Premium Ice Fishing on St. Croix River

Guided Ice Fishing Trip On St. Croix River

Looking for a top-rated ice fishing adventure that takes the work out of winter angling? Ryan Bunnell's guided ice fishing trips on the St. Croix River deliver everything you need for a killer day on the ice. No hauling gear, no drilling holes, no freezing your tail off in the wind – just pure fishing action in a heated tent that'll keep you comfortable whether you're out for 4 hours or pulling an all-day session. This customer favorite runs right between Bayport on the Minnesota side and North Hudson, Wisconsin, putting you smack in the middle of some of the best ice fishing the Twin Cities area has to offer.

What to Expect on the Water

Ryan sets you up with a fully-equipped ice shelter that's already positioned over productive fishing spots. The wood stove keeps things toasty while you work the holes – and those holes are pre-drilled and ready to go when you arrive. Six rods come rigged and ready, plus all the bait you'll need to get into fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first ice fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to try new water, this setup works for everyone. The tent gives you room to move around and stay out of the elements, which makes a huge difference when you're spending serious time on the ice. You can bring your own rods if you've got favorites, but Ryan's gear is dialed in for what's biting in these waters. The base price covers up to 6 people, making it perfect for family outings or getting the crew together for a winter adventure.

Getting There & Ice Conditions

Access couldn't be easier with two solid options to reach the fishing tent. From the Minnesota side, take 3rd Street South in Bayport all the way down until you hit the dirt road – that's Hubs Point Drive. Follow that dirt road straight to the river and you'll find the ice road that leads out to the setup. If you're coming from Wisconsin, Ferry Landing in North Hudson puts you close enough to walk out to the tent without any hassle. Ryan's currently running 16 inches of solid ice, which is plenty thick for vehicles, but he's straight up about ice safety – no ice is ever 100% guaranteed safe. If driving on ice makes you nervous, parking at Ferry Landing and walking out is totally doable and keeps you in your comfort zone. The trip only runs when temps hit -1 or above, so you won't be dealing with brutal cold that makes fishing miserable.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the bread and butter of winter fishing on the St. Croix, and these fish stack up in good numbers once the ice sets in. They tend to school tight in deeper holes and around structure, making them perfect for the tent setup where you can work multiple lines in productive water. Winter crappies hit light jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms, and when you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. These fish run anywhere from slab-sized 10-inchers to solid 14-inch beauties that'll bend your rod and give you a real fight through the ice. The best part about targeting crappies is how cooperative they can be – once you dial in the depth and presentation, you can fill a bucket pretty quick.

Walleye fishing through the ice is a whole different game than summer trolling, and the St. Croix holds some real quality fish that make the effort worth it. These fish move into shallower areas during winter and feed more aggressively during low-light periods, making early morning and evening sessions especially productive. River walleyes are scrappy fighters that use the current to their advantage, and landing a solid 20-incher through 8 inches of ice hole gets your heart pumping. They'll hit jigs bounced along bottom or suspended minnows, and Ryan knows exactly where to position the tent to intercept feeding fish. Winter walleyes also tend to be less spooky than their summer counterparts, giving you better odds of connecting with multiple fish during your trip.

Lake sturgeon are the true prize of St. Croix ice fishing and represent a world-class opportunity that most anglers never get to experience. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – we're talking fish that can stretch 5 feet long and weigh 50 pounds or more. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since these fish don't cooperate on command, but when one picks up your bait, you'll know immediately that something special just happened. They fight like freight trains and test every piece of gear you've got. The St. Croix system supports a healthy sturgeon population, and winter can be an excellent time to target them since they concentrate in deeper pools and feed actively on bottom. Landing a sturgeon through the ice is a bucket-list experience that'll give you bragging rights for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ice fishing season is short and sweet, so slots fill up fast when conditions are right. Ryan's setup eliminates all the guesswork and grunt work that keeps people off the ice, giving you more time to actually fish and enjoy the experience. Whether you want a quick 4-hour taste of ice fishing or you're ready to commit to a full 8-hour adventure, this guided trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. The heated tent, pre-drilled holes, and expert local knowledge take a potentially miserable winter day and turn it into something you'll actually want to repeat. Don't let another winter slip by without experiencing what the St. Croix has to offer – book your guided ice fishing trip today and see why this has become the go-to winter adventure for anglers throughout the Twin Cities area.