St. Croix River Smallmouth Bass and Pike Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour float targeting smallmouth bass and northern pikeFly fishing focus with conventional tackle options availableAll equipment provided, accommodates up to two guests
Nick knows these Wisconsin waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This six-hour float down the St. Croix, Red Cedar, and Chippewa River systems is where smallmouth bass fishing dreams come true. Whether you're slinging flies or working conventional tackle, you'll be chasing smallies, northern pike, and largemouth bass through some of the most productive water in the upper Midwest. With all gear provided and a guide who lives for this stuff, you just need to show up ready to fish.
You'll meet Nick at 8 a.m. sharp – he'll coordinate the exact spot when you book – and spend the day drifting prime bass habitat. This isn't a power fishing trip where you're burning gas between spots. Instead, you're reading water, working structure, and really getting to know how these river systems fish. The float gives you access to water that shore anglers never see, and Nick positions the boat so you're always casting to the money spots. He's got all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle dialed in, but definitely bring polarized sunglasses – you'll want to see these fish coming up from the depths. Pack some snacks and drinks since this is a full day on the water, and don't forget that Wisconsin fishing license. Weather can change fast on the river, so layer up and be ready for anything.
Nick's approach centers around fly fishing, but he's not a purist about it. If you're more comfortable with spinning gear, he's got you covered with light tackle setups that are perfect for river smallmouth. On the fly side, expect to throw streamers, poppers, and nymphs depending on what the fish are telling you. Clouser minnows and woolly buggers are staples here, but Nick reads the water and matches tactics to conditions. The beauty of these river systems is the variety – you might be dead-drifting a nymph through a deep pool one minute, then working a surface popper over a shallow flat the next. The current does half the work for you, but placement is everything. Nick teaches you to read seams, eddies, and drop-offs that hold fish, turning every cast into a learning experience that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
Smallmouth bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely beautiful fish. In the St. Croix system, smallies average 12 to 16 inches, with plenty of 18-plus inch fish to keep things interesting. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, holding tight to rocky structure, fallen trees, and current breaks. What makes smallmouth so special is their fight – they'll jump, run, and bulldoze their way around the river bottom like fish twice their size. The clear water lets you watch the whole battle unfold, and there's nothing quite like seeing a big smallie come up from 8 feet down to crush a surface fly.
Northern pike add a completely different element to the day. These toothy predators lurk in slower water, weed edges, and back bays where they can ambush baitfish. Pike in these systems range from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional fish pushing 40 inches or better. They're most active during cooler periods – early morning, late evening, and overcast days when they move shallow to hunt. Pike strikes are explosive and unmistakable, often resulting in spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs. Nick carries wire leaders when pike are the target, and he knows exactly where these fish set up throughout the season.
Largemouth bass round out the mix, typically found in slower, warmer sections with more vegetation. While not as numerous as smallmouth in these rivers, the largemouth that are here tend to be chunky, well-fed fish that provide their own brand of excitement. They're ambush predators that love cover – fallen trees, weed beds, and undercut banks are prime real estate. Largemouth fishing peaks during summer months when they're actively feeding in shallow water. These fish might not jump like smallmouth, but they make up for it with sheer power and their ability to find every piece of cover in the river.
This trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to experience world-class smallmouth fishing with a guide who genuinely loves what he does. Six hours gives you time to learn the water, dial in your technique, and put together some memorable catches without feeling rushed. The two-guest limit means personal attention and plenty of casting opportunities for everyone. Nick's knowledge of these river systems runs deep, and his willingness to work with both fly and conventional tackle makes this trip accessible to any angler ready to step up their game. Whether you're looking to improve your river reading skills, learn new techniques, or just spend a day catching quality fish in beautiful water, this St. Croix adventure delivers exactly what Wisconsin fishing is all about. Contact Nick directly to lock in your dates and get ready for a day that'll remind you why river smallmouth fishing is so addictive.
Our 14ft Down River Equipment raft is your ticket to some of the best smallmouth and pike water Wisconsin has to offer. This 2015 model cuts through the St. Croix's currents like butter, letting you drift silently into those prime feeding spots where big bass like to ambush baitfish. Built specifically for river work, she's stable enough for confident casting but nimble enough to navigate around fallen timber and rocky structure. The unpowered design keeps you quiet – no motor noise to spook fish in shallow runs. With room for two anglers plus your guide, there's plenty of space to work flies or light tackle without tangling lines. The low profile keeps you close to the water for better hook sets, while the wide beam gives you a solid platform for fighting fish. Perfect for covering miles of productive water while staying stealthy.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the classic game fish - green with dark horizontal stripes and that trademark oversized mouth. These 12-24 inch fighters prefer weedy backwaters, fallen timber, and shallow muddy areas where they can ambush prey. Unlike their smallmouth cousins, largemouths love thick cover and aren't afraid of stained water. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're shallow and aggressive. What draws anglers is their explosive topwater strikes and acrobatic fights - plus they're forgiving enough for beginners but challenging for experts. The meat is decent when from clean water. Largemouths aren't easily spooked, so don't be afraid to work heavy cover thoroughly. My local trick is throwing bright-colored poppers early morning near weed beds - that surface explosion will get your heart racing every time.
Esox MasquinongyMuskellunge are Wisconsin's state fish and the ultimate freshwater trophy - these apex predators can reach 4-6 feet and 30+ pounds. Unlike their pike cousins, muskies have deeper forked tails and distinctive tiger stripes or bars. They patrol weed edges, rocky points, and deeper structure where they ambush prey with lightning speed. Late fall through early winter is prime time when they're actively feeding before the cold sets in. Muskie fishing is all about the challenge - they're called the "fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason. When you do connect, expect aerial displays and bulldogging runs. Always use barbless hooks and heavy tackle - 50-pound test isn't overkill. My best advice: work large baits near structure changes and be patient. Muskies often follow lures without striking, so a figure-eight at boatside can trigger those follows into eats.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the river's top predator, averaging 2-3 feet with razor teeth and an attitude to match. These green torpedoes lurk in weedy backwaters, shallow bays, and along weed edges where they ambush everything from bluegill to small ducks. Summer finds them deeper in cooler water, but spring and fall they patrol the shallows aggressively. Pike are pure excitement - explosive strikes followed by head-shaking runs that'll test your drag. Their aggressive nature makes them easier to locate than most fish. I always use a steel leader since those needle-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Work your lure slow and steady like an injured baitfish, and when you feel that first tap, keep reeling - pike often play with their food before committing to the strike.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that average 18-20 inches and put up a battle way above their weight class. These bronze-backed beauties love rocky bottoms and clear water, making the St. Croix system perfect habitat. You'll find them around boulders, drop-offs, and current breaks where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow, but early morning and evening produce best year-round. What makes smallies special is their attitude - they'll jump, run, and fight every inch of the way to the net. The meat is firm and mild, making them excellent table fare. My go-to trick is working a weightless tube bait along rocky ledges - let it sink naturally and hold on when it stops moving.
St. Croix River