This is my second season ice fishing the St. Croix. I have had some decent luck in the open water, however have not been able to find them on the ice. Does anyone have a theory as to what these fish do in the winter? Do they hang tight to shoreline structure, or can they be found roaming the basins? Does anyone walk out of the Troy Burne launch? Any input is much appreciated, feel free to send a PM as well.
Walleye’s are few and far inbetween on the Croix in the winter for me. I have been able to get some in the past but a lot of work has been put into finding them. Early morning they can be found from 16 FOW to 2 FOW, daytime slows up a bit but can find some on the breaks in 18-36 FOW. If you can find safe ice on some current you’d be more likely to increase your odds. Hope this helps and good luck on your search. Let us know how you do ….. or you could always send me a PM and let me know how you do 
Like Jesse said I think the main issue in winter is getting where the fish are. Often its a location That’s not very safe.
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Like Jesse said I think the main issue in winter is getting where the fish are. Often its a location That’s not very safe.
I will agree to that as well!
Found a great location a few years back where I caught them right before sunset all season. I tried that spot at least a half dozen times each year after and rarely caught another one. It seems like every year is different out there. I have given up out there the last year and this year because of all the traffic and the SOBS that think just because your alone your on a hotspot and basicly fish in your hole! I will take peace and quiet over a bucket full of fish!
Thank you for the insight! I was thinking that they may be holding closer to current, and this makes the spots difficult to access. Does anyone know what the people downstream of the 94 bridge are fishing? Walleyes, or Crappies? Also, has anyone ever tried on the flat just out from the YMCA Camp on the WI side, or out of the Troy Burne boat launch?
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Thank you for the insight! I was thinking that they may be holding closer to current, and this makes the spots difficult to access. Does anyone know what the people downstream of the 94 bridge are fishing? Walleyes, or Crappies? Also, has anyone ever tried on the flat just out from the YMCA Camp on the WI side, or out of the Troy Burne boat launch?
the nutzos under the bridge arent fishing crappies, but I dont think an eye is worth walking around those bridge pillars.
I think the guys just south of 94 bridge are fishing for sauger. I have always meant to do that but havent yet.
I have put some time in out of troy burne and the y flats in colder years a few years back. Never had much success but it could have been just me not knowing exactly where to go down there. Definitely take a buddy if you head out there.
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I think the guys just south of 94 bridge are fishing for sauger. I have always meant to do that but havent yet
Yes they are. Going to be the northwoods this weekend Suzuki? I’ll buy ya a beer.
I also have the best bite around sunset for walleye. Generally I stick to the edges of the breaks. They seem to cruise up and down the ridge at sunset. They are hard to find in the winter with any kind of consistency. Just south of the bridge the bite was pretty hot but I think the past few years not so good. Afton used to be good also but thats a bust the past few years also. I think with the change in the temperature of the water discharge at power plant it changed their patterns and I have not figured them out as of yet.
Sivie will be mad that you called him your buddy. 
Done a little casing into the channel from the dyke but basically only fished the channel during open water. Use a slow presentation when from shore, cast out to mid-channel and slow work in. They seem to like it there; biggest from there was 28″. Made me happy.
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Done a little casing into the channel from the dyke but basically only fished the channel during open water. Use a slow presentation when from shore, cast out to mid-channel and slow work in. They seem to like it there; biggest from there was 28″. Made me happy.
Was this recently or another time of the year?
No problem here.. 
Exactly what Jessee said, i had the best luck fishing the sharpest breaks i know of..I never would keep fishn the same spot unless the bite was on fire.
Moving to different depths as winter ice gets thicker.Most of the time i would be at or near32-34fow.
Small moon glows or demon glow jigs tipped with a small crappie minnow worked well..When temps. got down to single digits, small jiggn spoons tipped with a minnow head worked good for nice slab crappies.
The St. Croix is always a learning experience.
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