Get ready for a winter fishing experience like no other on the frozen St. Croix River. Our private ice fishing trips offer the perfect blend of comfort and excitement for anglers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying ice fishing for the first time, we've got everything set up to make your day on the ice unforgettable.
Picture this: You're cozied up in a heated ice fishing tent, surrounded by the stunning winter landscape of the St. Croix River. The holes are pre-drilled, the lines are rigged, and all you have to do is drop your bait and wait for that thrilling moment when a fish strikes. Our guide, Ryan Bunnell, knows these waters like the back of his hand and will be right there to help you land that trophy catch. With trips ranging from 4 to 24 hours, you can choose the perfect duration for your group. And speaking of groups, we can accommodate up to 6 people, making this an ideal outing for families, friends, or even a unique corporate event.
Ice fishing isn't just about dropping a line through a hole - it's an art form, and we've got all the tools you need to master it. We provide 6 top-notch ice rods, but feel free to bring your own if you've got a lucky stick. Live minnows are on the menu for our finned friends below, and they're irresistible to the local fish population. Our ice fishing tent is more than just shelter; it's your cozy home base on the ice. With a heater keeping things toasty, you can focus on the fishing without worrying about the chill. And don't worry about the heavy lifting - we've got the ice auger to drill those holes, so you can save your energy for reeling in the big ones.
There's something special about ice fishing on the St. Croix that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful silence of the winter landscape, broken only by the occasional whoop of joy when someone lands a fish. Or perhaps it's the camaraderie that develops when you're huddled in a warm tent, swapping stories and waiting for that next bite. Our guests often tell us that the experience is about more than just fishing - it's about creating memories that last a lifetime. And with the flexibility to fish for just a few hours or make it an all-night adventure, you can tailor the trip to fit your group's style perfectly.
The St. Croix River is home to a diverse range of fish species that make ice fishing here a real treat. Let's talk about some of the stars of the show:
Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are the prize catch for many ice anglers. Known for their tasty fillets, walleye tend to be most active during low light conditions, making early morning or late evening the prime time to target them. They love to hang out near drop-offs and underwater structure, so we'll set you up right where the action is.
Northern Pike: If you're after a fight on the ice, northern pike are your ticket. These toothy predators can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their aggressive strikes. We often find them patrolling the edges of weed beds, looking for an easy meal. Landing a big pike through the ice is an experience you won't soon forget.
Crappie: Don't let their size fool you - these pan fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. Crappies often school up in deeper water during the winter, and once you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're especially fun for kids or newcomers to ice fishing because of their eager biting habits.
Yellow Perch: Another pan fish favorite, yellow perch are abundant in the St. Croix and make for some of the best fish fries you'll ever have. They tend to move in schools, so where there's one, there's likely more. Perch are active throughout the day, giving you plenty of opportunities to fill your bucket.
Bluegill: These feisty little fighters are a staple of ice fishing. While they might not be the biggest fish in the river, what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. Bluegills are perfect for introducing kids to the joy of ice fishing, as they're relatively easy to catch and provide constant action.
Each of these species offers a unique challenge and reward, and part of the excitement of ice fishing on the St. Croix is never knowing exactly what you might pull up through that hole. Our guide, Ryan, knows the habits and hideouts of all these fish, so you'll be in the best spots to maximize your chances of a mixed bag of winter catches.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This isn't just any old fishing trip - this is your chance to experience the magic of winter on the St. Croix River, to test your skills against some of the wiliest fish around, and to create some serious bragging rights. Whether you're looking to spend a few hours on the ice or you're ready to pull an all-nighter for that trophy catch, we've got you covered. Remember, our base trip price includes up to 6 people, so gather your crew and let's make this happen. The ice is waiting, the fish are biting, and Ryan's got the inside scoop on where to find them. Don't let another winter slip by without giving ice fishing a shot. Book your trip with Croix Boys Guided Adventures today, and get ready for a winter adventure you'll be talking about until the ice melts - and probably long after that. Trust us, once you feel that tug on your line and pull a glistening fish up through the ice, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? The best ice fishing experience on the St. Croix is just a booking away!