Luxury Ice Castle Rental on St. Croix River

Lake Sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are living fossils that offer a unique fishing experience. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 6 feet long and live for decades. You'll find them in deep holes and along river channels, often feeding on the bottom. Spring is the best time to target them as they move upstream to spawn. Anglers prize sturgeon for their massive size and powerful fights that can last over an hour. Use heavy tackle with large hooks baited with nightcrawlers or cut bait. Here's a local tip: Look for eddies and seams in the current where sturgeon rest between feeding runs. Patience is key - it might take a while to get a bite, but when you do, hold on tight. The chance to catch a fish that's older than you are makes sturgeon fishing an unforgettable experience.

Crappie

Crappie (Poxomis) 

Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes. 

Crappie Habitat and Distribution

Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers. 

Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins. 

Crappie Size and Weight 

Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds. 

Crappie Interesting Facts

Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat. 

• Both Poxomis nigromaculatus and Poxomis annularus are less active during the day.
• Both the fishes have a different number of dorsal fin spines. White Crappie has 6 while Black Crappie has 7 or 8.
• Mouth of Black Crappie is larger and reaches mid-eye and has a resemblance to largemouth bass.
• Crappie travels in schools.
• Female lays 5000-60000 eggs.
• Crappie can live for 7 to 10 years.

Is Crappie Good to Eat?

Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation. 

When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.

Crappie Spawning 

Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch. 

Crappie Food 

Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes. 

Crappie Fishing 

Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large. 

Spin or Bait Fishing for Crappie:

Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion. 
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.

Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.

Fly Fishing for Crappie:

• Fly fishing for Crappie is exciting. Both dry and wet flies work well. Use dry flies on still and calm days, especially early and late. A great way to start a young angler on fly fishing, crappie is not as challenging as much other game fish.
• The best-wet flies for fly fishing are streamers and nymphs and soft large hackles. Streamers (small) are perfect when the fish is eating minnows.
• Anglers can fly fish for Crappie near fallen trees or bushes using a dry or wet fly. Be patient and let the fish properly take the hook. - Clouser Minnow is the ultimate fly bait that can catch even the sluggish crappie.

Crappie Baits and Lures: 

• Spinners
• Pan-fish jigs
• Small crankbaits
• Insects
• Worms
• Streamer flies
• Small minnows
• Nymphs

Walleye

Walleye are prized for their tasty white fillets and challenging nature. These elusive predators average 2-3 pounds but can reach over 10. Look for walleye near drop-offs, rocky points, and weed edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk, using their light-sensitive eyes to hunt. Spring and fall are prime seasons as walleye move shallow to spawn and feed. Anglers love the thrill of figuring out walleye patterns and the fight they put up once hooked. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are go-to baits. Try slow-trolling crankbaits along breaks to cover water. Here's a local tip: On sunny days, target deeper water and use brighter lure colors to get their attention. Patience and persistence pay off when chasing these wary fish.

American Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are scrappy little fighters that are a blast on light tackle. Typically 6-10 inches long, these colorful fish travel in schools near weed edges and drop-offs. They're active year-round but especially in spring and fall when they move shallow. Perch are curious and quick to bite, making them perfect for introducing kids to fishing. Their sweet, flaky meat is prized for fish fries. Use small jigs tipped with worms or minnows near the bottom. A local secret is to try ice fishing jigs in open water - perch can't resist them. Once you find a school, you can catch them all day long. The key is to keep your bait small and close to the bottom where perch feed. Their eagerness to bite and excellent table fare make perch a favorite for many anglers.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are aggressive predators that'll test your tackle and nerves. These toothy creatures average 24-30 inches but can grow much larger. Look for pike in weedy bays, near drop-offs, and around submerged timber. They're active year-round but spring and fall offer prime fishing as they move shallow. Pike are known for explosive strikes and powerful runs that'll get your heart racing. Their size and fight make them a favorite target for many anglers. Use heavy leaders to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. Large spoons, inline spinners, and live bait under bobbers are all effective. Here's a tip: After a missed strike, let your lure sit motionless for a few seconds - pike often circle back for a second look. Be prepared for fast action when targeting these freshwater wolves.