More St. Croix Muskies

The muskies have been on the chew as of late on the upper St. Croix. If you are willing to put in the time to get up there, you may be rewarded with a hard fighting river muskie. I have had great success as of late with a black and orange spotted Dancing Raider. These fish seem to prefer the side to side action on the top verses a straight retrieve (though my brother has been killing them on big bionic bucktails with Colorado blades slow rolled just beneath the surface.) This one came this morning on the Raider in a slack water current break that is more like a huge eddy with deep water. She went about 42 inches and was very healthy as you can see. Good luck out there.

Man! YOU are having a good year with them!!

Another NICE FISH!

My neighbor, who fishes for muskies all the time…swears there isn’t a muskie in the Croix!

Keep them pretty fish pictures comeing….and post the GPS coordanance here….

I won’t tell anyone….

Nice fish Micah! That look’s like a spot near Danbury. Save some for me!

Brian
I have heard that a lot from people who talk about the St. Croix and they can keep believing that if it’s up to me…there are so many big fish in that river it’s scary. If I had the GPS coordinates I might give them up but I’m saving my pennies to try to get one before the fall bite on Mille Lacs. On second thought, if I had one, I probably wouldn’t give them up

Wow another healthy fish!

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if I had one, I probably wouldn’t give them up

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Good idea…I would have to sell all of my catfishing stink bait and start buying $25. lures!

Anyone looking for some stink bait?

Them are some awesome fish there… Keep the reports coming

I need your help. I’m trying to figure out our motivation for wanting to tell the world where the fish are biting. How many of us have had our favorite honey hole ruined by a report from “The Outdoor News”, or the internet? I have had this question for a long time and have asked it to my fishing friends, but mwitham’s reports from the Upper Croix pushed me over the “question edge.”

I am very familiar with this strecth of water and it is not a big resource. The amount and size of the holes that hold fish is pretty small. It cann’t take very much pressure. So why do we show the world all the details? Please don’t take this as a shot at mwitham, because it’s not. But, his reports really illustrate a very strange, and I think fairly new, deal in the fishing world. I don’t think telling folks about a bite in general terms is wrong, especially if the body of water can handle a bunch of pressure. But, don’t we all know what a report can do to a body of water?

So I still have the question; what’s our motivation?

I think you bring up a good question John. One thing about IDA, this site has been based on sharing info for as long as I can remember. It’s also been a huge influence on educating, I know it has taught me a ton about selective harvest.

With these two very basic principles in mind, the openness and sharing has grown considerably. Do I think there are trolls out there who simply come here to learn how to exploit our natural resources, sure. But they also know we(meaning most all IDA members) are on the look out for hogs/slobs/poachers. We will turn them if we see them over-loading on sunfish or muskies, we are not prejudice.

So do I think the internet is hard on resources, possibly, but I also feel it’s taught me way more about stewardship than I would have learned on my own.

How many miles of river in the “upper st. croix?”

Sounds PLENTY general to me. IF we’re talking about a 2 mile stretch of river that’s one thing. If we’re talking 10, 20, 30 or more miles of water…. you’d have to be psychic to figure out where micah is fishing or you’re intimately familiar with the river already and micah’s report is no news to you.

Keep on reporting and sharing as you see fit micah. I’ve seen 1000 times more good than harm done by this site and others like it.

Good point. Folks should consider being candid about spots producting fish. I guarentee mwitham’s spot will have company with the wonderful pictures. There’s a good chance someone will have these fish in the back of their car to show them off to friends. I’ve seen obscure spots on the croix get completely obliterated by folks happend to find out about them. This isn’t a shot at the poster – but just an opinion to get folks thinking about it. All said – hats off to you mwitham – that’s a nice fish.

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I think you bring up a good question John. One thing about IDA, this site has been based on sharing info for as long as I can remember. It’s also been a huge influence on educating, I know it has taught me a ton about selective harvest.

With these two very basic principles in mind, the openness and sharing has grown considerably. Do I think there are trolls out there who simply come here to learn how to exploit our natural resources, sure. But they also know we(meaning most all IDA members) are on the look out for hogs/slobs/poachers. We will turn them if we see them over-loading on sunfish or muskies, we are not prejudice.

So do I think the internet is hard on resources, possibly, but I also feel it’s taught me way more about stewardship than I would have learned on my own.

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You the Man Kooty

Your not bad either James !

I agree totally. I believed in selective harvest before I came here to IDA, but the amount of knowledge I have gained from sharing my insights is unbelievable. Wait a minute is that right???? I share my insights and I gained knowledge THAT IS A 100% CORRECT! It is amazing how many people are willing to share their insights on things when you have shared yours or have been open enough to ask .

Great Job, Post, Report and Fish MICAH! !

