Premier 8-Hour St. Croix River Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

St. Croix River
$20 - $700 price range
Updated Date: August 31, 2025

Summary

Ready for a great day of fishing on the St. Croix River? Captain Ryan's full-day guided trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. While walleye is the main target, you might also reel in crappie, smallmouth bass, or catfish. The captain will show you expert techniques like trolling with Rapalas, using 3-way rigs, and fishing with live bait to boost your chances of a solid catch. With room for up to 4 people, it's a fun outing for friends or family. Don't worry about gear - everything you need is provided, including rods, reels, and bait. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack or two. The St. Croix River offers beautiful scenery and good fishing spots, making for a relaxing day on the water. Whether you're looking to learn new skills or just enjoy some time outdoors, this trip has you covered. Book your spot and get ready to make some great fishing memories on the St. Croix!

Premier 8-Hour St. Croix River Fishing Adventure

Reeling Them In

Great catch using deep sea jigging and trolling techniques on the river today!

Great day on the water at St. Croix Crossing! Deep sea jigging and trolling techniques paying off.

Great day on the water using deep sea jigging and trolling techniques at St. Croix Crossing!

Full Day Walleye Bonanza on the St. Croix

Get ready for a day of non-stop action on the legendary St. Croix River! This full-day walleye trip is perfect for anglers looking to land some serious fish and have a blast doing it. Captain Ryan knows every honey hole and secret spot on this stretch of water, and he's ready to put you on the fish. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's the perfect way to spend a day with friends or family chasing those golden-eyed beauties.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start bright and early, meeting at the dock just as the sun's coming up. The St. Croix is gorgeous this time of day, with mist rising off the water and birds calling from the shoreline. Once we're loaded up, we'll head out to some prime walleye territory. Captain Ryan will get you set up with all the gear you need - no need to bring a thing except your excitement and maybe a lucky hat. We'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day, from trolling with Rapalas to working 3-way rigs and live bait. Don't worry if you're new to these methods; the Captain's a great teacher and will have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Techniques That Fill the Livewell

Walleye fishing on the St. Croix is an art form, and we've got all the tricks up our sleeve. We'll start by trolling some classic walleye crankbaits, like Rapalas, to cover water and find active fish. Once we locate a school, we might switch to jigging or drifting with live bait. The 3-way rig is a local favorite - it lets us present our bait right in the strike zone where those big walleyes are hanging out. We'll adjust our tactics based on the conditions and what the fish are telling us. And hey, while we're primarily after walleye, don't be surprised if we hook into some bonus species like crappie, smallmouth bass, or even a big ol' catfish. It's all part of the adventure on the St. Croix!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: These golden-eyed predators are the stars of the show on the St. Croix. Known for their tasty fillets and challenging fight, walleye are a favorite among anglers. They tend to hang out near drop-offs and in deeper holes, especially during the day. We'll target them with a variety of techniques, adjusting our presentation based on their mood. The average walleye here runs 15-20 inches, but don't be surprised if we tangle with a few real lunkers in the 25-30 inch range!

Smallmouth Bass: The St. Croix is also home to some bruiser smallies. These hard-fighting fish love to hang around rocky areas and submerged logs. While they're not our main target, hooking into a 3-4 pound smallmouth can be the highlight of any trip. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and never-say-die attitude on the line.

Northern Pike: These toothy predators are the wildcards of our trip. Pike love to ambush their prey from weed edges and fallen trees. While we're not specifically targeting them, don't be surprised if a 30+ inch pike decides to crash the party and give you the fight of your life. Just watch those fingers when unhooking - they don't call 'em "water wolves" for nothing!

Lake Sturgeon: The St. Croix is one of the few places where you might encounter these living fossils. Sturgeon can grow to massive sizes, with some specimens pushing 100 pounds or more. While we're not likely to catch one on our walleye gear, just seeing one of these prehistoric giants roll near the boat is an unforgettable experience. If you're lucky enough to hook one, get ready for a battle royale!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The St. Croix River isn't just a fishery - it's a slice of paradise right in our backyard. As we drift along, you'll be surrounded by towering bluffs, lush forests, and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone and just soak in the natural beauty. And let's not forget about the fishing - the St. Croix is known for its consistent walleye action, with the chance to catch some real trophies. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, there's something special about feeling that telltale "thump" on your line and battling a fat walleye to the boat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some delicious walleye fillets or just want to spend a day making memories on one of the most beautiful rivers in the Midwest, this full-day trip has got you covered. Captain Ryan's knowledge, combined with the incredible fishery of the St. Croix, means you're in for a day you won't forget. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get out there and put some bend in those rods. The walleye are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. Book your St. Croix River walleye adventure today - your only regret will be not doing it sooner!

Learn more about the species

Walleye

Walleye are the bread and butter of St. Croix River fishing. These golden-olive predators average 2-3 pounds but can top 10. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth and eyes that shine at night - hence the name. You'll find walleye hanging near drop-offs, underwater points, and weed edges. They love cooler water, so fish deep in summer and shallower in spring and fall. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Walleye put up a steady fight and are prized for their flaky, mild fillets. To target them, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses. Work the 15-25 foot range, especially where you mark bait on the fish finder. When you feel that telltale "tap-tap," don't set the hook right away - give them a second to take it. These fish are wary, but the reward is worth the effort!

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These bronzebacks typically range from 1-4 pounds, but can hit 6-7 in prime waters. You'll find them hanging around rocky areas, fallen trees, and current breaks in the St. Croix. They love cooler water, so focus on depths of 6-12 feet in summer. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow. Smallies are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - hook into one and you're in for a thrill. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating too. For best results, try tube jigs or soft plastics rigged weedless. Twitch them slowly along the bottom, mimicking a crawfish. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap, set the hook hard and hang on!

Lake Sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are living fossils of the St. Croix, unchanged for millions of years. These armored giants can reach over 100 pounds and live a century or more. You'll find them cruising the river bottom in deep holes and along muddy flats. Spring is prime time when they move upriver to spawn. Sturgeon are slow growers but put up an epic battle - hooking one is like being tethered to a submarine. They're catch-and-release only, prized for the experience rather than the meat. To target sturgeon, use heavy tackle with a 7/0 circle hook and a glob of nightcrawlers. Fish right on the bottom in 20-40 feet of water. When you feel a gentle "bump," resist the urge to set the hook. Instead, slowly reel until you feel weight, then hang on tight. It's a test of patience, but landing one of these prehistoric fish is unforgettable.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the ambush predators of the St. Croix. These toothy missiles can grow over 40 inches long, though most run 24-30. Look for them in weedy bays, around fallen trees, and near drop-offs. Pike are active year-round but really turn on in spring and fall when water temps are cooler. They're known for savage strikes and powerful runs that'll test your gear. Pike aren't the best eating, but the fight makes up for it. To land one, use steel leaders - those teeth will slice through regular line. Try big spoons, inline spinners, or live suckers under a bobber. Cast to weed edges and work your lure erratically. When a pike hits, it's usually all or nothing. Set the hook hard and keep tension on the line. Watch those teeth when unhooking!

About the SunChaser

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 23

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing on the scenic St. Croix River! We'll be heading out for a full day of chasing walleye, with the chance to land some crappie, smallmouth bass, and catfish too. Our seasoned captain, Ryan, knows all the best spots and will show you some killer techniques to boost your chances of reeling in the big ones. We'll try trolling with Rapalas, working 3-way rigs, and using live bait to entice those fish. Don't worry about bringing any gear - we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Whether you're a pro angler or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in for a fun and rewarding day on the water. With room for up to 4 people, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Come join us for some quality fishing time on the beautiful St. Croix!

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