Half Day Ice Fishing for Sturgeon & Crappie
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target Lake Sturgeon and Crappie on scenic St. Croix RiverExpert guide provides heated shelter and quality fishing gearFour-hour trips accommodate groups with flexible departure times
When winter locks down the St. Croix River, that's when Captain Jamison Johnson really gets excited. This half-day ice fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the best winter angling Minnesota has to offer. We're talking about targeting two completely different fish – massive Lake Sturgeon that'll test your drag system and tasty Crappie that'll fill your cooler. Starting from the St. Croix crossing public boat access, you'll spend four solid hours on the ice with heated shelter, top-rated gear, and a guide who knows exactly where these fish hang out during the cold months.
This isn't your typical grab-a-bucket-and-hope-for-the-best ice fishing trip. Captain Jamison sets up heated shelters that keep you comfortable even when the mercury drops, and all the quality gear is provided – from rods and reels to bait and tackle. The St. Croix River offers incredible winter fishing opportunities, with deep holes and current breaks that hold fish all season long. You'll fish in a group of up to three anglers, which means personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Morning and evening departures are available, giving you flexibility to fit this adventure into your schedule. The evening bite can be absolutely phenomenal, especially when the sun starts dropping and those Crappie start moving up from deeper water.
We're using proven ice fishing methods that produce results on the St. Croix. For Sturgeon, we'll set up with heavier tackle and use cut bait or nightcrawlers near bottom structure where these prehistoric giants patrol. The technique is all about patience and reading your electronics – when a Sturgeon picks up your bait, you'll know it. For Crappie, we're talking about jigging with small spoons, jigs tipped with minnows, or plastics worked through the water column. The key is staying mobile and finding the schools. Captain Jamison brings portable fish finders and underwater cameras so you can actually see what's happening below the ice. The heated shelters aren't just for comfort – they're positioned over prime fishing spots that have produced consistently throughout the winter seasons.
Lake Sturgeon are the crown jewel of winter fishing on the St. Croix River. These living fossils can live over 100 years and grow massive – we're talking fish that can stretch six feet long and weigh 80 pounds or more. They're bottom feeders with excellent senses, using their barbels to locate food in the murky depths. Winter is actually prime time for Sturgeon because they're more concentrated in deeper holes and less spooky than during summer months. When you hook into one, prepare for a battle that'll have your arms burning. The fight is steady and powerful, and landing a Sturgeon through the ice is something most anglers never forget. These fish are catch-and-release only, but getting photos with a genuine river monster makes for stories you'll tell for years.
Crappie fishing through the ice is a completely different game, but equally rewarding. St. Croix River Crappie run good size – we regularly see fish in the 10 to 14-inch range, with some slabs pushing over a pound. They school up in winter, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Crappie have excellent eyesight and can be finicky, which is why we use light line and small presentations. They suspend at different depths throughout the day, often moving up and down the water column based on weather conditions and forage movement. The best part about Crappie? They're fantastic table fare. Fresh Crappie fillets are sweet, flaky, and perfect for a fish fry after your trip.
At $50 per person over the two-person minimum, this half-day ice fishing adventure delivers serious value. You're getting four hours with an experienced guide, all gear provided, heated shelter, and the chance to target two species that many anglers dream about catching. The St. Croix River doesn't freeze solid every year, so when conditions are right, these trips book up fast among local anglers who know what's up. Captain Jamison has been guiding these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding and what they're biting. Whether you're a seasoned ice angler or someone who's never dropped a line through the ice, this trip is designed to put you on fish and show you why winter fishing can be the best fishing of the year. Don't wait – ice conditions and fish location change throughout the winter, and the best action often happens during short windows when everything lines up perfectly.
Acipenser FulvescensLake sturgeon are living dinosaurs - these prehistoric giants have been swimming North American waters for over 200 million years. In the St. Croix, you'll typically find them ranging 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. They're bottom feeders that cruise sandy areas and deep holes using whisker-like barbels to hunt crawfish, worms, and small fish. Winter ice fishing is prime time since they stay active in cold water. What makes them special? The fight is powerful but different - more like a bulldozer than a rocket. Plus, they're incredibly docile despite their intimidating armor plating. My go-to tip: use a big glob of nightcrawlers on heavy tackle and fish right on bottom near drop-offs. Be patient - when a sturgeon takes your bait, you'll know it.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the perfect winter panfish - both black and white varieties thrive under the ice in the St. Croix. These schooling fish typically run 7-12 inches and half a pound to a pound, making them ideal for kids and light tackle. You'll find them around submerged brush, fallen trees, and deeper holes where they suspend off bottom. Winter fishing is outstanding since they stay active and feed heavily. What guests love most is the steady action when you find a school, plus crappie have some of the best-tasting white meat you'll find. They're also great for building confidence in new anglers. My local trick: use small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms, and once you catch one, work that exact depth thoroughly. Where there's one crappie, there's usually a dozen more nearby.
St. Croix River