John O
thank you for you post and your question. I realize that this was not a “shot” at me personally, but rather I was “straw that broke the camel’s back” so to speak. So I write in general, with your specific question in mind. A few things that were brought to my mind after reading your post:
1. It’s not mine!
I am a firm believer in the idea that God (you can believe whatever you want to about the idea of a God or not, but something out there…) has created this world as a beautiful place and we humans live here temporarily. I figure it’s a privledge to even be out and about doing any of the things that I am able to do…specifically fishing. I guess I have come to the conclusion in my own life that I want to be a person that adds to life versus subtracts from it, on a general and specific level. Therefore, if I can help someone else have as much fun and adrenaline as I have experienced when hooking up with these fish, I’m going to add to their experience by being a help when I can. Also have come to realize that these things and places are not mine to hoard (not saying that you do.) Sure it’s nice to for a spot that produces fish keep producing, but ultimately it’s not mine! And I don’t, or haven’t seen, that sharing on IDA will put that in jeopardy.
2. IDA folks
I agree with the above posts on the issue of IDA. I have come to appreciate this site deeply because of the people associated with it. I have not met a more giving, sincere, and helpful group of people surrounding the sport of fishing. Not only that, but all those I have come in contact with that would care to read about my muskie posts, are all concerned with the well being of these fish and those that use the resource after them. For this reason, which is directly connected to point one, I share the information about my catches. Because I have benefitted from others sharing their posts and experiences, and I can only hope that I can do the same. Also connected to IDA, I guess I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt, and hope for the best in people. I know that there are those out there who may try to “rape” this site for information and thus exploit the resources we fish, but I try to not let those people (who are few and far between comparitively to those on this site I believe) dictate what I share and don’t share with fellow fisherman. I figure in the end, love wins. And again, I want to add to this experience not take away. I guess I want to be a giver and not a taker.
So there is my ramblings on the question you posed. I’m sure I could say more about the whole topic if in conversation, but I’ll leave it at those two main points. Again, thanks for you thought provoking question.
Mwitham

WOW!!!
Micah!!!

That was the best post I’ve seen on here in a long time.

With what you, James, & Kooty wrote…….I can’t add to it…….

If anything, I’m jealous of the GREAT muskie season you are having. To wade out in water and catch 20lb + trophy fish in shallow water is INCREDIBLE, let alone that it is in traveling distance to the metro area.

Keep those pictures of tunas coming!!!!!!!!

Micah…your wisdom surpasses your age!

I’ve had many conversations with many folk about the same topic. Some agreed…some didn’t…and that’s ok too.

The sharing of experiences and information is what I believe IDA is all about… besides….anyone can buy a Hotspots Map and just look for people fishing in the grey areas.

In fact…for a small fee, you can get satalite pictures of your favorite area…that are detailed enough to see if a Crestliner has a double consule or single…even if there’s golf clubs in the boat….

Love those Mighty Musky pics!!

My motivation for posting is to help others catch fish, to learn more about fishing, and maybe to brag a little bit if I do well. I think others do the same thing, and I greatly appreciate all the posts and information provided here! The pictures posted are awesome and I love seeing big fish caught. It feels great to share with others your success and see others take that information and be successful also. I hope that the information provided by all members is not used in a negative manner, but there are of course bad elements out there. I think the goal of the people posting is to provide information so that others can catch fish and have a good time out on the water. Hopefully, this website can educate others about our precious resources to use them wisely and practice catch and release for trophy fish like the muskies posted previously.

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Micah…your wisdom surpasses your age!

I’ve had many conversations with many folk about the same topic. Some agreed…some didn’t…and that’s ok too.

The sharing of experiences and information is what I believe IDA is all about… besides….anyone can buy a Hotspots Map and just look for people fishing in the grey areas.

In fact…for a small fee, you can get satalite pictures of your favorite area…that are detailed enough to see if a Crestliner has a double consule or single…even if there’s golf clubs in the boat….

Love those Mighty Musky pics!!

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I have read this post and can understand both sides of the issue. First, the pictures shown of the upper Croix look pretty vague to me. I don’t have a problem posting general information and techiques for fishing the Croix. You can post an area were fish are biting with out giving up “the spot on the spot”. I chuckle when I think about the techniques I used when I was a “rookie” on the Croix. (BTW, I still am a rookie on the Croix. ) But I have learned tons from people on this board regarding location and technique. I will continue to learn and pass on positve and negative results. Some people choose to do just the opposite, and that’s their decision.

Sandbar

P.S. Golf clubs and Crestliners are a great combination!

I wish I would have saved the hate mail I received when I first got involved with FTR now known as IDA. I was the fall guy for the “Downfall of the Mississippi backwaters on Pool 3.” This same comment was made to me. I never refered to exact spots in my reports, and even if I did, the feel and techniques I use to catch fish may be different the any other “Joe.” What we do try to do here is exactly what Micah is telling people. He is educating them by telling them to change retrieves, and do something a little different to provoke a strike. Hats off to you young man! Great fish! That is something to be very proud of!
John O, have you ever pulled up to a spot and hung around after seeing someone catch a big fish of the variety you seek? How did you find your favorite “Honey Hole?” Things here are good. People here are great! The sharing of information here is a gift from a lot of people more talented at certain things than I am. I learn from folks here every day! I could literally write a book on things I have learned since my affiliation with this website. No doubt you will too. You seem to be a pretty good guy, concerned with the river and it’s inhabitants. Stick around, and enjoy the ride with us!
Tuck

And what a WILD ride it will be for all that are smart enough to come aboard!!

