Full Day Sturgeon and Crappie Ice Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full day ice fishing targeting lake sturgeon and walleyeHeated setup with quality gear for up to 12 guestsEight-hour guided adventure departing from Bayport launch
When winter locks up the St. Croix River, that's when the real fishing begins. Captain Jamison Johnson has been guiding anglers through these icy waters for years, and he knows exactly where the big sturgeon like to hold up and where schools of crappie congregate beneath the frozen surface. This isn't your typical ice fishing trip – we're talking 8 solid hours of premium fishing time in heated shelters, targeting two of Minnesota's most sought-after winter species. Launch from either Lakeside Park in Bayport or the St. Croix crossing public launch, and you'll be set up on productive water within minutes.
This full-day ice fishing adventure starts early and runs long, giving you maximum time to connect with trophy fish. Captain Jamison brings all the heavy-duty gear you'll need – augers, tip-ups, jigging rods, and bait – plus heated shelters that keep you comfortable even when the mercury drops. The St. Croix River offers some of the most consistent winter fishing in the Twin Cities area, with deep holes and current breaks that hold fish all season long. You'll spend time learning different techniques, from dead-sticking for suspended crappie to setting heavy tackle for the massive sturgeon that cruise these waters. The captain knows every underwater structure, current seam, and winter hideout along this stretch of river, so you're fishing the most productive spots from the moment you drop your first line.
Ice fishing the St. Croix requires serious equipment and local knowledge – both of which Captain Jamison provides in spades. We'll drill holes over known structure using commercial-grade augers, then deploy a mix of tip-ups and jigging setups depending on what we're targeting. For crappie, expect to fish with light jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms, working different depths until you locate the schools. Sturgeon fishing is a completely different game – we're talking heavy rods, strong reels, and big baits like nightcrawlers or cut bait. The captain uses top-quality electronics to mark fish and monitor depth, taking the guesswork out of where to focus your efforts. All tackle, bait, and equipment is included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer fishing with familiar setups.
Lake Sturgeon are the true trophy fish of this trip – ancient giants that can live over 100 years and reach weights of 50+ pounds in these waters. Winter is actually prime time for sturgeon fishing on the St. Croix, as they move into deeper holes and become more predictable in their feeding patterns. These prehistoric fish are bottom feeders with incredible strength, and when you hook one through the ice, you'll know it immediately. The fight can last 20 minutes or more, and seeing a 4-foot sturgeon come up through an ice hole is something you'll never forget. What makes sturgeon special is their rarity and the fact that Minnesota has strict regulations protecting them – you're fishing for a true native species that's made an amazing comeback.
Walleye might not have been mentioned in the trip description by mistake, but crappie are what we're really after as the secondary species. St. Croix crappie run larger than most lake fish, with 12-14 inch slabs being common during peak winter months. These panfish school up in deep water adjacent to structure, and once you find them, the action can be non-stop. Crappie are excellent table fare and put up a surprising fight on light tackle. They're also more active than many people expect during winter, often feeding aggressively in the afternoon hours. The key is staying mobile and following the schools as they move throughout the day.
At $50 per person for groups over two (with a two-person minimum), this full-day sturgeon and crappie adventure delivers serious value for dedicated anglers. Eight hours on the ice with a top-rated guide, all gear included, and access to some of the most productive winter fishing water in Minnesota – that's hard to beat. Captain Jamison can accommodate up to 12 guests, making this perfect for family outings or groups of friends looking to experience world-class ice fishing. The St. Croix River stays fishable longer than most waters thanks to current flow, extending your season well into late winter. Don't wait too long to book – prime ice fishing dates fill up fast, especially weekends and holidays when everyone wants to get out and chase these amazing fish.
This 32-foot party cruiser transforms your St. Croix River ice fishing adventure into a floating basecamp of comfort. When you're not drilling holes or working your lines for sturgeon and crappie, retreat inside to heated cabin space with AC, full kitchen, bathroom, and even a shower. The onboard fridge and icebox keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long winter fishing sessions. GPS and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots, while the wireless trolling motor gets you positioned quietly without spooking the fish. VHF radio keeps you connected, and there's even TV entertainment for downtime between bites. With wheelchair accessibility and room to spread out, this boat serves as your warm refuge between checking tip-ups and fighting trophy fish on the ice.
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are living dinosaurs - these prehistoric giants have been around for 200 million years and it shows. We're talking fish that can live over 100 years and reach 6+ feet, though most we catch run 3-4 feet and 30-80 pounds. They're bottom feeders with cartilage skeletons, using whisker-like barbels to feel around sandy and gravel areas for crayfish, worms, and small fish. Winter is your best shot since they're more concentrated in deeper holes and slower moving. The fight isn't flashy but it's a steady, powerful pull that'll test your gear. People love the novelty - catching something this ancient and massive through the ice is pretty special. The meat's excellent too, with a firm texture that's great grilled. My tip: use heavy tackle with a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom. Be patient - they take their time deciding whether to bite.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the tastiest fish swimming in these waters, with that mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They typically run 14-20 inches here, though we see plenty of bigger ones pushing 25+ inches during winter. These golden-colored fish have those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light - which is exactly when they bite best. You'll find them hugging bottom structure like rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-30 feet of water. Winter ice fishing is prime time since they're more predictable and less spooky. They don't fight like a bass, but that steady pull and head shake keeps things interesting. Here's the key: use a light jig tipped with a minnow and work it slow right on bottom. Most guys jig too aggressively - walleye want subtle movement.
St. Croix River