Half Day Sturgeon and Crappie Ice Fishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target Lake Sturgeon and Crappie with expert Captain Jamison JohnsonFourhour guided trip includes heated setup and quality gear providedAccommodates groups up to 12 from St. Croix crossing boat access
Captain Jamison Johnson has been putting anglers on monster Lake Sturgeon and slab Crappie through the ice on the St. Croix River for years, and this half-day trip is his bread and butter. You'll spend four quality hours targeting two completely different species in heated comfort, with all the gear you need provided. Starting from the St. Croix crossing public boat access, this top-rated winter fishing experience accommodates up to 12 guests with flexible morning or evening departures. Whether you're a seasoned ice angler or never dropped a line through frozen water, Captain Johnson's setup makes it safe and productive for everyone.
This isn't your typical shivering-in-a-shanty ice fishing trip. Captain Johnson runs a heated operation that keeps you comfortable while you're working jigs and bait in the holes. The St. Croix River offers prime winter fishing habitat where both Sturgeon and Crappie hold in predictable spots during the cold months. You'll start the day with a quick briefing on the target areas and species behavior, then head out to pre-drilled holes positioned over known fish-holding structure. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're working light tackle for suspended Crappie, the next you might have a prehistoric Sturgeon testing your drag. Morning trips typically start around sunrise when fish are most active, while evening sessions take advantage of the late-day bite that often produces the biggest fish. Groups larger than 12 can be accommodated with advance notice, making this a customer favorite for corporate outings and family reunions.
Captain Johnson provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for both species. For Crappie, you'll be working small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms, typically in the 8-15 foot range where these panfish suspend near structure. The key is a subtle presentation – tiny movements that trigger strikes without spooking the school. Sturgeon fishing is a completely different game. You'll use heavier tackle with larger baits like nightcrawlers or cut bait, fishing right on the bottom where these ancient fish cruise for food. The waiting game can test your patience, but when a 30-pound Sturgeon takes your bait, you'll understand why this fishery has such a dedicated following. Safety is paramount on any ice fishing trip, and the captain continuously monitors ice conditions and thickness. The heated shelter setup not only keeps you comfortable but serves as a base of operations where you can warm up between checking lines and landing fish.
Lake Sturgeon are the crown jewel of St. Croix River winter fishing. These living fossils can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes – fish in the 20-40 pound range are common, with occasional giants pushing 50 pounds or more. What makes Sturgeon so special is their prehistoric appearance and incredible fighting power. When hooked, they make powerful runs and often jump completely out of the water, creating memories that last a lifetime. The best Sturgeon action typically happens during the coldest months when these bottom-dwellers are more aggressive feeders. They're most active during low-light periods, which is why both morning and evening trips produce excellent results.
Crappie provide the consistent action that keeps your rod bent throughout the trip. The St. Croix River system holds both Black and White Crappie, with fish averaging 10-12 inches and occasional slabs pushing 14 inches or better. These panfish school heavily in winter, so when you find them, you often find them in numbers. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy to catch once located, making them perfect for families and newer anglers. Crappie bite best during stable weather conditions and can be found holding near submerged timber, drop-offs, and bridge pilings. The winter bite is often more predictable than open water fishing since the fish are concentrated in fewer areas.
At $50 per person over the two-person minimum, this world-class ice fishing experience delivers serious value. You get four hours of guided fishing, all tackle and bait, heated shelter, and Captain Johnson's years of local knowledge for less than most people spend on a night out. The flexible scheduling with both morning and evening options means you can work this trip around your schedule, whether you're visiting for the weekend or looking for a mid-week adventure. With space for up to 12 anglers, it's perfect for bachelor parties, family outings, or just a group of fishing buddies looking to try something different. Don't wait too long to book – the ice fishing season is relatively short, and the best fishing happens when conditions are right. Captain Johnson's reputation for putting clients on fish means his calendar fills up fast, especially on weekends and during peak winter months.
Acipenser FulvescensThese are the true giants of the St. Croix - prehistoric fish that can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes. Most we catch run 30-100 pounds, but the potential for something much bigger always keeps things exciting. They're bottom feeders with barbels that help them feel around for food in deeper holes and drop-offs. Winter is prime time since they're less spooky under the ice. What makes sturgeon special is the fight - they're incredibly strong and will test your gear. The meat is excellent too, with a firm texture that's great on the grill. My go-to tip: use a glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom and be patient. When they hit, don't rush the hookset - let them take it and run before you lean into them. These fish have been around since the dinosaurs for a reason.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the bread and butter of our winter trips - schooling fish that run 7-12 inches and about a pound each. We've got both black and white crappie in the St. Croix, with blacks preferring the clearer water areas. They hang around cover like fallen trees, brush piles, and drop-offs in 8-15 feet of water. Winter fishing is fantastic because they school up tight and once you find them, you can fill a cooler fast. What guests love most is the action - crappie bite aggressively and fight well for their size. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the river with sweet, flaky white meat. The key is downsizing your presentation. I like small jigs tipped with a minnow, and here's the trick: fish them slow and vertical. Drop right into the school and barely move that jig.
St. Croix River