%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F19799%2Fimages%2F1736532850430image-2025-01-11t021342.136.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Smallmouth Bass Fishing Trip in Stillwater
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Stillwater
%2F%2Fusers%2F90c39ed9-c4f8-40a2-910c-1497dfd6dea8%2Fimages%2Fsmallmouth-bass-fishing-adventure-mn-4679.png&w=1200&q=75)
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. - Aggressive fighter known for aerial displays when hooked.
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 along the St. Croix River near Stillwater, Minnesota. This 4-hour charter targets smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and northern pike using proven drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques. The scenic river system provides consistent action for anglers of all skill levels, with all gear and live bait included. October conditions create ideal opportunities as smallmouth bass hold in their typical fall patterns along productive stretches and current breaks. Local expertise and diverse fishing opportunities make this one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations for both beginners and experienced anglers seeking memorable river fishing adventures.
Guided Fishing Trip with Ryan Bunnell – Rates & Booking
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Monday October leads 4-hour St. Croix River fishing trips starting at dawn. This half-day charter accommodates up to 2 guests and includes all fishing gear, live bait, and expert instruction on drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques. Licensed guide with years of local experience on these Stillwater waters. Book online for current rates and availability—morning trips fill quickly during prime fall fishing season.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Fishing Trip On St. Croix River - Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth, Pike, And More
The St. Croix River delivers consistent action with its diverse fish population and excellent water clarity. Smallmouth bass provide exciting fights along rocky structure, while walleye and sauger offer excellent table fare from deeper holes. Northern pike add surprise strikes near weed edges. The scenic river corridor enhances every trip with stunning fall colors and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Drift fishing and spinner techniques prove most effective on this river system. Guide Ryan positions the boat along productive current breaks where fish concentrate. The river's perfect flow levels and clear water create ideal conditions for sight fishing and precise presentations.
Local Species Insights: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass thrive in the St. Croix River's rocky structure and moderate current. These bronze fighters prefer depths of 8-15 feet during October, holding near boulders and current breaks where they ambush prey. Their aggressive nature makes them excellent targets for spinner fishing and bottom bouncing techniques. The river's clear water allows for precise presentations, and smallmouth respond well to natural baits worked along the bottom structure.
Plan Your Guided Fishing Trip Day
Your 4-hour adventure begins at the boat launch near Stillwater with all gear provided including rods, reels, tackle, and live bait. The comfortable fishing boat accommodates 2 anglers safely with ample casting room. Morning trips start early to maximize fishing success before afternoon weather changes. Guide Ryan provides instruction on local techniques and ensures both beginners and experienced anglers enjoy productive time on the water. Safety equipment and Minnesota fishing licenses are your responsibility.
Fishing in St. Croix River: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) belongs to the Sunfish family Centrarchidae and ranks among North America's most popular gamefish. This bronze-backed fighter displays a dark green to black body with distinctive vertical brown stripes that fade with age, plus characteristic red or brown eyes. In Stillwater waters this October, smallmouth bass concentrate near rocky structure and current breaks.
Smallmouth Bass Overview
Smallmouth bass are prized for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, often leaping clear of the water when hooked. They prefer cooler, clearer waters with rocky or gravel bottoms, making the St. Croix River ideal habitat. These fish are opportunistic predators that adapt well to various fishing techniques.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
Native to eastern North America, smallmouth bass thrive in rivers and lakes with rocky structure and moderate current. The St. Croix River provides perfect habitat with its boulder fields, gravel bars, and clear water. They prefer depths of 6-20 feet during fall months, positioning near cover where they can ambush prey.
Smallmouth Bass Size and Weight
Typical smallmouth bass range from 12-27 inches in length and weigh 1-4 pounds. River fish tend to be more streamlined than lake populations, with exceptional fighters pound-for-pound. The St. Croix River produces quality fish in the 14-18 inch range with occasional trophy specimens exceeding 20 inches.
Smallmouth Bass Diet and Behavior
Smallmouth bass feed on crayfish, minnows, insects, and small fish. They hunt actively during dawn and dusk periods, using their excellent eyesight to locate prey. During October, they feed heavily to prepare for winter, making them more aggressive and easier to catch with properly presented baits.
Smallmouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Males construct nests in shallow gravel areas and guard eggs and fry aggressively. Post-spawn fish gradually move to deeper summer haunts, then return to rocky structure during fall feeding periods.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include drift fishing with live bait, bottom bouncing with jigs, and casting spinners near structure. Crayfish imitations work exceptionally well, as do small minnows and nightcrawlers. In October around Stillwater, focus on rocky points and current breaks using 1/4-ounce jigs tipped with live bait.
Smallmouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Smallmouth bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They're high in protein and low in mercury compared to larger predator fish. Popular cooking methods include pan-frying, grilling, and baking. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve this valuable sport fishery.
Smallmouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for smallmouth bass?
A: Live crayfish, minnows, and nightcrawlers are top choices. Jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait work exceptionally well in river systems like the St. Croix.
Q: Where can I find smallmouth bass near Stillwater?
A: Focus on rocky structure, current breaks, and boulder fields along the St. Croix River. Points where tributaries enter the main river are particularly productive.
Q: Is smallmouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, smallmouth bass provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They're a healthy protein source with low mercury levels.
Q: When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass?
A: Early morning and evening periods during fall months like October offer prime fishing. Cooler water temperatures make fish more active and aggressive.
More species you can explore on this trip
Croix Boys Guided Adventures Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Our fishing boat is perfectly suited for navigating the St. Croix River's varied conditions and accessing prime fishing spots. The stable platform provides comfortable casting positions for up to 2 anglers, with plenty of storage for gear and your catch. Equipped with modern fish-finding electronics to locate productive structure and fish-holding areas. The boat's shallow draft allows access to both main river channels and productive backwater areas where smallmouth bass and walleye concentrate. Safety equipment and comfortable seating ensure an enjoyable day on this scenic Minnesota river system.
