St Croix River Private Fishing - Half-Day Trip

St Croix River Private Fishing Charter for Two

Ready to cast off for a great time on the river? Our half-day St Croix River fishing trip is perfect for two anglers looking to reel in Walleye, Sturgeon, or whatever else is biting. For just $300, you'll enjoy a private outing on a fully equipped fishing boat guided by a local expert who knows the river inside and out. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fisherman, this trip offers just the right amount of time to get on fish without committing your whole day. The St Croix has been my home waters for over fifteen years, and I can tell you there's something special about this stretch of river that keeps bringing people back. We're talking about crystal-clear water, consistent fish populations, and the kind of peaceful setting that makes you forget about everything else for a few hours.

What to Expect on the Water

This top-rated charter starts bright and early when we meet at the boat launch. You'll hop aboard a spacious 18-footer that's been rigged specifically for St Croix fishing – we're talking about rod holders in all the right spots, a fish finder that actually works, and plenty of room to move around when you're fighting a good fish. The beauty of a private charter is that we can adjust the game plan based on what you're hoping to catch and your experience level. Some folks want to learn new techniques, others just want to relax and catch whatever's willing to bite. The St Croix runs about 164 miles from its headwaters down to the Mississippi, but we focus on the prime fishing zones where the current breaks and the fish like to hold. Depending on the season and what's working, we might drift the deeper holes or anchor up on structure. The water stays relatively cool year-round thanks to spring inputs, which keeps the fish active even when other rivers are heating up.

Techniques & Tackle

We fish the St Croix using a mix of techniques that have proven themselves over the years. For walleye, we'll typically start with live bait rigs – leeches, crawlers, or minnows depending on what they're preferring that week. I keep a good selection on board, so we're not locked into one approach. When the sturgeon are active, we switch to heavier tackle and bottom rigs with nightcrawlers or cut bait. The key to fishing this river is reading the water and understanding how the current moves bait and positions fish. We've got spots where the channel swings close to shore, deep holes that hold fish during hot weather, and rock piles that always seem to produce something. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite lure, feel free to bring it along. I use quality spinning gear that can handle everything from 12-inch walleye to 4-foot sturgeon, and I'll show you the knots and rigging that work best in these conditions. The boat's equipped with a bow-mount trolling motor that lets us stay positioned exactly where we need to be, even in current.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye are the bread and butter of St Croix fishing, and for good reason. These fish hit hard, fight clean, and taste better than just about anything that swims. The river holds a healthy population of walleye ranging from keeper-sized fish around 15 inches up to legitimate trophies pushing 28 inches and 8-plus pounds. Spring and fall are prime times when they're actively feeding and moving into shallower water, but we catch them consistently through the summer months too. They like to hold along current breaks, rocky points, and the edges of deeper holes. What makes walleye so rewarding to catch is that they're smart fish – they don't just hit anything you throw at them. When you hook into a good one, you'll feel that distinctive head-shake and steady pull that lets you know you're connected to something worthwhile. Most trips produce multiple walleye, and it's not uncommon to boat a few that'll make you reach for your phone to snap a picture.

Lake Sturgeon are the river's true giants and catching one is a memory you'll carry for years. These prehistoric fish can live over 100 years and grow to massive sizes – we've had sturgeon on this charter that measured 50+ inches and weighed more than the angler trying to land them. Sturgeon fishing requires patience since they're not as abundant as walleye, but when one picks up your bait, there's no mistaking it. They'll pull drag like a freight train and put up a fight that tests both your tackle and your endurance. The best part about sturgeon is their ancient appearance – they look like something from another era with their bony plates and whiskers. We practice catch and release with all sturgeon since they're a protected species and vital to the river's ecosystem. Late spring through early fall offers the best sturgeon action when they're most active and feeding heavily. Even if we don't connect with a sturgeon on your trip, just knowing they're down there adds an element of excitement to every cast.

Time to Book Your Spot

At $300 for two people, this half-day charter delivers serious value for anglers who want a quality fishing experience without the premium price tag. You're getting a private boat, expert guiding, all tackle and bait, and access to fishing spots that most people never see. The St Croix River offers some of the most consistent fishing in the region, and our customer-favorite approach means we're focused on putting you on fish rather than just burning gas. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just get away from the daily grind, this trip hits the mark. The river's natural beauty combined with the chance to catch genuinely impressive fish makes for a day you'll want to repeat. Booking fills up quickly during peak season, especially for weekend slots, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Give us a call or send a message, and let's get you set up for some of