5.0(1 Reviews)Beginner-Friendly Fishing Charter | St Croix River
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Perfect beginner trip with patient instruction and provided gearTwoperson capacity ideal for couples or parentchild fishingLearn casting, baiting, and fish handling on scenic St Croix River
New to fishing? This beginner fishing trip on the St Croix River is perfect for first-timers, families with kids, or anyone looking to learn the basics in a fun and relaxed setting. For just $300, two guests can enjoy a shorter, hands-on trip tailored to beginners. You'll learn how to cast, bait hooks, handle fish safely, and start understanding where fish like to hide—all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of fishing the St Croix River Minnesota side. All gear is provided, and your friendly, patient guide is here to help every step of the way. Book your guided beginner fishing trip St Croix River now and make your first cast a memory to remember!
This top-rated beginner charter takes you onto one of Minnesota's most beautiful fishing destinations, where the St Croix River offers calm waters perfect for learning the ropes. Your guide keeps things simple and stress-free—no pressure to land the big one, just good old-fashioned fun on the water. We'll start with basic casting techniques in shallow areas where you can watch your line and get comfortable with the feel of the rod. The St Croix's clear waters make it easy to spot structure and understand why fish hang out in certain spots. You'll spend quality time learning how to read the water, from current breaks to deeper holes where walleye like to cruise. This customer favorite experience focuses on building confidence rather than chasing numbers, so expect plenty of hands-on instruction and encouragement. The relaxed pace means there's time to ask questions, practice your technique, and really soak in what makes this river special for anglers of all skill levels.
We provide all the tackle you need, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for beginners to a selection of proven baits that work well on the St Croix. You'll learn basic rigging techniques like threading a nightcrawler or hooking a minnow properly—skills that transfer to any fishing situation. We focus on simple but effective methods like bottom bouncing and drift fishing, which let you feel what's happening below without getting tangled up in complicated presentations. The guide will show you how to set the hook when you feel that first tap, and more importantly, how to fight and land fish without losing them at the boat. Safety comes first, so you'll learn proper fish handling techniques that keep both you and the fish happy. We keep a variety of weights and sinkers on board to match changing conditions, and your guide will explain why we're switching tactics as the day progresses. The St Croix's diverse structure—from rocky points to sandy flats—gives you a chance to try different approaches and see what works where.
"We had a great time! Captain Jameson is very knowledgeable and personable" - Patrick
Walleye are the bread and butter of St Croix River fishing, and they're perfect for beginners to target. These golden beauties typically run 14 to 20 inches in this stretch of river, with occasional bigger fish that'll really test your newfound skills. Walleye have this subtle bite that feels like a gentle tap or steady pressure—nothing dramatic, which makes them great for learning to detect strikes. They're most active during low-light periods, but the St Croix's deeper holes hold fish throughout the day. What makes walleye special is their willingness to bite simple presentations like a plain jig and minnow or nightcrawler harness. They're also fantastic eating, so you might just take home dinner after your first successful fishing trip. Peak seasons run from late spring through fall, with summer offering the most consistent action for new anglers.
Lake Sturgeon represent the St Croix River's most unique fishing opportunity and catching one is like hooking into a piece of living history. These ancient fish can live over 100 years and grow massive—we're talking potential encounters with fish pushing 50 inches or more. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since they're bottom feeders that cruise slowly along the river floor, but when one picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is unlike anything else in freshwater—long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming and test every lesson you've learned about playing fish. While they're not as common as walleye, the St Croix supports a healthy sturgeon population, especially in the deeper pools below dams and around rocky structure. Late spring and early summer offer the best chances, when these prehistoric fish move into shallower areas. Landing a sturgeon on your first fishing trip would be the story you tell for years to come, and our guides know the spots where encounters are most likely.
This world-class beginner fishing experience on the St Croix River gives you everything you need to start your angling journey right. At $300 for two people, you get personalized instruction, all tackle provided, and access to some of Minnesota's best fishing waters with a guide who genuinely wants to see you succeed. The St Croix's mix of walleye action and the chance at a trophy sturgeon makes every cast exciting, while the river's natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Whether you're looking to try something new, introduce kids to fishing, or finally learn the basics you've always wanted to know, this trip delivers real value and genuine fun. The relaxed pace and focus on fundamentals means you'll leave with actual skills, not just stories. Don't wait—prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. Book your guided beginner fishing trip on the St Croix River today and discover why so many people fall in love with this amazing sport.
Meet your fishing platform for the day – our 20-foot Warrior V2090 powered by a reliable 200HP Yamaha engine. This fishing boat is built for comfort and success on the St Croix River, with room for you and a fishing buddy to learn the ropes. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're sneaking up on those perfect fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate where the walleye and bass are hanging out. GPS navigation keeps us on course, and the VHF radio ensures we stay connected. The built-in bait tank keeps your bait lively and ready to tempt whatever's swimming below. Perfect for beginners who want to focus on learning fishing techniques without worrying about handling a complicated boat – your guide takes care of all the navigation while you concentrate on making those first successful casts count.
Acipenser FulvescensLake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - these ancient fish have been around for 200 million years. In the St. Croix, you might encounter one anywhere from 2-5 feet long, though they can get much bigger. They're bottom feeders that cruise deep holes and rocky areas, using their whisker-like barbels to hunt for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Late spring and summer are your best shots when they're more active. What's the draw? Landing a sturgeon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - they're powerful, prehistoric-looking, and totally unique. Plus, they're catch-and-release only here, making each encounter special. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with nightcrawlers on the bottom near deep structure. These fish are strong and have bony plates that can cut line, so bring sturdy gear and gloves for safe handling.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most popular fish on the St. Croix, and for good reason. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes typically run 12-20 inches here, though we do see some nice 24+ inchers. They love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, but they really turn on during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. What makes them special? They fight smart rather than hard, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. My go-to tip for beginners: use a simple jig and minnow combo, and fish it slow along the bottom. Walleye won't chase your bait, so you need to put it right in front of them.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great time! Captain Jameson is very knowledgeable and personable
Patrick Hess, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.cant wait to do it...
St. Croix River