Expert-Guided St Croix River Fishing Charter

Full-Day Group Fishing Charter | St Croix River

When you want to go after the real deal on Minnesota's St Croix River, this full-day charter puts you right where the action is. We're talking about eight solid hours on one of the Midwest's top-rated sturgeon waters, with enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's working. For $800, you and two buddies get the whole boat, plus all the gear and guidance you need to tangle with some serious fish. This isn't a quick morning trip – it's a proper day of fishing that gives you room to explore, experiment, and hopefully land something worth bragging about back home.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early with a boat that's built for comfort and serious fishing. We'll launch with a game plan, but the beauty of a full-day charter is flexibility. If one spot isn't producing, we move. If the fish are biting in a certain area, we stick around and make the most of it. The St Croix has incredible structure – deep holes, current breaks, and rocky ledges that hold big fish year-round. You'll see why this river system has such a reputation among Minnesota anglers. The water clarity here is something special, and when conditions are right, you can actually spot these prehistoric giants cruising the bottom. We keep the group small at three people max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention. No crowded boat, no fighting for space – just quality fishing with room to work.

Gear Setup & Techniques

Sturgeon fishing is all about heavy tackle and patience. We're rigged with 7-foot medium-heavy rods paired with solid reels that can handle long fights. The drag systems on these setups are smooth and reliable – crucial when you hook into a fish that might be older than your grandfather. For bait, we typically run nightcrawlers, leeches, or cut bait on circle hooks, depending on what the fish are showing interest in that day. The key is getting your offering down to the bottom where these fish feed, usually in 15-25 feet of water along current seams and drop-offs. We anchor up in productive spots and let the fish come to us, though sometimes we'll drift certain stretches when the sturgeon are more active. The St Croix's current moves just right for this style of fishing, and the rocky bottom composition creates perfect habitat for big fish to hold.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Sturgeon are the crown jewel of St Croix River fishing, and for good reason. These living dinosaurs can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes – we're talking fish that can stretch 6 feet and weigh 80+ pounds. What makes them so special is their prehistoric look with those bony plates running down their sides and that distinctive shovel-shaped snout they use to vacuum up food from the bottom. Spring through fall offers the best action, with late spring and early summer being particularly productive as these fish move into shallower water to feed more actively. When you hook one, you'll know immediately – they're powerful fighters that use their size and the current to their advantage. The fight can last 20-30 minutes on a big fish, with long runs and bulldogging tactics that'll test your tackle and your patience. What really gets anglers fired up is that every sturgeon you catch is unique, with different scarring, size, and attitude. Some are scrappy fighters, others are more methodical. Each one tells a story of decades spent in these waters, and when you finally get one to the boat for a quick photo before release, it's always a moment you remember.

Time to Book Your Spot

A full day on the St Croix chasing sturgeon is about as good as Minnesota fishing gets. You're getting eight hours of guided fishing in prime habitat, all the gear you need, and the flexibility to really work different areas and techniques. At $800 for up to three people, it breaks down to solid value for a world-class fishing experience. The river holds fish year-round, but booking ahead ensures you get the dates you want, especially during peak season. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want to spend a day doing serious fishing with your crew, this charter delivers. The St Croix has been producing memorable catches for decades, and there's no reason your trip won't be next. Give us a call and let's get you set up for a day on the water that'll have you planning the next trip before this one's even over.