World-Class Ice Fishing on St. Croix River

Shared Ice Fishing Trip On St. Croix River

Picture this: you're sitting warm and cozy inside a spacious heated tent while walleye and crappie swim just beneath your feet through the ice. Our shared ice fishing trips on the St. Croix River give you the perfect winter fishing setup without any of the usual cold-weather hassles. We've got everything dialed in so you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and soaking up the peaceful winter vibes along one of Minnesota and Wisconsin's most beloved waterways.

What to Expect on the Water

The St. Croix River transforms into a world-class ice fishing destination once winter sets in, and our setup makes it accessible for everyone. You'll fish from inside our brand-new 16' x 20' Grizzly wall tent – think of it as your personal fishing lodge right on the ice. The wood-burning camp stove keeps things toasty while the water heater ensures you've got everything you need for a comfortable day. This isn't your typical ice shack experience; we're talking about serious comfort here. The tent gives you plenty of room to move around, and multiple fishing holes mean you can try different spots without stepping outside. Whether you're planning to fish for just an hour or make it an all-day adventure, the setup works perfectly for your schedule. The river's current keeps certain areas from freezing as thick as lakes, so we know exactly where to set up for the best action while maintaining safe ice conditions.

Gear Setup & Techniques

Here's the best part – you literally don't need to bring anything. We provide all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and electronics you'll need. Our rods are perfectly matched to St. Croix River fishing, sensitive enough to feel those light winter bites but with enough backbone to handle a big walleye or even a lake sturgeon if you're lucky. We'll have you fishing with proven river techniques like jigging with minnows for walleye and using small jigs tipped with wax worms for crappie. The electronics help us locate fish and structure, but don't worry if you're not tech-savvy – we'll walk you through everything. Ice fishing the St. Croix is different from lake fishing because the current creates unique holding spots where fish concentrate during winter. We know these spots like the back of our hand and position the tent accordingly. The beauty of our heated setup means you can fish comfortably in any weather, from those perfect calm days to when the wind's howling and snow's flying.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie are the bread and butter of St. Croix River ice fishing, and winter is absolutely prime time for these tasty panfish. They school up tight in deeper holes and backwater areas during the cold months, often stacked in impressive numbers. Most crappie here run 9 to 12 inches, with some slabs pushing 14 inches if you hit it right. They're aggressive feeders even in winter, making them perfect for beginners, but they can also be finicky enough to keep experienced anglers engaged. The key is finding their depth – some days they're hugging bottom, other days they're suspended mid-water column.

Walleye fishing through the ice on the St. Croix is something special. These fish stay active all winter long, and the river's current keeps them feeding regularly. You'll typically find them in the 14 to 20-inch range, with occasional bigger fish that'll really test your ice fishing skills. Walleye here love structure – fallen trees, rock piles, and channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities. They're most active during low-light periods, so early morning and late afternoon often produce the best action. When you hook into a St. Croix walleye through the ice, you'll understand why anglers keep coming back.

Now here's where things get really exciting – lake sturgeon. The St. Croix River is home to a top-rated sturgeon population, and while they're not as common as crappie or walleye, hooking one through the ice is a customer favorite experience you'll never forget. These prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and grow massive in the St. Croix system. Most sturgeon caught here range from 30 to 50 inches, but the river holds true giants. They're catch-and-release only, which helps maintain this world-class fishery. Sturgeon feed year-round and aren't spooked by ice fishing activity, making winter a legitimate time to target them. When one takes your bait, you'll know it immediately – there's nothing quite like the steady, powerful pull of a big sturgeon.

Time to Book Your Spot

This shared ice fishing trip delivers everything you want from a winter fishing adventure: comfort, convenience, and genuine fishing action on one of the region's best rivers. You don't need experience, gear, or even cold-weather clothing – just show up ready to fish. The St. Croix River's diverse fish population means you never know what might grab your line, from a mess of crappie for the dinner table to a trophy walleye or the fish story of a lifetime with a lake sturgeon. Our heated tent setup eliminates all the usual ice fishing discomfort while putting you right where the fish are. Book your spot today and discover why the St. Croix River has earned its reputation as a trending winter fishing destination that keeps anglers coming back season after season.