Top-Rated St. Croix River Morning Fishing Trip

St. Croix River: Half-Day Fishing Adventure

Get ready to wet a line on the beautiful St. Croix River! This 4-hour guided fishing trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to land some of the river's prized catches. Whether you're after hard-fighting smallmouth bass or tasty walleye for the dinner table, Captain Ryan knows just where to find 'em. We'll provide all the gear and live bait - you just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky fishing hat. With stunning scenery and plenty of fish to be caught, it's sure to be a morning well spent on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the dock as the sun's coming up. After a quick safety rundown, we'll head out to some of Captain Ryan's favorite fishing holes. The St. Croix River is known for its diverse fishery, so we'll likely try a few different spots and techniques throughout the morning. Expect to do some jigging for walleye near underwater structure, maybe toss some topwater lures for smallmouth bass, or even try your luck for a monster pike lurking in the weeds. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - the captain will walk you through everything you need to know. And if you're an experienced angler, he's always game to swap fish stories and share some local knowledge.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

We'll be using a mix of fishing methods, depending on what's biting and where. For walleye and sauger, we might drift with jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. When targeting smallmouth bass, we could throw crankbaits, soft plastics, or even fly fishing streamers. If the pike are active, we might troll with big spoons or cast oversized swimbaits. All the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need are provided, along with life jackets and other safety gear. We use high-quality equipment that's well-maintained and suited for the fish we're after. The boat is comfortable and spacious enough for two anglers to cast without getting tangled up. Don't forget to bring a camera - you'll want to snap a few pics of your catch before we release it back into the river (unless you're keeping a few for the frying pan, of course).

Target Species Breakdown

Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are prized for both their fight and their tasty fillets. St. Croix walleye typically range from 15 to 25 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing 30 inches or more. They tend to hang out near rocky points, drop-offs, and current seams. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. There's nothing quite like feeling that telltale "tap-tap" on your line when a walleye hits.

Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in the river. They love rocky areas and will often explode on topwater lures, making for exciting visual strikes. St. Croix smallmouth typically run 1 to 3 pounds, but 4 and 5-pounders aren't uncommon. They're most active from late spring through early fall. When a big smallie gets airborne, hold on tight - it's gonna be a wild ride!

Northern Pike: These toothy predators are the ultimate ambush hunters. St. Croix pike can grow huge, with fish over 40 inches possible. They lurk in weed beds and along drop-offs, ready to attack anything that looks like an easy meal. Pike fishing is all about big lures and heavy tackle. When one of these water wolves hits, it's like hooking into a freight train. Just watch those fingers when unhooking them!

Sauger: Often mistaken for their walleye cousins, sauger are another tasty member of the perch family. They tend to run a bit smaller than walleye, typically 12 to 18 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Sauger love deep, fast water and will often school up in river holes. They're especially active in cooler weather, making them a great target for fall and winter fishing.

Lake Sturgeon: While not a primary target on our half-day trips, the St. Croix is home to some true dinosaurs. Lake sturgeon can live for over 100 years and grow to massive sizes - we're talking fish over 6 feet long and 100 pounds! Sturgeon fishing is strictly catch-and-release, but hooking into one of these ancient fish is an experience you'll never forget. They're most active in spring and fall, often gathering in deep holes with sandy or gravelly bottoms.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

The St. Croix River isn't just a great fishery - it's a slice of natural paradise right on the doorstep of the Twin Cities. As we drift along, you'll be surrounded by towering bluffs, lush forests, and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, even if you've only got a morning to spare. And let's be honest - there's something special about fishing a river that forms the border between two states. One cast you might be technically fishing in Minnesota, the next in Wisconsin!

Our guests often tell us how much they appreciate the laid-back vibe of the trip. Sure, we're here to catch fish, but it's also about enjoying time on the water, learning new techniques, and maybe picking up a few local fishing tips you can use on your own adventures. Captain Ryan's got a keen eye for spotting wildlife too, so don't be surprised if we pause the fishing to watch a family of otters playing on the shoreline or a beaver slapping its tail on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a complete beginner hoping to land your first fish, our half-day guided trip on the St. Croix River is the perfect way to spend a morning. With all gear provided and an experienced local guide at the helm, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for some fantastic fishing on one of the Midwest's most beautiful rivers. We can't wait to see you out on the water!