Where to Launch

Hi,

Sorry for the newbie question, but I am hoping to fish St Croix much more this year.

Where is the best place to launch. I know I can get the Washington County Sticker for St. Croix bluffs, but I heard it is hard to find a spot on most days.

Thanks for any advice.

Pal

I know others are going to be able to help you out.. but where to launch is going to be dictated by what area of the river you want to fish.

I launch out of Hudson (close and convenient)… can be a bit busy at the park in the summer on weekends so get there early. The other launch (near the I-94 bridge) is a bit more ‘rustic’ but still fine ramps. Last summer, I fished between the Hudson Channel and Catfish/Afton mostly so this is a great spot to launch. Even if you’re heading down toward the Kinni narrows, can be down there by boat in under a half-hour…

It has been a while, but I have fished from the railroad tracks above I-94 down to Afton and the Kinni. I prefer to stay around that are as I live in Woodbury.

Pal

I launch at the Bluffs. It can get busy if you don’t get down there pretty early, but is a great launch. It is pretty central if you stay south of Hudson mostly. 10 minutes or so south to the confluence or 5 minutes north to the Kinne. Hope this helps.

If you want to fish the south end of the croix the bluffs landing will be the best bet. If you’re their early enough, you’ll have no problem. And its a very nice launch. If you’re looking to fish prescott area, the hasting launch is free, no dock, but plenty of sand to beach the boat if you’re by yourself.

I’m pretty sure that Hubs Marina sells a yearly launch pass. Unsure how much that is, but I heard its a decent launch.

Jami

Hi,

I prefer to launch at the boomsite launch, which is about 1/2 mile north of Stillwater. I like it because it’s free, mainly fishermen use it so it’s generally pretty friendly, and I can still head South to Bayport and other areas around 94 in about 10-15 minutes. It can get pretty costly buying bait and paying launch fees several times a week!

Thanks Everyone,

Looks like St Croix bluffs is my best bet.

Pal

Hi Pal –
You can find all the St Croix launch sites on the “Computer Guide to the St Croix” post that is stuck to the top of the forum page. Surf through the computer guide and you can get a lot of general information on the St Croix. Good Luck!

Thanks, will do.

Pal

The boomsite launch used to be my launch for years. Then it started to become so busy, that launching after 8:00am you likely wouldn’t have a spot. It’s still that way unless it’s a weekday. Plus the boomsite launch is a one row launch and waiting for all the runabout boaters to launch and load can be very long.
In regards to cost and space Bluffs launch is the best.