My goal this morning was to catch Brown Trout. I started on the South Fork of the Zumbro River near Millville, MN, but quickly ran into a problem—finding easy access to the stream. After some searching without success, I decided to change plans and head to the Zumbro River at Zumbro Falls.

I began fishing with a #10 hook, a small split shot about 12 inches above it, and about a half-inch piece of earthworm (with a little left dangling). I cast about 45 degrees upstream and let it drift naturally downstream. The setup felt a bit too light—I had trouble casting any distance—and after no bites, I abandoned that approach.

Next, I added a small bobber about 1–2 feet above the hook, rebaited with worm, and again cast upstream. Still no action. At that point, I decided to move on and head toward Zumbro Lake.

Access there proved difficult as well, but about five miles downstream I finally found a good shore spot (44°14’00.3″N, 92°28’57.0″W). I switched tactics and tied on a small inline spinner (I think it was a Mepps), hoping it might entice a trout.

No luck at first—but after moving a bit farther downstream, things finally turned around. I quickly landed two average-sized Smallmouth Bass. They fought well, as they always do, and made for a fun finish to the outing.

I would have stayed longer, but work was calling, so I wrapped it up. Not a new species this time, but at least I didn’t get shut out—and the bass made the morning worthwhile.