St. Croix River Smallmouth Bass and Pike Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Six-hour float trip targeting smallmouth bass and northern pikeFly fishing focus with conventional tackle options availableAll equipment provided, accommodates up to two guests
Get ready for six hours of premier Wisconsin river fishing with guide Nick on some of the state's most productive waters. This float trip covers the legendary St. Croix, Red Cedar, and Chippewa River systems, where smallmouth bass fight like they're twice their size and northern pike lurk in every weed bed. You'll drift through classic Midwest river habitat targeting multiple species while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after you head home. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer spinning gear, this top-rated guided experience delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Wisconsin's rivers year after year.
Your day starts at 8 a.m. when you meet Nick at a predetermined launch point along one of these world-class river systems. The beauty of a float trip is you're constantly moving through new water, hitting fresh spots where fish haven't seen lures all day. These rivers flow through diverse habitat - from rocky runs perfect for smallmouth to weedy backwaters where pike and largemouth bass set up ambushes. The current does most of the work while you focus on reading the water and making precise casts to promising structure. Nick provides all rods, reels, and tackle, so you just need to bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothes, and your own food and drinks. Don't forget that Wisconsin fishing license - it's required and strictly enforced on these waters. The trip accommodates up to two guests, making it perfect for friends or couples who want personalized attention from an experienced guide.
While this trip emphasizes fly fishing techniques, Nick's got you covered regardless of your preferred method. Fly fishing these rivers is pure magic - watching a smallmouth explode on a surface popper or strip a streamer through a deep pool gets your heart racing every time. The fly gear is perfectly suited for the intimate nature of river fishing, allowing delicate presentations in tight spots where conventional tackle might spook fish. But if spinning gear is more your speed, Nick brings light tackle setups that excel in these conditions. We're talking about finesse fishing here - light lines, small lures, and precise placement. The key is matching your approach to the conditions, whether that's drifting nymphs through deep holes or working topwater baits along fallen timber. Nick reads these rivers like a book and knows exactly when to switch techniques based on water levels, weather, and fish behavior.
Smallmouth bass are the stars of these river systems, and Wisconsin's populations are absolutely phenomenal. These bronze-backed fighters average 12-16 inches with plenty of 18+ inch trophies mixed in. They love rocky areas, current breaks, and drop-offs where they can ambush crayfish and minnows. Peak action typically runs from late spring through early fall, but these fish stay active in cooler water when other species slow down. What makes smallmouth special is their incredible fight - they jump, run, and never give up until they're in the net. Local anglers call them "pound for pound the strongest fish that swims," and once you hook into a chunky river smallmouth, you'll understand why.
Northern pike patrol the weedy sections and backwaters, often reaching 30+ inches in these fertile river systems. These apex predators are ambush specialists, sitting motionless in vegetation until prey ventures too close. Pike fishing peaks during spring and fall when they move shallow, but summer offers exciting action around weed edges and deeper pools. The thrill comes from their explosive strikes - one second you're retrieving a lure, the next a torpedo with teeth is trying to take your rod. Wisconsin's rivers produce some genuine giants, and even smaller pike put up memorable fights with their head-shaking runs and aerial displays.
Largemouth bass round out the target species, holding in the slower, weedier sections where they can control their territory. These rivers produce thick-bodied fish that average 14-18 inches, with 20+ inch fish a real possibility. Largemouth are most active during warmer months when they patrol shallow cover, but they can be caught throughout the season by adjusting depth and presentation. They're the perfect complement to smallmouth - where smallmouth prefer current and rocks, largemouth love slack water and vegetation. This gives you diverse fishing throughout the float, keeping things interesting as habitat changes around each bend.
This customer favorite represents everything great about Wisconsin river fishing - diverse species, beautiful scenery, and expert guidance that'll improve your skills while putting fish in the boat. Nick's knowledge of these river systems combined with top-quality gear makes this a best trip choice for anglers of all experience levels. The six-hour format gives you plenty of time to really get dialed in without feeling rushed, while the small group size ensures personalized instruction and prime fishing spots. These rivers fish well throughout the season, but prime dates fill up fast as word spreads about the quality fishing. Contact Nick directly to coordinate your meeting location and secure your spot on what many consider the best guided river fishing experience in Wisconsin. Whether you're looking to master new techniques or simply enjoy a day on renowned waters with fish that fight above their weight class, this trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are searching for.
Our 14-foot Down River Equipment raft is built for serious anglers who want to get close to the action on Wisconsin's premier smallmouth waters. This drift boat handles the St. Croix's currents with ease while keeping you positioned perfectly for those structure-hugging bass and aggressive pike. With room for two anglers plus your guide, you'll have plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. The stable platform lets you work flies or light tackle effectively, whether you're drifting past fallen timber or anchoring up on productive holes. This raft moves quietly through the water – no motor noise to spook fish in the shallows. Perfect for covering miles of prime fishing water while staying low-profile on these clear river systems.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass in our river systems are cover-loving ambush artists that average 12-20 inches, with some pushing 4+ pounds in our deeper backwaters. They prefer slower water with vegetation, fallen trees, and muddy bottoms - basically anywhere they can hide and surprise their next meal. Late spring through early fall is prime time, especially during low-light periods. These bass have huge mouths and attitudes to match, putting up bulldogging fights with occasional jumps. They're good eating when taken from clean water, with firm white meat that takes seasoning well. Most anglers love them for their willingness to hit topwater lures and the visual strikes that come with it. Local trick: work soft plastics slowly through heavy cover using a weedless Texas rig. Don't be afraid to let your bait sit - they'll often pick it up after a long pause.
Esox MasquinongyMuskies are the apex predators of our river system - true giants that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh 30+ pounds. Wisconsin's state fish lurks in deep pools, rocky points, and weed edges throughout the St. Croix drainage. Fall is peak season when they're feeding heavily before winter, though late spring can be hot too. These fish are built like torpedoes with tiger-stripe patterns and attitudes to match. Landing one is a lifetime achievement for most anglers - they're called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason. The brutal fights and massive size make them pure trophy fish. Most get released to fight another day. Here's what works: big bucktails, jerkbaits, and swimbaits worked slowly near structure. My best tip is the figure-8 at boatside - when they follow, don't lift your lure out. Make big loops right at the surface.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are our river wolves - aggressive ambush predators that'll hit just about anything that moves. These toothy critters average 2-3 feet but can push 4+ feet in our deeper pools. They lurk in weedy backwaters, slack water behind islands, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring and fall are money times when they're shallow and active, though summer mornings can be productive near deeper structure. Pike fight dirty with explosive runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. Their razor teeth make every hookup an adventure. While some folks love eating them, most anglers fish pike for the thrill. Here's a local secret: use a slow, steady retrieve with big spoons or spinnerbaits along weed edges. When they follow your lure, don't speed up - keep it consistent and they'll usually commit.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the scrappiest fighters you'll find in our Wisconsin rivers. These bronze-backed beauties average 12-18 inches and love rocky bottoms and current breaks along the St. Croix system. They hit hard and jump often, making them perfect for both fly rods and light tackle. Spring through early fall are prime times, especially when water temps hit that sweet 60-70 degree range. Look for them around boulders, fallen timber, and drop-offs during the day. Early morning and evening produce the best action. The meat is firm and tasty - some say it's the best eating bass around. My go-to tip: cast upstream of structure and let your lure drift naturally into their strike zone. They can't resist a well-presented crayfish pattern or small jig bounced along the bottom.
St. Croix River