Muskie/Pike

Hey all.

I was just wondering if anyone was starting to get any pike or muskie on the croix yet. I was thinking about getting out this week with the stable hot air that we have been having. I am not looking for specific spots unless you want to share but just general areas techniques. I have heard of the two usuall spots (Kinni and Wolf Marina) from the hot spots maps but I am looking for more info on where to find them on the river. If you advice on these areas that would be wonderfull too. I have never fished pike on the river. I am mostly a eye man on the river and pike in lakes but I want to find some pike of the croix. I think that they tend to run a bit bigger in the river. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for any help.

Fishhunter,

I’m not much of a river pike fisherman either but I did catch a 35 incher late last Thursday evening by the Kinni. I wanted to fish the wingdams on Pool 3 but the current was pretty strong and the water was muddy so I thought I’d motor up the Croix and check out “Jon’s Gates” and try for a smallie or pike. I caught it trolling a #5 Shad Rap in about 8 ft. of water. I only fished about 30 minutes so I really can’t say much about the bite.

Boone

Ever try the confluence of the Apple and the Croix?
I’ve seen some BIG pike swimming around up there chasing suckers and carp during the hottest part of summer.
I don’t know if the DNR checkpoint girl will let you pass or not?
It’s just North of the old checkpoint area by the Arcola sandbar. I don’t know if you can sneak by on the WI backwater side or not…I’ve never tried. You can always launch up North at Marine landing or Copas dirt launch and go down. It shouldn’t be a problem navigating with the high water again.

Ferny.

Thanks for the help guys. I never thought about the Apple River inlet! I want to get there but it will be tough to get past the check point I think. I really want to try the Kinni and soon!! I have been reluctant to head down there cuz it is a bit of a boat ride from bayport with only a 35. How far can you get into the kinni before you need a wisconsin licence or it isn’t navigatable??? I might try those two places over the weekend! Thanks for the input. Does anyone ever get pike out of the Marinas?? Maybe I should give that a try also. Good luck to all.