The High Bridge Troll - Scenic River Fishing
Private Trip
Troll crankbaits from Boom Site to historic Arcola High BridgeTarget walleye, northern pike, and bass along scenic waterwayRelaxing river trip prioritizing scenery over intensive fishing
Sometimes the best fishing trips aren't about stuffing the cooler full of fish. The High Bridge troll is our customer favorite for anglers who want to soak up some beautiful river scenery while still getting their lines wet. We'll launch from the Boom Site Public Boat Ramp and cruise upstream to the historic Arcola High Bridge, trolling crank baits the entire way. You'll have shots at walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, and sauger as we drift through some of the most picturesque water in the region. Fair warning though - this trip puts scenery first and fish counts second, so if you're dead set on filling a stringer, our half-day or full-day options might be more your speed.
This trip is all about finding that perfect balance between relaxation and action. We'll get you set up with quality trolling gear and a selection of proven crank baits that work magic in these waters. The stretch from Boom Site to Arcola High Bridge covers some of the most scenic miles you'll find anywhere, with towering bluffs, quiet backwaters, and that gorgeous old bridge marking our turnaround point. You'll spend most of your time just enjoying the ride while your rods do the work, but don't get too comfortable - when those drag systems start screaming, you'll need to be ready. The boat holds up to two guests, so it's perfect for a peaceful morning or afternoon with your fishing buddy or significant other. We keep things low-key and conversational, pointing out local landmarks and sharing stories about the water while we watch for rod tips to start dancing.
Trolling might look simple from the outside, but there's definitely an art to it. We'll be pulling a mix of shallow and medium-diving crank baits behind the boat at different depths and speeds to cover the water column effectively. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish are doing that particular day - sometimes they want a fast-moving bait that triggers reaction strikes, other times they prefer something that wobbles along nice and slow. We provide all the rods and tackle you'll need, including a variety of proven producers like Rapala Shad Raps, Bomber Long A's, and some local favorites that have been putting fish in the boat for years. The beauty of this technique is that it lets you cover a lot of water while still enjoying the scenery and having good conversations. You don't need any special skills or experience - we'll handle boat positioning and bait selection while you focus on enjoying the ride and being ready when fish decide to cooperate.
Smallmouth bass are the bread and butter of this stretch, and they fight like fish twice their size once you get them hooked. These bronze-backed fighters typically run 12 to 16 inches through here, with the occasional 18-incher that'll make your day. Spring and fall are prime time for smallies, when they're actively feeding and more aggressive toward moving baits. What makes them special is their attitude - pound for pound, there's not a harder fighting freshwater fish around. They'll jump, dive for cover, and generally do everything possible to throw your hook.
White bass show up in schools during their spawning runs, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. These silver bullets average 10 to 14 inches and hit crank baits with serious authority. They're most active during spring and early summer, often feeding in large groups that will keep multiple rods busy at once. The fight isn't as spectacular as a smallmouth, but their willingness to bite makes up for it in spades.
Walleye are the prized catch around here, known for their excellent table fare and sneaky fighting style. Most of our trolling walleyes run 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional bigger fish that'll really get your attention. They're most cooperative during low-light periods and overcast days, preferring cooler water temperatures. What anglers love about walleyes is their predictability - once you figure out their pattern, you can usually count on steady action.
Sauger are walleye's smaller cousins, typically running 10 to 15 inches, and they're scrappy little fighters that often get mistaken for walleyes at first glance. They prefer current areas and are most active during cooler months. While they might not get as big as walleyes, they make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality.
Northern pike are the wildcards of this trip - you never know when one might slam your crank bait and take off on a blistering run. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but the occasional bigger fish will definitely get your heart pumping. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Pike are pure excitement on the end of your line, with explosive strikes and aerial displays that'll have you talking about the fight for years.
The High Bridge troll offers something you can't get on our more intensive fishing trips - a chance to actually relax and enjoy being on the water while still having legitimate shots at some quality fish. It's perfect for couples, friends who want to catch up while fishing, or anyone looking to experience the scenic beauty of this river system without the pressure of a hardcore fishing mission. The intimate two-person boat capacity means you'll get personalized attention and won't have to share the experience with a crowd. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a change of pace or someone new to fishing who wants to ease into the sport, this trip delivers exactly what it promises - great scenery, good conversation, and enough fishing action to keep things interesting. Ready to see what this top-rated scenic fishing experience is all about? Give Croix Boys Guided Adventures a call and let's get you on the water.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish and typically measure 15-20 inches, with females growing larger than males. These olive-gold colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes prefer deeper water during the day, hanging around rocky structure, drop-offs, and weed edges. They move shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps are in the 60s-70s range. What makes walleye special is their incredible table quality - firm, white, flaky meat with virtually no fishy taste. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're cunning and can be tricky to locate. The key to consistent walleye success is fishing slow and staying near the bottom where they hunt. Here's my best tip: when trolling cranks, use a bottom bouncer rig to keep your bait ticking along the rocks and gravel - that subtle bottom contact is what triggers most strikes from these bottom-hugging predators.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are silver-sided schooling fish that typically run 10-12 inches, though some reach 18 inches and several pounds. These aggressive feeders love open water and current areas, often suspending in mid-water or working near the surface when chasing baitfish. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're most active and easier to locate. What guests love about white bass is their willingness to bite and the action you get when you find a school - where there's one, there's usually many more. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for fish fries. These fish are visual feeders and respond well to small jigs, spoons, and crankbaits. Here's my go-to trick: when trolling and you hook one white bass, immediately circle back to that exact spot and work it thoroughly with casting gear - the rest of the school is probably still there feeding.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that run 12-20 inches and put up one heck of a battle on light tackle. These bronze-colored fish with dark vertical bars love rocky bottoms and structure along our river stretch. You'll find them holding near drop-offs, boulders, and fallen timber during the day. Spring and fall are prime times when they move into shallower water to feed actively. Summer finds them deeper in cooler water, especially early morning and evening. What makes smallmouth special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and give you a workout. The meat is firm and tasty too, with a mild flavor that's great grilled or fried. Here's a local tip: when trolling cranks past rocky points, let your lure tick the bottom occasionally - that subtle contact often triggers strikes from bass holding tight to cover.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the river's apex predator, averaging 24-30 inches with plenty of sharp teeth and attitude. These olive-green fish with yellow spots ambush prey from weed beds, fallen timber, and shallow bays. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're active in the shallows before moving deeper as water warms. What guests love about pike is the explosive strike and hard fight they deliver - plus they're big enough to make great photos. While not everyone keeps them for eating, the meat is actually quite good when prepared properly. Pike are aggressive and will hit almost any lure that moves, making them great for beginners. They love spoons, spinners, and crankbaits trolled at moderate speeds. Here's my pike tip: when trolling and you get hit, don't immediately set the hook hard - pike often grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it. Give them a few seconds to get it positioned, then set the hook firmly.
Sander CanadensisSauger are walleye's smaller, more aggressive cousin, usually running 12-14 inches and weighing around a pound. These bronze-colored fish with dark blotches prefer the muddier, flowing sections of our river system and like to stay deep near the bottom during daylight hours. They're most active in spring during spawning season and again in fall when water temps drop. What makes sauger fun to target is their scrappy nature - they fight harder than walleye of the same size and are less finicky about biting. The meat quality is excellent too, very similar to walleye with that same mild, sweet flavor. Since they're light-sensitive and bottom-dwellers, early morning and evening fishing produces best results. Here's the trick with sauger: use bright-colored jigs and keep them bouncing right on the bottom in 20-30 feet of water - these fish won't come up to chase a bait, so you've got to put it right in their face.
St. Croix River