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Smallmouth Bass Fishing with Ryan in Stillwater
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Stillwater
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The Smallmouth Bass belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 12 and 27 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 4 lbs. Habitat: lake, river. - Popular freshwater gamefish among anglers. - Dark green or black body with vertical brown stripes. - Red or brown eyes distinguish them from largemouth bass.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Ryan Bunnell in October
Meet your Guide Ryan Bunnell
- Thrilling St. Croix River Fishing Guides!
Summary
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Monday October offers exceptional guided fishing trips on the scenic St. Croix River near Stillwater, Minnesota. This 4-hour morning excursion targets smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and northern pike using proven drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques. The river runs at perfect levels with excellent clarity, creating ideal conditions for anglers of all skill levels. Captain Ryan provides all gear and live bait, focusing on productive stretches and current breaks where fish hold consistently. The St. Croix River delivers reliable action throughout the fall season, with smallmouth bass following their typical October patterns. Book your half-day guided fishing trip and experience why this river system remains one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations for diverse species and consistent results.
Guided Fishing Trip with Ryan Bunnell – Rates & Booking
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Monday October leads 4-hour guided fishing trips starting at dawn on the St. Croix River. This half-day excursion accommodates up to 2 guests and includes all fishing gear, live bait, and expert instruction on drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques. Captain Ryan's local knowledge of productive stretches and current breaks ensures quality fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and northern pike. Licensed guide service with safety equipment provided. Contact Croix Boys Guided Adventures to check availability and secure your St. Croix River fishing adventure.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Fishing Trip On St. Croix River - Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth, Pike, And More
The St. Croix River offers diverse fishing opportunities with excellent water clarity and perfect flow levels during fall months. Morning trips provide optimal conditions before afternoon weather changes, allowing anglers to work prime holding areas when fish are most active. Guide Ryan's expertise with spinner fishing and structure reading maximizes your chances of connecting with multiple species in a single outing.
This scenic river system delivers consistent action for beginners and experienced anglers alike, with smallmouth bass holding in predictable patterns along rocky structure and current breaks. The 4-hour format provides ample time to explore different techniques while enjoying the natural beauty of Minnesota's border waters.
Local Species Insights: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass thrive in the St. Croix River's rocky structure and moderate current, preferring areas where they can ambush prey near boulders and drop-offs. These bronze-backed fighters are most active during morning hours in October, when water temperatures create ideal feeding conditions. Guide Ryan targets them using spinner rigs and bottom bouncing techniques along productive stretches where current breaks provide natural feeding lanes. The river's excellent clarity allows for precise presentation, and smallmouth bass respond well to drift fishing methods that mimic natural baitfish movement through their territory.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour St. Croix River adventure begins with an early morning launch under Captain Ryan's guidance, with all fishing gear and live bait provided for your convenience. The trip accommodates up to 2 anglers and focuses on proven techniques like drift fishing and spinner presentations that produce results on this productive river system. Safety equipment is included, and Guide Ryan's local expertise ensures you'll fish the most productive areas during optimal conditions. The morning schedule allows you to experience prime fishing hours before afternoon weather patterns develop, maximizing your time on productive water.
Fishing in St. Croix River: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) belongs to the Centrarchidae family within the order Perciformes, making it a close relative of largemouth bass and other sunfish species. This bronze-backed fighter displays a dark green to black body coloration with distinctive vertical brown stripes that fade as the fish matures. Their red or brown eyes and smaller mouth distinguish them from their largemouth cousins, while their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights make them a favorite target for anglers throughout Stillwater waters this October.
Smallmouth Bass Overview
Smallmouth bass are renowned as one of North America's premier freshwater gamefish, prized for their pound-for-pound fighting ability and willingness to strike various lures and baits. They inhabit rocky areas, current breaks, and structure-rich environments where they can ambush prey effectively. Anglers value smallmouth bass for their aggressive strikes and spectacular aerial displays when hooked.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in clear, cool waters with rocky or gravel bottoms, making the St. Croix River near Stillwater ideal habitat. They prefer areas with moderate current, boulders, and drop-offs that provide ambush points and cover. Smallmouth bass inhabit both lakes and rivers throughout the northern United States and southern Canada, with Minnesota's border waters offering excellent populations.
Smallmouth Bass Size and Weight
Typical smallmouth bass range from 12 to 27 inches in length, with weights between 1 to 4 pounds being most common. Trophy specimens can exceed these averages, particularly in productive river systems like the St. Croix where abundant forage and quality habitat support healthy growth rates.
Smallmouth Bass Diet and Behavior
Smallmouth bass are opportunistic predators that feed on crayfish, minnows, insects, and other aquatic prey. They hunt most actively during dawn and dusk periods, using rocky structure and current breaks as ambush points. During October in Minnesota waters, they feed heavily to prepare for winter, making them more aggressive and easier to target with appropriate techniques.
Smallmouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F, with males creating circular nests in shallow, rocky areas. During this period, smallmouth bass become highly territorial and protective, though fishing pressure should be minimized to protect spawning populations.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective methods include spinner rigs, jigs tipped with soft plastics, and live bait presentations near rocky structure. Drift fishing allows natural presentation through current breaks where smallmouth bass hold. In October around Stillwater, anglers find success using bottom bouncing techniques along productive stretches where these bronze fighters ambush prey in the moderate current.
Smallmouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Smallmouth bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that adapts well to various cooking methods. They provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining relatively low mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish species.
Smallmouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for smallmouth bass?
A: Live crayfish, minnows, and nightcrawlers work excellently, while artificial lures like spinners, jigs, and soft plastics produce consistent results in rocky areas.
Q: Where can I find smallmouth bass near Stillwater?
A: The St. Croix River offers prime smallmouth habitat along rocky structure, current breaks, and drop-offs where these fish ambush prey throughout the system.
Q: Is smallmouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, smallmouth bass provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that works well grilled, fried, or baked with various seasonings.
Q: When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening hours during fall months like October provide optimal conditions when smallmouth bass feed most actively before winter.
More species you can explore on this trip
Croix Boys Guided Adventures Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Ready for a fun morning on the water? Join Captain Ryan for a 4-hour fishing trip on the beautiful St. Croix River. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip is perfect for everyone. You'll have the chance to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, sauger, pike, and other local fish while enjoying the scenery around you. Captain Ryan knows all the best spots and will make sure you have a great time out there. No need to worry about gear or bait - it's all provided for you. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a memorable day on the river. With room for two guests, it's an ideal outing for you and a friend or family member. Don't miss this chance to make some fantastic fishing memories on the St. Croix!
