accesses for canoes and small boats are scattered along this section of river allowing day floats of varying distances. Start any trip below Grand Falls, in the town of Big Falls, and you’ll encounter no other dangerous rapids. If river levels are above normal and folks are very careful, standard lake boats may be used on the lower Big Fork, but canoes, johnboats and other shallow-draft craft are usually more practical.