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Caught a trophy walleye on St Croix River
Walleye fishing on St. Croix River 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 white, flaky meat. - Active during low-light conditions. - Found in lakes and river systems.
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 Thursday August led an action-packed 4-hour guided fishing trip on the St. Croix River near Stillwater. Using jigging, trolling, and live bait techniques, anglers landed a chunky 21-inch walleye, 15-inch smallmouth bass, and 8-inch bluegill. The partly cloudy conditions kept fish active throughout the morning session. Located at 9134 MN-95, this river fishing experience showcases the diverse species available in these Minnesota waters. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels seeking walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike action. All tackle and live bait provided for an unforgettable St. Croix River fishing adventure just minutes from the Twin Cities.
Fishing Charter with Ryan Bunnell – Rates & Booking
Guide Ryan Bunnell of Croix Boys Guided Adventures on Thursday August offers 4-hour guided fishing trips starting at $400 for up to 2 anglers. Our St. Croix River location at 9134 MN-95 in Stillwater provides easy access to prime walleye and smallmouth bass waters. All fishing gear, tackle, and live bait included with your licensed guide who knows these river systems inside and out. Book online or call to reserve your morning fishing adventure.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Fishing Trip On St. Croix River - Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth, Pike, And More
This scenic St. Croix River fishing experience targets multiple species including walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and sauger. Recent trips have produced 21-inch walleye and hard-fighting smallmouth bass using proven jigging and trolling techniques. The river's diverse structure provides excellent habitat for various gamefish, making each trip an exciting multi-species adventure.
Captain Ryan adjusts tactics based on current conditions, working different spots along the river to maximize your catch potential. Whether jigging near structure, trolling deeper channels, or using live bait in productive areas, there's always action to be found on the St. Croix.
Local Species Insights: Walleye
St. Croix River walleye thrive in the river's varied depths and current breaks, feeding actively during low-light periods. These golden-colored gamefish use their excellent night vision to hunt minnows and crayfish near rocky structure and drop-offs. Summer walleye fishing peaks during early morning hours when water temperatures are cooler and fish are most active. Guide Ryan targets specific river bends and deeper pools where walleye congregate, using jigs tipped with live bait or trolling crankbaits along current seams.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour St. Croix River fishing trip launches from William O'Brien State Park with all necessary equipment provided. The boat accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, with morning departures offering the best fishing conditions. Captain Ryan supplies all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, plus provides expert instruction for anglers of all experience levels. Safety equipment and Minnesota fishing licenses are included, making this a turnkey fishing adventure just 45 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Fishing in St. Croix River: Walleye
The Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a prized freshwater gamefish belonging to the perch family Percidae. Known for their distinctive silvery eyes and golden-olive coloration, walleye are among the most sought-after species by anglers throughout the Great Lakes region and river systems like the St. Croix near Stillwater this August.
Walleye Overview
Walleye are elongated fish with a streamlined body perfect for their predatory lifestyle. Their most notable feature is the reflective tapetum lucidum in their eyes, which gives them superior vision in low-light conditions and creates their characteristic glassy appearance. This adaptation makes them excellent hunters during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.
Walleye Habitat and Distribution
These freshwater fish inhabit lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout northern North America. In Minnesota waters like the St. Croix River, walleye prefer areas with rocky bottoms, current breaks, and structures that provide ambush points for hunting prey.
Walleye Size and Weight
Walleye typically range from 12 to 42 inches in length, with weights between 1 to 10 pounds. Trophy specimens can exceed these ranges, with the largest walleye on record weighing over 25 pounds.
Walleye Diet and Behavior
Walleye are opportunistic predators feeding primarily on minnows, crayfish, leeches, and aquatic insects. They hunt most actively during low-light periods, using their excellent vision to locate prey. During summer months, they often move to deeper, cooler waters during the day and migrate to shallower areas to feed at night.
Walleye Spawning Season
Walleye spawn in early spring when water temperatures reach 38-44°F, typically moving to shallow rocky areas or tributary streams. This spawning behavior makes them more concentrated and easier to target during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Effective walleye techniques include jigging with live bait, trolling crankbaits, and casting spinners. Popular baits include nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows. In August around Stillwater, anglers find success jigging near river structure and trolling along current seams during early morning hours.
Walleye Is It Good to Eat?
Walleye are considered one of the finest eating freshwater fish, with mild-flavored, white, flaky meat that's low in fat and high in protein. They're excellent prepared by frying, baking, or grilling, making them a favorite among both anglers and diners.
Walleye Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for walleye?
A: Live nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows are top choices, along with jigs tipped with soft plastics and crankbaits in natural colors.
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, especially around William O'Brien State Park area.
Q: Is walleye good to eat?
A: Yes, walleye are considered among the best-tasting freshwater fish with mild, white, flaky meat that's perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch walleye?
A: Early morning and evening hours during low-light conditions are prime times, as walleye use their superior night vision to hunt actively.
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!
