5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Walleye Fishing Trip On St. Croix River
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided walleye fishing on scenic St. Croix RiverExpert techniques include trolling, 3way rigs, and live baitAll gear and bait provided for up to 4 anglers
The St. Croix River is hands down one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets for walleye fishing, and Captain Ryan knows every productive hole, weedline, and structure that holds fish. This top-rated full-day guided trip targets walleye as the main course, but don't be surprised when you hook into feisty smallmouth bass, scrappy crappie, or even a hefty catfish. With all gear and bait provided, you can focus on what matters most – getting your line wet and putting fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in new techniques or someone just getting started, this customer favorite fishing experience delivers the kind of action that keeps guys coming back season after season.
Your day starts early with Captain Ryan, who's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where the fish are holding based on current conditions, weather patterns, and seasonal movements. The St. Croix River offers diverse structure from rocky points and drop-offs to submerged timber and weed beds, giving you multiple opportunities to connect with different species throughout the day. You'll cover a lot of water in a comfortable, well-equipped boat that's set up specifically for river fishing. The pace is relaxed but focused – this isn't about rushing from spot to spot, but rather working each location thoroughly to maximize your chances. Captain Ryan keeps things light and educational, sharing local knowledge about the river's history, fish behavior, and conservation efforts while you're waiting for that next bite. The trip accommodates up to 2 anglers, which means plenty of personal attention and room to work without getting your lines tangled.
Captain Ryan employs a variety of world-class techniques that have proven successful on the St. Croix River system. Trolling with Rapalas is a go-to method for covering water and triggering aggressive strikes from walleye and smallmouth bass. These lures mimic injured baitfish perfectly, and when pulled at the right speed through productive areas, they're absolutely deadly. The 3-way rig setup is another staple technique that allows you to present live bait near the bottom where walleye typically feed, especially during midday when fish move deeper. You'll work with nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows depending on what the fish are showing preference for that particular day. Bottom bouncing and jigging are also part of the arsenal, particularly effective when fishing structure or working specific depth changes. Captain Ryan provides all the gear, from rods and reels matched to the techniques being used, to tackle boxes stocked with the proven baits and lures that produce on this river system. He'll teach you how to feel the subtle strikes that walleye are famous for, and how to set the hook properly to avoid losing fish at the boat.
Smallmouth bass are absolute warriors on the St. Croix River and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience in freshwater. These bronze-backed beauties typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing over 20 inches and 4 pounds. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, but summer fishing can be outstanding early in the morning or late in the evening. Smallmouth love rocky areas, current breaks, and drop-offs where they ambush crayfish and small baitfish. When you hook one, be ready for aerial displays and bulldogging runs that will test your drag and technique. What makes them so special is their aggressive nature – they'll absolutely crush a well-presented lure and fight like fish twice their size.
Walleye are the main target species and for good reason – they're considered by many to be the best eating fish that swims in freshwater. The St. Croix River produces walleye in the 14 to 22-inch range consistently, with fish over 25 inches caught regularly during peak seasons. Spring and fall are prime times when walleye move into shallower water and feed aggressively, but summer fishing can be excellent if you know where to look. These fish are notorious for their light bite – sometimes it feels like you just picked up a weed, only to realize you've got a nice walleye on the end of your line. They prefer deeper water during bright conditions and will move shallow during low light periods. Captain Ryan knows exactly where they stage during different times of year and what presentations work best for triggering strikes.
Northern pike are the river's apex predator and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These toothy critters can reach impressive sizes in the St. Croix system, with fish over 30 inches not uncommon. They're ambush feeders that lurk in weedy areas, backwaters, and near structure waiting to demolish anything that looks like an easy meal. Pike are most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know their patterns. What makes them exciting is their explosive strikes and initial runs – they'll peel line off your reel and make you question whether your drag is set correctly. Plus, they're incredibly photogenic with their distinctive markings and prehistoric appearance.
Lake sturgeon represent the most unique and prehistoric species you might encounter on the St. Croix River. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes, with specimens over 50 inches and 40 pounds documented in this system. Sturgeon are bottom feeders that cruise along looking for invertebrates, small fish, and organic matter. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and hooking into one is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most anglers. When you connect with a big sturgeon, be prepared for a long, powerful fight that will test every piece of equipment and your endurance. They're considered a trophy species and are strictly regulated, so Captain Ryan ensures all conservation practices are followed if you're fortunate enough to encounter one of these living dinosaurs.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the St. Croix's main attraction and for good reason - they're both fun to catch and fantastic eating. These golden-sided fish average 15-20 inches but can push 28+ inches if you're lucky. Their big marble eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why dawn and dusk are prime time. You'll find them along drop-offs, rocky structure, and weed edges, usually 10-25 feet deep. Summer pushes them deeper into cooler water. What guests love is the steady pull they give - not flashy jumpers, but determined fighters. Plus, walleye fillets are some of the best eating you'll find - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. My go-to technique is trolling Rapalas along structure breaks with 3-way rigs, but live bait like minnows and crawlers work great too. Key tip: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook hard - walleye have soft mouths and you'll pull right through.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass in the St. Croix are scrappy fighters that'll test your gear. These bronze-backed beauties average 2-4 pounds and love rocky bottoms and drop-offs. You'll find them around structure - fallen trees, boulder piles, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active in shallow areas, but summer means going deeper where it's cooler. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll hook. They jump, run, and don't give up easy. The meat's firm and tasty too if you decide to keep a few. Here's a local trick: when the water's calm, try a weightless soft plastic rigged wacky-style over rocky structure. Let it sink slow and twitch it gently - smallmouth can't resist that wounded look.
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are living dinosaurs that offer a once-in-a-lifetime fishing experience on the St. Croix. These ancient bottom-dwellers can live over 100 years and grow massive - though most we see run 3-5 feet and 30-80 pounds. They cruise deep holes, eddies, and gravel bottoms using their whiskers to hunt for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Summer's your best shot when they're more active in deeper water. What makes sturgeon special is their prehistoric look and incredible power - imagine hooking into a submarine. They don't jump but make long, steady runs that'll wear you down. It's catch-and-release only, but the experience is unforgettable. You need heavy tackle and patience since they're bottom feeders. My secret: use a big glob of nightcrawlers on bottom rigs near deep structure. When you hook one, don't panic - just hang on and enjoy the ride of a lifetime.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the river's apex predators and pure excitement on the end of your line. These toothy green torpedoes average 24-30 inches but can stretch past 40 inches in the St. Croix. They're ambush hunters that hang around weed edges, shallow bays, and structure where they can surprise prey. Spring and fall are best when they're more active in shallower water - summer finds them deeper in cooler holes. What makes pike fishing addictive is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll jump, thrash, and make long runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they hit big baits and lures, making for visual, exciting fishing. The meat's decent too, though bony. Here's my tip: use a steel leader and don't horse them - let pike run when they want to. When they pause, that's your chance to gain line. And always bring pliers - those razor teeth demand respect.
5.0 out of 5.0
St. Croix River