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Caught a trophy walleye Fishing in Stillwater
Walleye Fishing in Stillwater
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The Sander Vitreus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Percidae. It typically measures between 12 and 42 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 10 lbs. Habitat: lake, river. - Popular game fish in northern regions. - Excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. - Distinguished by reflective eyes that aid low-light feeding. - Prefer cooler water temperatures and structured environments.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Ryan Bunnell in August
Meet your Guide Ryan Bunnell
- Thrilling St. Croix River Fishing Guides!
Summary
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Thursday August offers exceptional guided fishing trips on the St. Croix River near Stillwater, MN. These 4-hour morning charters target walleye, smallmouth bass, and other local species using jigging, trolling, and live bait techniques. Located just minutes from the Twin Cities at William O'Brien State Park, our river fishing adventures provide all necessary gear and local expertise. The St. Croix River's diverse fish population and scenic beauty make it perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Recent trips have produced impressive catches including chunky 21-inch walleye and feisty smallmouth bass. Summer conditions on the river create ideal fishing opportunities with active fish and comfortable weather. Book your guided fishing trip today for an authentic Minnesota angling experience on one of the region's premier fishing destinations.
Guided Fishing Trip with Ryan Bunnell – Rates & Booking
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Thursday August provides comprehensive 4-hour guided fishing trips on the St. Croix River starting from William O'Brien State Park. These morning charters include all fishing gear, live bait, and expert guidance for targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, and other river species. Trips accommodate up to 2 guests and feature multiple fishing techniques including jigging, trolling, and live bait presentation. Licensed guide service ensures safe navigation of river conditions while maximizing your fishing success. 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 near Stillwater offers exceptional fishing diversity with walleye as the primary target species. Recent trips have produced impressive catches including a chunky 21-inch walleye and a hard-fighting 15-inch smallmouth bass. The river's varied structure provides excellent habitat for multiple species, allowing anglers to experience different fishing techniques throughout the trip.
Summer fishing conditions on the St. Croix River create optimal opportunities with active fish and comfortable weather patterns. Partly cloudy skies often provide ideal lighting conditions that keep fish feeding throughout the morning hours. The convenient launch location at William O'Brien State Park offers easy access to productive fishing areas while maintaining the scenic beauty that makes this river system special.
Local Species Insights: Walleye
Walleye thrive in the St. Croix River's clean, flowing waters where rocky structure and current breaks provide ideal feeding opportunities. These prized gamefish are most active during low-light conditions, making early morning trips particularly productive. Local walleye respond well to jigging presentations near structure and trolling techniques in deeper river channels. The river's healthy forage base supports strong walleye populations, with fish ranging from eating-size specimens to trophy-class catches. August fishing often produces consistent action as walleye feed actively in preparation for fall transitions, making it an excellent time to target these Minnesota favorites.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your St. Croix River fishing adventure begins at William O'Brien State Park, conveniently located at 9134 MN-95 near Stillwater. All fishing equipment, tackle, and live bait are provided, so you only need to bring appropriate clothing and your fishing license. The 4-hour morning format allows for comprehensive coverage of productive fishing areas while maintaining a comfortable pace for anglers of all experience levels. Guide Ryan Bunnell's local knowledge ensures you'll fish the most productive spots using techniques proven effective on this river system. Small group size of 2 guests maximum provides personalized instruction and optimal fishing opportunities for everyone aboard.
Fishing in St. Croix River: Flathead Catfish and Walleye
Walleye (Sander vitreus) are premier freshwater gamefish belonging to the perch family Percidae. These golden-olive colored fish feature distinctive reflective eyes with a silver eyeshine called tapetum lucidum, which enhances their ability to feed in low-light conditions. Walleye are highly prized by anglers throughout the Great Lakes region and are considered excellent table fare due to their mild, flaky white meat.
Walleye Overview
Walleye represent one of North America's most sought-after freshwater species, combining excellent fighting ability with superior eating quality. These elongated fish display golden-olive coloration with white bellies and are easily identified by their large, glassy eyes. Anglers value walleye for their consistent behavior patterns and reliable feeding habits, making them a favorite target for both recreational and tournament fishing.
Walleye Habitat and Distribution
Walleye inhabit cool, clear lakes and rivers throughout the northern United States and Canada. In Stillwater waters, they prefer areas with rocky structure, current breaks, and depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet. The St. Croix River system provides ideal walleye habitat with its combination of flowing water, varied structure, and abundant forage base.
Walleye Size and Weight
Typical walleye range from 12 to 42 inches in length, with weights spanning 1 to 10 pounds. Most river walleye caught by anglers measure 14 to 20 inches and weigh 1 to 3 pounds, while trophy specimens can exceed 25 inches and 5 pounds in prime waters like the St. Croix River system.
Walleye Diet and Behavior
Walleye are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on minnows, crayfish, and aquatic insects. They exhibit crepuscular feeding patterns, becoming most active during dawn and dusk periods when their superior low-light vision provides a hunting advantage. During August in Stillwater, walleye often feed aggressively in preparation for fall transitions.
Walleye Spawning Season
Walleye spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, typically occurring in April and May in Minnesota waters. They prefer shallow, rocky areas with moderate current for spawning activities, after which adults return to deeper water for summer feeding.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Effective walleye techniques include jigging with live minnows or soft plastics near structure, trolling crankbaits along drop-offs, and casting spinners in current areas. In August around Stillwater, anglers find success jigging rocky points and trolling deeper river channels during early morning hours when walleye are most active.
Walleye Is It Good to Eat?
Walleye are considered among the finest eating freshwater fish, featuring mild-flavored, flaky white meat with minimal fishy taste. They are excellent prepared by pan-frying, baking, or grilling, and provide high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining relatively low mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish.
Walleye Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for walleye?
A: Live minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches are top natural baits, while jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait produce consistent results in river systems.
Q: Where can I find walleye near Stillwater?
A: The St. Croix River offers excellent walleye fishing near rocky structure, current breaks, and deeper pools, particularly around William O'Brien State Park area.
Q: Is walleye good to eat?
A: Yes, walleye are considered premium table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for various cooking methods and appeals to most palates.
Q: When is the best time to catch walleye?
A: Early morning and evening hours during summer months provide optimal walleye fishing, with August offering excellent action as fish feed actively before fall.
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!
