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Caught a trophy walleye Fishing Trip in Stillwater
Walleye Fishing Trip in Stillwater
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The Walleye 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. - Walleye are freshwater fish that is a part of the perch family. - They are a very popular game fish for the angler in the regions where they are found. - Also a favorite for the dining table.
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 Monday July offers exceptional walleye fishing on the St. Croix River near Stillwater, MN. This 4-hour guided fishing trip targets walleye using proven techniques like trolling, jigging, and live bait fishing in prime river locations. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, the morning excursion includes all gear and live bait while you focus on landing trophy walleye in Minnesota's scenic river waters. The St. Croix River consistently produces quality walleye action, with recent catches including impressive 23-inch and 26-inch specimens. Book your guided trip today for an unforgettable walleye fishing experience with local expertise and top-notch equipment provided.
Guided Fishing Trip with Ryan Bunnell – Rates & Booking
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Monday July provides a comprehensive 4-hour walleye fishing experience on the St. Croix River. This licensed guide brings years of local knowledge to ensure you're positioned over the best walleye structure and feeding areas. The trip includes all fishing gear, live bait, and expert instruction on trolling, jigging, and live bait techniques that consistently produce results. Launching from 9134 MN-95, you'll target prime walleye spots during the most productive morning hours when fish are actively feeding. Book online or call to secure your guided fishing adventure.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Fishing Trip On St. Croix River - Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth, Pike, And More
This St. Croix River fishing trip delivers consistent walleye action in one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Recent trips have produced impressive catches including 23-inch and 26-inch walleye, showcasing the quality fishing available in these waters. The 4-hour duration provides ample time to work multiple productive areas while learning proven techniques from an experienced local guide.
The scenic St. Croix River offers excellent habitat for walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Your guide will adapt techniques based on current conditions, utilizing trolling for covering water, jigging for precise presentations, and live bait fishing when walleye are finicky. All equipment is provided, making this trip accessible for beginners while offering advanced techniques for experienced anglers.
Local Species Insights: Walleye
Walleye thrive in the St. Croix River's diverse habitat, utilizing current breaks, rocky structure, and deeper pools throughout the system. These prized gamefish are most active during low-light periods, making early morning trips particularly productive. In July, walleye often position near current seams and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish, responding well to crawler harnesses, jigs tipped with minnows, and trolled crankbaits. The river's consistent flow and varied structure create ideal conditions for trophy walleye, with fish regularly exceeding 20 inches and providing excellent table fare.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour guided trip begins at the launch site on MN-95, where you'll meet Guide Ryan Bunnell for a brief orientation and safety discussion. The boat accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, with all fishing equipment, live bait, and tackle provided. Morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times when walleye are most active. The guide will handle boat positioning, equipment setup, and provide instruction on techniques while you focus on fishing. Dress in layers for changing river conditions and bring sun protection, snacks, and beverages for your comfort during the 4-hour excursion.
Fishing in St. Croix River: Walleye
Walleye (Sander vitreus) are premier freshwater gamefish belonging to the Percidae family within the order Perciformes. These golden-olive colored fish feature distinctive silvery eyes with a reflective tapetum lucidum that gives them exceptional low-light vision. In Stillwater waters this July, walleye utilize their superior night vision to hunt effectively during dawn and dusk periods.
Walleye Overview
Walleye are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and exceptional table quality. These elongated fish display golden-olive coloration with white bellies and prominent canine teeth. Their reflective eyes are their most distinguishing feature, allowing them to see and feed effectively in murky water and low-light conditions that give them their common name.
Walleye Habitat and Distribution
Walleye inhabit lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the northern United States and Canada. They prefer cooler waters with rocky or gravel bottoms, current breaks, and structure. The St. Croix River near Stillwater provides ideal walleye habitat with its varied depths, current seams, and abundant forage base.
Walleye Size and Weight
Walleye typically range from 12 to 42 inches in length, weighing between 1 and 10 pounds. Most fish caught by anglers measure 14-20 inches, while trophy specimens can exceed 28 inches and weigh over 8 pounds. The St. Croix River consistently produces quality walleye in the 18-24 inch range.
Walleye Diet and Behavior
Walleye are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on small fish, crayfish, and aquatic insects. They hunt most actively during low-light periods, using their superior vision to ambush prey. During summer months, walleye often suspend in deeper water during daylight hours, moving shallow to feed at dawn and dusk.
Walleye Spawning Season
Walleye spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 38-44°F, typically moving into shallow rocky areas or tributary streams. Post-spawn fish gradually return to deeper water as temperatures warm, establishing summer patterns around structure and current breaks.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Effective walleye techniques include trolling with crawler harnesses or crankbaits, jigging with minnows or soft plastics, and live bait rigging with leeches or nightcrawlers. In July, anglers around Stillwater find success trolling current seams and jigging rocky drop-offs during early morning hours when walleye are most active.
Walleye Is It Good to Eat?
Walleye are considered among the best-tasting freshwater fish, featuring mild, flaky white meat with minimal fishy flavor. They're excellent fried, baked, or grilled, and provide high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Their clean taste makes them ideal for anglers seeking both sport and table fare.
Walleye Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for walleye?
A: Live minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches are top choices, along with jigs tipped with soft plastics and trolled crankbaits in natural colors.
Q: Where can I find walleye near Stillwater?
A: The St. Croix River offers excellent walleye fishing around current breaks, rocky structure, and deeper pools, particularly near the MN-95 launch area.
Q: Is walleye good to eat?
A: Yes, walleye are considered the gold standard for eating among freshwater fish, with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for any cooking method.
Q: When is the best time to catch walleye?
A: Early morning and evening hours during low-light conditions are prime times, with overcast days also producing excellent walleye action throughout the day.
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!