I have hit several Muskies in time on the criox myself.. usually fishing for flatheads.

Very nice fish BTW..

The one day I tried for Flatheads on the croix this year I ended up with a 40″ fish in the Hudson area(no specific spot).. not every day that you get a run catfishing and the fish shoots 4′ out of the water.. there are lots of them in the croix.. but not always easy to catch. I am glad someone is getting success searching for them.

Great photo. It must be very enjoyable wading around the very senic upper croix and catching those huge fish. Must be lots of time spent with not many others around up there. What is the closest you have had one of these big fish lacth on to the lure from yourself. I was wade fishing a couple of years back and watched a 10# pike explode on a lure just a few feet away from my neighbor. He just about messed him self. Have you had any fish follow the lure up to you yet? That would be a huge rush to watch one follow a lure right up to you and not know if it is going to hit or not.

Thanks for all your respones. The different perspectives are really interesting. I’m especially glad with your response Micah. It is important to me that you understand that I was not shooting at you personally.

I agree with your perspective about being extremely blessed by getting to enjoy God’s creation by living in this part of the world. I think that part of every blessing is a responsibility to be a good steward of that gift. “Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given.” The Upper Croix is a super cool place, and even though I don’t fish it very much any more, I could be a little over protective. I thought your photos showed too much location detail, I could certainly tell where you were fishing. Now maybe it is a big leap to think that a group of other folks could also, but I also think it is big leap to think that the only folks who saw your reports share your moral and ethical codes.

I love to fish small bodies of water all over the state. Most of the fun is trying to find and fiqure out the new spot, but I have to admit a lot of the fun for me is staying away from the crowds. Part of the fun has always been the detective work of finding a new honey hole. Talking with the locals has been part of fishing since the beginning of time. The problem is, twenty years ago when Louie down at the bait store new of a hot bite maybe 20 local guys knew, now when Louie posts it on the web millions of people have access. We really can love our fishing resources to death. Our resources are under so much “bad” pressure, it just strikes me as counter productive to give them a lot of “friendly fire.”

Thanks for letting share my thoughts.

Based on the respones about the motivation to learn and share, I’m curious if that attitude is the same with your pheasant fields, deer camps, and grouse woods? If it is, if I ever take any of you out to chase roosters we will be taking the looong way to the field, plus I’m bringing a blind fold, and checking your bag for a digital camera.

John O!

What You have a secret little honey hole for Roosters

When are we going???

!

Welcome to IDA and great post and question. I think it not only helped you out on the question, but many other people who have been lurking about! Feel free to share as much inof as you like and chime in on any topic. As you might have seen, this is a Do ALL website that is based around fishing! We are just one BIG IDA Family of friends!

JohnO
appreciate your response and I totally hear what you are saying. In fact I am paying more attention to backgrounds and what is in my pictures if I can, and using photoshop when neccesary (thanks BrianK for the PM regarding this matter.) All in all, I think we want the same thing, quiet days of fishing sometimes, more fish and sustained fish in our good spots, and minimizing the “poor usage” of resources including overfishing/overharvesting and the like. Again, thanks for your comments as they generated some great discussion on the site and the furthering of peoples respect for one another as fishermen/women.

Big difference between “Upper St. Croix”, and what people did to Swede Lake…

I would also say that I have seen GREAT RESPECT with regards to people sharing SPECIFIC certain spots…

This is an interesting topic and I must salute everyone for discussing it in such a civil way. My boy made a post a year or so ago with a nice fish and I didn’t think about the background till someone responded that they recognized the spot. In all honesty there are very few places that we “discover”. The boy’s spot was a known fish producer before he stuck the sow and it still is kicking out fish when the conditions are right. A spot that puts out nice fish one day may be dead with a change in water level or water temperature. Location is one part of a very large and complex equation. In the Spring or Fall up by the dam on Pool 4 there are a herd of boats on any given day but few people catch the fish day in and day out. Most people who see a picture and go to the spot for that reason alone probably don’t have enough weapons in their arsenal to get the job done. Is it Fall yet???????

Forget fall, this has been my best walleye season ever… lol.

Fall will almost certainly bring what we are looking for with the way its been so far this year…

I caught my first st. croix muskie for the year last night on a topwater, it was only about 32 inches though, also had a few hits and follows that were mid 40 inch fish. Tried for carp with crawlers for a little bit and all I could get are those 12 inch smallies.

Welcome Aboard to IDA Riverfishin

Make yourself welcome and stay awhile ! Glad to hear about your 1st St.Croic Muskie ! Congrats!

Welcome Riverfishen!!

The first of many!….but remember…there’s no muskies in the Croix!