Get ready for a winter fishing adventure like no other on the stunning St. Croix River. Our shared 1-hour ice fishing trip is perfect for both newbies and seasoned anglers looking to escape the cold and reel in some impressive catches. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and your sense of adventure. Our cozy Grizzly wall tent is waiting to be your home-away-from-home on the ice!
Picture this: You're sitting comfortably in our spacious 16' x 20' Grizzly wall tent, sipping on a hot drink as you watch your line for that telltale nibble. Our setup is designed to keep you toasty warm, even on the chilliest days. We've got a wood-burning camp stove crackling away, filling the tent with that classic campfire smell. And don't worry about your fingers freezing off when you need to re-bait your hook – our water heater ensures you can warm up quickly. Whether you're in it for a quick hour of fishing or planning to make a day of it, we've got you covered. No need to lug around heavy gear or worry about staying warm – we've thought of everything so you can focus on the fishing and the stunning winter scenery of the St. Croix River.
Leave your tackle box at home, folks – we've got all the gear you need for a successful day on the ice. Our rods are specially designed for ice fishing, with sensitive tips to detect even the lightest bites. We'll set you up with the right bait and lures for whatever's biting that day. Our guides know all the hot spots on the St. Croix, so you'll be fishing where the action is. And don't sweat it if you're new to ice fishing – we'll show you the ropes, from how to work your jig to the best way to land a fish through the ice. For you experienced anglers, feel free to pick our brains about local techniques and seasonal patterns. We're all about sharing knowledge and making sure everyone has a great time out there.
There's something special about ice fishing on the St. Croix that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peace and quiet of a winter morning, broken only by the occasional whoop of joy when someone lands a big one. Or perhaps it's the camaraderie that develops when you're sharing stories and hot coffee in the warmth of the tent. Our guests often tell us that ice fishing with us is like joining a friendly club for a day – you might arrive as strangers, but you'll leave as fishing buddies. And let's not forget the thrill of the catch. There's nothing quite like the feeling of your rod bending double as a hefty walleye or northern pike decides your bait looks too good to pass up. Whether you're here for the fishing, the experience, or both, we're betting you'll be itching to come back for more.
The St. Croix River is home to a variety of fish species that make for excellent ice fishing targets. Let's talk about some of the stars of the show:
Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are a favorite among ice anglers. Known for their tasty fillets, walleyes can be a bit finicky, but when they're biting, it's game on. They tend to be most active during low light conditions, so early morning or late afternoon can be prime time. We'll show you how to work a jig and minnow combo that walleyes find irresistible.
Northern Pike: If you're after a fight, northern pike are your fish. These toothy predators can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their aggressive strikes. Pike love to hang out near weed edges and drop-offs, waiting to ambush their prey. We'll set you up with some larger baits and sturdy tackle to handle these powerful fish.
Crappie: Don't let their size fool you – these pan fish are a blast to catch and delicious to eat. Crappies often school up in deeper water during the winter, and once you find them, the action can be non-stop. We'll help you locate these tasty fish and show you how to use small jigs tipped with waxworms or minnows to entice them.
Yellow Perch: Another pan fish that's popular with ice anglers, yellow perch are known for their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They often hang out in schools, so when you catch one, there's a good chance more are nearby. We'll demonstrate how to use small jigs or simple hook and worm setups to target these feisty fish.
Each of these species offers its own unique challenges and rewards, and part of the fun is never knowing exactly what you might pull up through the ice. Our guides will help you target the species you're most interested in, or we can mix it up for a varied day of fishing.
Alright, folks, let's recap why this ice fishing trip on the St. Croix River is a can't-miss winter adventure. You've got a cozy, warm tent setup that beats shivering out in the open any day. All the gear is provided, so there's no need to invest in expensive equipment or lug it out onto the ice. Our guides know the river like the back of their hand and are ready to share their local knowledge to help you land that trophy fish. Whether you're a first-timer or an ice fishing veteran, there's something here for everyone. And let's not forget the chance to create some awesome winter memories and maybe even catch dinner while you're at it. So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, family, or come solo and join us for some ice fishing magic on the St. Croix. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so don't wait to book your trip. Trust us, once you try ice fishing with Croix Boys Guided Adventures, you'll be hooked!