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Walleye Fishing Guide Service in Stillwater Minnesota
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. - 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 December
Meet your Guide Ryan Bunnell
- Thrilling St. Croix River Fishing Guides!
Summary
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Friday June offers expert-guided fishing trips targeting walleye, sturgeon, and sauger on the pristine St. Croix River. This 4-hour afternoon charter combines deep sea jigging, trolling, and traditional river fishing techniques in one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to walleye fishing, Ryan provides all necessary gear and local expertise to maximize your success on these productive waters. The St. Croix River's diverse structure and seasonal patterns create ideal conditions for multiple species, making each trip an exciting adventure. Book your guided fishing trip today and experience why the St. Croix River remains a top choice for serious anglers and families alike.
Fishing Charter with Ryan Bunnell – Rates & Booking
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Friday June leads this 4-hour afternoon fishing trip targeting walleye, sturgeon, and sauger on the St. Croix River. The charter accommodates up to 2 guests and includes all fishing gear, tackle, and expert guidance from a licensed local guide with extensive knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive fishing spots. Ryan utilizes a combination of deep sea jigging, trolling, and traditional river techniques to maximize your chances of landing trophy fish. The trip departs from 9134 MN-95 with flexible scheduling to match optimal fishing conditions. Contact Croix Boys Guided Adventures directly to check availability and secure your booking for this premier St. Croix River fishing experience.
Highlights of Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip On St. Croix River - Sturgeon, Sauger And More
This afternoon charter targets multiple species including walleye, sturgeon, and sauger using proven techniques like deep sea jigging and trolling. The St. Croix River's diverse habitat provides excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers to connect with quality fish. Ryan's local expertise ensures you'll fish the most productive spots during optimal afternoon feeding periods when walleye become more active in deeper structures.
The 4-hour duration allows ample time to explore different techniques and locations while enjoying the scenic beauty of the St. Croix River corridor. All necessary equipment is provided, making this trip perfect for visitors or locals looking to experience guided fishing without the hassle of gear preparation.
Local Species Insights: Walleye
Walleye thrive in the St. Croix River's clean, well-oxygenated waters where rocky structure and current breaks create ideal feeding zones. These prized gamefish are most active during low-light conditions, making afternoon trips particularly productive as shadows lengthen across the water. Ryan targets walleye using jigging techniques near drop-offs and trolling along current seams where these fish ambush prey. The St. Croix's healthy forage base of minnows and crayfish supports strong walleye populations, with fish ranging from eating-size specimens to trophy-class catches exceeding 25 inches.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your St. Croix River fishing adventure begins at the designated launch point where Ryan provides a safety briefing and equipment overview. The charter includes all rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for targeting walleye, sturgeon, and sauger using multiple techniques. Ryan's boat is equipped for comfortable fishing with seating for 2 guests and storage for personal items. The 4-hour timeframe allows for exploring different river sections while adapting techniques based on current conditions and fish activity. Dress in layers and bring sun protection, as afternoon trips can experience changing weather conditions on the open water.
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 silver eyes with a reflective tapetum lucidum that gives them superior vision in low-light conditions. In Stillwater waters this June, walleye utilize their exceptional eyesight to hunt effectively during dawn, dusk, and overcast afternoons when many anglers experience their best success.
Walleye Overview
Walleye are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and exceptional table fare. These elongated fish display golden-olive coloration with darker mottled patterns along their backs and bright white bellies. Their most distinguishing feature is their large, glassy eyes that reflect light, giving them the nickname "marble eyes" among some fishing communities.
Walleye Habitat and Distribution
Walleye prefer clean, cool waters with rocky or gravel bottoms in lakes and river systems. They thrive in the St. Croix River's diverse habitat, utilizing deep pools, current breaks, and rocky structure for feeding and shelter. These fish are native to northern waters and have been successfully established throughout the Great Lakes region and connecting waterways.
Walleye Size and Weight
Typical walleye range from 12 to 42 inches in length, with weights spanning 1 to 10 pounds. Most fish caught by recreational anglers fall in the 14-20 inch range, while trophy specimens exceeding 28 inches and 8 pounds represent exceptional catches that create lasting memories.
Walleye Diet and Behavior
Walleye are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on minnows, crayfish, leeches, and aquatic insects. They hunt most actively during low-light periods, using their superior vision to ambush prey near structure. During afternoon hours, walleye often move to deeper water or shaded areas, making them accessible to anglers using proper techniques and presentations.
Walleye Spawning Season
Walleye spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 38-44 degrees Fahrenheit, typically occurring in April and May in Minnesota waters. During this period, they move to shallow rocky areas or tributary streams to deposit eggs, after which they return to deeper summer haunts and resume active feeding.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Successful walleye fishing relies on jigging with live bait, trolling with crankbaits, and casting spinners near structure. Popular baits include nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows presented on jig heads or live bait rigs. In June, anglers around Stillwater find walleye near rocky points and drop-offs using slow presentations that match the fish's deliberate feeding style.
Walleye Is It Good to Eat?
Walleye are considered among the finest eating freshwater fish, featuring mild, flaky white meat with minimal fishy taste. Their firm texture makes them excellent for frying, baking, or grilling, while their high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids provide excellent nutritional value with relatively low mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish.
Walleye Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for walleye?
A: Live nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows are top choices, with jigs tipped with live bait being extremely effective in river systems like the St. Croix.
Q: Where can I find walleye near Stillwater?
A: Look for walleye around rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks in the St. Croix River, particularly in deeper pools adjacent to feeding flats.
Q: Is walleye good to eat?
A: Absolutely - walleye are prized for their mild, flaky white meat and are considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish species.
Q: When is the best time to catch walleye?
A: Early morning, late evening, and overcast days provide optimal conditions, though afternoon fishing can be productive when targeting deeper structure.
Q: What size walleye should I keep?
A: Check current Minnesota regulations, but typically walleye between 15-20 inches provide excellent table fare while allowing larger breeding fish to remain in the population.
Q: Do walleye fight hard when hooked?
A: Walleye provide steady, determined fights with occasional head shakes and runs, making them exciting to catch while being manageable for most anglers.
More species you can explore on this trip
Croix Boys Guided Adventures Available Trips
Ryan operates a well-equipped river fishing boat designed specifically for navigating the St. Croix River's varied conditions. The vessel features comfortable seating for up to 2 guests with ample rod storage and tackle organization. Built for stability and maneuverability, the boat allows access to both shallow feeding areas and deeper walleye structures throughout the river system. All safety equipment is onboard and maintained to Coast Guard standards, ensuring a secure fishing experience while exploring the St. Croix's productive waters.
