Fresh WorldClass Sturgeon Fishing In Stillwater Minnesota

Lake Sturgeon Adventure on the St Croix River

Lake Sturgeon caught while deep sea fishing in Stillwater MN

The sun peeks over the horizon. A boat glides across the calm St. Croix River. Four anglers cast their lines with anticipation. The partly cloudy sky reflects on the water's surface. A gentle breeze carries the scent of pine. Suddenly a rod bends. The fight begins. A massive sturgeon thrashes beneath the surface. Hearts race as the fish is carefully brought alongside. Cameras click. Grins spread across faces. A successful morning on the water. The sturgeon is released. It swims away leaving memories in its wake. The anglers head back to shore. Another day of fishing comes to a close.

Trip lead by the Guide

Ryan Bunnell

St. Croix River

Thrilling St. Croix River Fishing Guides!

Summary

Venture into the heartland of Minnesota for an unforgettable fishing experience targeting the prehistoric lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in Stillwater. This charming riverside town along the St. Croix River offers anglers a unique opportunity to pursue these ancient behemoths. Lake sturgeon, with their armored plates and shark-like tails, can grow to impressive sizes, often exceeding 100 pounds. The best time to fish for sturgeon in Stillwater is during the spring and fall when these bottom-dwellers are most active. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and strong lines, baiting with night crawlers, cut bait, or specially prepared sturgeon bait. Patience is key when sturgeon fishing, as it can take hours before feeling the telltale tug of these massive fish. The St. Croix River's deep pools and swift currents provide ideal habitat for sturgeon, making Stillwater a prime location for this exciting pursuit. While waiting for a bite, take in the picturesque scenery of the river valley, with its forested bluffs and historic lift bridge. Local guides can provide invaluable knowledge about sturgeon habits and hotspots, increasing your chances of landing one of these living fossils. Remember to check current regulations, as sturgeon fishing is strictly managed to protect this vulnerable species. A successful catch-and-release of a lake sturgeon is a thrilling experience that connects anglers to both the natural world and fishing heritage of the region.

Tranquil Waters of Stillwater

The image captures the serene beauty of Stillwater, Minnesota, where anglers seek the elusive Acipenser Fulvescens, commonly known as lake sturgeon. The calm waters reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a mirror-like surface that stretches to the horizon. Lush green trees line the shoreline, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, providing a picturesque backdrop for a day of fishing.

Sturgeon Fishing Adventure

As the sun rises over the tranquil lake, fishing enthusiasts prepare their gear for a chance to catch the prehistoric-looking lake sturgeon. These ancient fish, with their distinctive elongated bodies and bony plates, have inhabited these waters for millions of years. The stillness of the morning is occasionally broken by the splash of a jumping fish, hinting at the aquatic life teeming beneath the surface.

Natural Beauty of Minnesota

Beyond the fishing experience, the scenery around Stillwater offers a glimpse into Minnesota's natural splendor. The clear sky above promises a perfect day for outdoor activities, while the dense forests surrounding the lake provide habitat for diverse wildlife. As anglers patiently wait for their catch, they can appreciate the harmony between land and water in this pristine environment.

Specie explored in this image

Lake Sturgeon

Species Name: Lake Sturgeon

Species Family: Acipenseridae

Species Order: Acipenseriformes

Habitat: Onshore

Weight: 30 - 300 pounds

Length: 36" - 108"

The Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, is a prehistoric-looking fish that has inhabited North American waters for millions of years. With its elongated body, armor-like scutes, and distinctive snout, it's a sight to behold. These ancient creatures can grow to impressive sizes, sometimes reaching over 100 inches in length and weighing up to 300 pounds. Their habitat primarily consists of large river systems and lakes, where they use their sensitive barbels to detect food on the bottom. Lake Sturgeon are slow-growing and long-lived, potentially surviving for over a century. This longevity, combined with their late maturity, makes them particularly vulnerable to overfishing and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their survival. Anglers prize Lake Sturgeon for their size and fighting ability, often describing the experience of landing one as a true test of skill and endurance. However, many fisheries operate on a catch-and-release basis to protect these remarkable fish. Whether you're an avid angler or a nature enthusiast, encountering a Lake Sturgeon is a memorable experience that connects you to the ancient history of our waterways.

More species you can explore on this trip

Lake Sturgeon

Sauger

Smallmouth Bass

Walleye

White Bass

Other customer memories from this trip

The fishing charter boat is a 28-foot center console designed for offshore and nearshore trips. It features a sturdy fiberglass hull painted white with blue trim and can comfortably accommodate up to six anglers. The vessel is equipped with twin outboard motors for reliable propulsion and maneuverability. On deck, there's ample fishing space with rod holders lining the gunwales. A tall center console houses navigation electronics, including GPS, fish finder, and VHF radio. The boat has a T-top for shade and protection from the elements, with additional rod storage overhead. At the bow, there's a raised casting platform and an anchor locker. The stern area includes a live bait well, fish boxes for the day's catch, and a small toilet facilities in the console. Safety equipment like life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit are readily accessible. The captain's years of local fishing experience ensure guests have the best chance of landing prized game fish during their charter adventure.

Weather when the photo was taken

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