While those of us that call southern Minnesota home would not normally like to admit it, there is no denying the fact the largest individual fish of nearly every species within our state are swimming in the cold and deep lakes of northern Minnesota.

Northern pike and walleyes are just naturally more likely to reach trophy size in the more suitable environments of our northern waters. Panfish and perch also seem to gain extra girth in the water north of the Twin Cities, as compared to those situated south of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

This is not the case, however, when it comes to largemouth bass. The warm, fertile lakes found in southern Minnesota are certainly capable of producing monster largemouths. In fact, over the past several decades, numerous state-record fish have been recorded in the south. The current state-record largemouth bass of nearly 9 pounds was caught in Auburn Lake in Carver County, just southwest of Minneapolis.

Regardless of the location, the shake and shimmy of a largemouth bass is bound to bring a smile to the eyes of the beholder. The ability of this fish to fight both above and beneath the surface is a feat rivaled by few other species. While largemouth bass can be found in nearly every fishery south of the Twin Cities, some have better potential than others.

FOUNTAIN LAKE
Located in Freeborn County, Fountain Lake serves as the centerpiece for the city of Albert Lea. A reservoir, with a noticeable current in many locations, the lake twists and turns as it flows through the town. It's a dream come true for most shore-fishermen. City streets, fishing piers, and numerous parks make angling along the shoreline possible around much of the lake.

Public boat access is available at two locations. Edgewater Park is located across the bay from State Highway 13, in the northwestern portion of the city. In addition to a concrete boat ramp, this spacious park has plenty of shoreline, a fishing pier, restrooms and picnic facilities.

A second access site is located in the northern channel of the lake, within Brookside Park, west of the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

As the water exits Fountain Lake, it pours over a dam located at the lake's southeastern corner before moving through a channel into neighboring Albert Lea Lake. Boaters should be cautious when venturing to this portion of the lake and remain a safe distance from the dam.

In recent years, Fountain Lake has not been widely recognized for its largemouth bass potential, but it has been very productive in the past and appears to be on the rebound once again.

At one time the producer of a state-record largemouth, Fountain Lake has spent several years recovering from a partial winterkill of its fishes. In summer 2007, good fishing reports revealed the largemouth bass bite was improving.

While most of the fish that are going to be caught this year will be somewhat small, ranging from 1 to 3 pounds, it is likely that a few much larger fish are present. As long as the lake's aeration system is able to maintain safe oxygen levels during the winter months, the largemouth bass angling here should continue to improve through this year and beyond.

Fountain Lake reaches a maximum depth of 14 feet, but a majority of the 525-acre lake is very shallow and has very poor water clarity. Aquatic growth along the lake's flat and sandy bottom is limited, and there is very little natural cover for largemouth bass. The heaviest vegetation is located in the northern portion of Edgewater Bay, with small patches of lily pads scattered around the rest of the lake's shoreline. Surface plugs usually produce a few fish in these areas.