St. Croix River Musky and Bass Guided Float Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour guided float targeting musky, bass, and northern pikeProfessional instruction and gear provided for all skill levelsStealthy 14foot raft navigates premier Northwest Wisconsin rivers
Nick's got something special brewing on the waters of Northwest Wisconsin, and if you're looking for a top-rated fishing experience that puts you right in the thick of some serious gamefish action, this eight-hour float trip is exactly what you've been searching for. We're talking about drifting through some of the most renowned bass and musky water in the Midwest – the St. Croix, Chippewa, and Red Cedar Rivers – in a stealthy 14-foot Down River Equipment raft that gets you into spots the big boats can't reach. This isn't your typical guided trip where you're crammed in with a crowd. It's just you, one buddy, and Nick's years of experience reading these waters like a favorite fishing magazine.
Picture this: you're sliding silently down river corridors that most anglers only dream about, with current breaks, undercut banks, and structure that screams "fish live here." Nick's approach is all about working the water systematically, hitting the prime lies where smallmouth bass stack up and where those legendary Wisconsin muskies patrol their territories. The raft setup is perfect for this kind of fishing – low profile, maneuverable, and quiet enough that you won't spook fish before you even get a cast in. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to step up your game or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new water, Nick adjusts the program to match your skill level. He's not the kind of guide who just points and says "cast there" – you'll learn why certain spots produce, how to read water structure, and what makes these river systems so special for targeting multiple species in a single day.
Nick comes loaded with all the fly fishing gear you'll need, but here's the cool part – if you're more comfortable throwing conventional tackle, just speak up when you book. He's got light spinning setups that work beautifully for these river conditions. The fly fishing approach really shines on these waters though, especially when you're working tight to cover or need to present baits with finesse. Think streamers for the toothy critters, poppers when the surface action heats up, and crayfish patterns that drive smallmouth absolutely crazy. The raft positioning is key to success here – Nick knows exactly where to anchor or drift to give you the best shots at productive water. You'll be casting to fallen timber, rock piles, deep pools, and current seams where predator fish set up to ambush baitfish. The beauty of floating is that you're constantly moving into fresh water, so even if one spot doesn't produce, the next bend might be holding the fish of the day.
Smallmouth Bass are the backbone of this fishery, and Northwest Wisconsin's river systems produce some absolute tanks. These fish typically run 12 to 18 inches with plenty of chunky 3-pounders mixed in, and they fight like fish twice their size in moving water. Peak action usually fires up from late spring through early fall, but these rivers fish well into October when the smallies are feeding heavily before winter. What makes them so addictive is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater flies, chase streamers, and when you hook one, get ready for jumps, runs, and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag system.
Muskellunge are the true trophy hunters' dream, and the St. Croix system has built a serious reputation for producing quality fish. We're talking about apex predators that can stretch over 40 inches and weigh upwards of 20 pounds. Muskies are notorious followers – they'll track your fly for 30 feet before deciding whether to commit, which makes every cast an adrenaline rush. Fall is prime time when these fish are feeding aggressively, but summer evening trips can produce explosive surface strikes that'll have you shaking long after you release the fish. The key is persistence and big flies – Nick knows which structures hold the biggest fish and how to work them properly.
Northern Pike add another dimension to the action, especially in the backwater areas and slower pools. These fish are pure aggression wrapped in green scales, and they'll absolutely destroy streamer patterns. Pike in these systems typically run 22 to 30 inches, with the occasional 36-incher that'll remind you why a good wire leader is essential. They're most active during cooler months and overcast conditions, making them perfect targets when the bass action slows down.
Largemouth Bass round out the cast of characters, particularly in the quieter backwater sections and around vegetation. While they might not be the primary target species, the largemouths in these river systems are scrappy fighters that love topwater presentations and soft plastics worked around cover. They provide consistent action when you need it and often surprise anglers with their size – river largemouths tend to be healthier and fight harder than their lake cousins.
This is the kind of world-class fishing experience that fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and the weather's cooperating. Nick's built his reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching them something new about reading water and presentation techniques. The fact that he provides all the gear means you can travel light, and his knowledge of these river systems is worth the price of admission alone. Don't forget to grab your Wisconsin fishing license before the trip – it's required for all anglers. When you're ready to experience some of the best multi-species river fishing the Midwest has to offer, reach out to confirm your dates and meeting details. These eight-hour float trips book up quickly for good reason, and once you experience what Nick's program is all about, you'll understand why so many anglers make this an annual tradition.
Our 14-foot Down River Equipment raft is built for serious anglers who know that stealth wins the day on Northwest Wisconsin's legendary waters. This unpowered drift boat lets you slip silently through the best musky and bass holding water on the St. Croix without spooking fish. The shallow draft design gets you into those hard-to-reach spots where the big ones hide, while the stable platform gives you and one other angler plenty of room to cast fly rods or work light tackle. At 2015 vintage, this raft has proven itself through countless seasons of guiding. The low profile keeps you under the radar of wary smallmouth, and when a musky decides to follow your fly, you'll have the mobility to work every angle of the fight. Perfect for covering serious water while staying connected to the rhythm of the river.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass might not be the main target on our river trips, but when they show up, they're always welcome. These green giants average 12-20 inches and love slower water with heavy cover - think backwater sloughs, weed beds, and woody debris. Unlike their smallmouth cousins, largemouth prefer warmer, murkier water with plenty of places to hide. Spring through early fall offers consistent action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes largemouth fun is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll dive for cover and use their broad sides to pull drag. They're also great table fare when caught from clean water. The key difference from smallmouth is structure preference - largemouth want thick cover while smallmouth prefer open rocky areas. My advice: when fishing for largemouth, don't be afraid to throw your lure right into the nastiest cover you can find.
Esox MasquinongyMusky are the apex legends of Wisconsin waters - the fish of 10,000 casts that can reach 40+ inches and 20+ pounds. These massive predators patrol deep weed edges, rocky points, and current seams where they can ambush large prey. Fall is prime musky season when they're feeding heavily before winter, though summer evenings can be productive too. What draws people to musky fishing is the trophy potential and the sheer power of these fish. When a big musky hits, it's like hooking a freight train - they'll jump, dive, and test every component of your setup. Most anglers practice catch and release with musky, treating them as the precious resource they are. These fish have incredible stamina and will fight right to the net. Here's the key: always do a proper figure-8 at the boat. Musky often follow lures without striking, and that final move triggers more hits than anything else.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the river's apex predators, averaging 24-30 inches with plenty of teeth to prove it. These green torpedoes lurk in weedy backwaters, slack pools, and along undercut banks waiting to ambush anything that moves. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're shallow and aggressive after spawning. They love areas with vegetation where they can hide and strike - think weed lines, fallen timber, and marshy bays. Pike are pure adrenaline on the line with their initial runs and head-shaking fights. Their razor teeth make every hookup exciting, and landing a 35+ incher is always memorable. While not everyone keeps pike, they're actually quite good eating when prepared right - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. Pro tip: use a steel leader and don't rush the fight. Pike will often make a final explosive run right at the boat.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the scrappy fighters of our river systems, averaging 12-18 inches and putting up battles way beyond their size. These bronze-backed beauties love rocky bottoms and current breaks where they ambush crayfish and minnows. You'll find them in 3-8 feet of water around boulders, fallen trees, and gravel bars. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're aggressive and feeding heavily in shallow water. Summer pushes them deeper, but early morning and evening still produce. What makes smallmouth special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test every inch of your gear. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook hard. These fish have bony mouths, so a steady pressure works better than yanking.
St. Croix River