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Looking for the perfect way to get your crew together on the water? Our group fishing charters on the St Croix River are built for those days when you want good company, steady action, and plenty of room to spread out. Whether you're planning a family outing where the kids can learn the ropes or just want to spend quality time with your fishing buddies, this half-day trip delivers exactly what you're after. The St Croix runs clean and clear through some of Minnesota's most beautiful country, and the fishing here is as reliable as it gets. Starting at $400 for three people and just $75 for each additional guest up to six total, it's one of the best values you'll find for a top-rated group charter experience.
We keep things relaxed and fun on these group trips because that's what makes for the best memories. Our spacious boat gives everyone room to fish comfortably without bumping elbows, and there's plenty of space for gear, coolers, and whatever else your group brings along. The St Croix has this perfect mix of current breaks, deeper holes, and structure that holds fish year-round, so you're not just casting and hoping. Half-day trips give you enough time to really get into the rhythm without wearing anyone out, especially if you've got younger anglers in the group. The river moves at its own pace here, and so do we. You'll find yourself settling into that easy flow where conversation comes naturally and the fishing feels like it's just part of hanging out together. This is genuine Minnesota river fishing at its finest, where the scenery changes around every bend and the fish are always ready to surprise you.
The St Croix keeps us honest with its variety of fishing situations, which is exactly why it produces such consistent results. We'll work everything from live bait presentations in the deeper pools to more active techniques along the current seams and drop-offs. Depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding, we might be jigging vertically in the holes, drifting with the current, or working specific structure that's been producing. The boat setup makes it easy for multiple anglers to fish different techniques at the same time, so if someone in your group wants to try something new while others stick with what's working, we can make that happen. All the tackle and bait are provided, and we carry everything from lighter presentations for finicky fish to heavier gear when the big sturgeon decide to play. The river dictates the approach, but having options means we can adapt to whatever conditions we find and keep everyone engaged throughout the trip.
Walleye are the bread and butter of St Croix fishing, and for good reason. These fish hit hard, fight smart, and taste even better on the dinner table. They're most active during low-light periods, but the river's natural cover and current breaks hold them throughout the day, especially in the deeper pools and along rocky structure. A typical St Croix walleye runs anywhere from 14 to 20 inches, with plenty of keepers in that sweet spot where they're old enough to be smart but still aggressive enough to chase a well-presented bait. What makes walleye fishing here so rewarding is that they're predictable enough to target consistently, but they still require some finesse and reading of the water. When you hook into one, you'll know it immediately from that distinctive headshake, and the fight is just long enough to get everyone's attention without being overwhelming for newer anglers.
Lake Sturgeon are the real celebrities of the St Croix, and hooking into one of these ancient fish is something your group will talk about for years. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and reach impressive sizes, with fish in the 40 to 60-inch range showing up regularly. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with a gentle bite that can fool you at first, but once they realize they're hooked, the real show begins. They're powerful, stubborn, and absolutely relentless when they decide to run. The St Croix has one of the healthiest sturgeon populations in the upper Midwest, and they're most active during the warmer months when they're feeding heavily. What makes catching sturgeon so special isn't just their size and fight – it's knowing you're connected to a fish that was swimming these waters when your grandparents were kids. All sturgeon are catch and release, but getting photos with one of these magnificent fish creates memories that last a lifetime.
Group charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when families are looking for that perfect day trip that works for everyone. The pricing structure makes it easy to bring along extra friends or family members without breaking the bank, and the half-day format fits perfectly into busy schedules or vacation itineraries. The St Croix River offers some of the most reliable fishing in Minnesota, with multiple species to target and scenery that makes the trip worthwhile even on slower fishing days. River Runner Guide Service has built a reputation on these group trips because we understand that fishing is just part of the equation – it's really about bringing people together and creating those shared experiences that everyone remembers. Whether you're introducing someone to river fishing for the first time or just want to spend quality time with people who matter to you, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, because the best fishing days book early and the calendar fills up quickly once word gets around about how much fun these group charters really are.
Think prehistoric monsters and you've got lake sturgeon - living dinosaurs that can live over 100 years and grow massive. Most we catch run 3-4 feet and 40-80 pounds, but don't be shocked if something twice that size grabs your line. These armored bottom-feeders cruise deep holes and current breaks, using their whiskers to hunt crawfish, worms, and whatever else they can vacuum up. Best fishing happens late spring through summer when they're most active. What's the appeal? Pure adrenaline - hooking a sturgeon is like tying into a freight train, and their ancient look never gets old. Kids especially love seeing these gentle giants up close. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with a big glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom, and when one hits, just hang on. They'll make long, powerful runs that'll make your arms ache, but that's half the fun.

These golden beauties with their glassy eyes are what most folks think of when they picture great river fishing. Walleye typically run 14-20 inches on the St. Croix, though we see some nice 24+ inchers that'll test your drag. They're creatures of habit - hanging deep during the day around rock piles and drop-offs, then moving shallow to feed at dusk. That's prime time right there. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when water temps hit that sweet spot around 60-70 degrees. What makes walleye special? They fight smart, not just hard, and they're hands-down the best eating fish in these waters - flaky white meat that tastes like butter. My tip: when you feel that telltale "tick-tick" on your jig, don't set the hook right away. Count to three, then lift firm but smooth. They like to mouth the bait first.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 15
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 10
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150