Just curious how many of you guys fish the Croix for muskies and if it is at all productive. I have herd that they are sometimes around the Kinni and in that area but more heavily concentrated north more around Taylors Falls. Any input on where, when, and what to use would be awesome. Normally don’t go for Muskies but I was thinking of trying it some this year.
There is a very short window of opportunity in June to catch good fish around the Marinas. I have never been one to do it but Scott King made a name for himself scratching out some real brutes around the oceanliners in Bayport. Other than that, head north, and fish them like you would any other river, current breaks, laydowns, holes, etc. Good luck, there are good fish to be had.
If you don’t mind the traffic and competition, there are muskies to be found down in the Afton area too. Spaces for casting and spaces for trolling. Last year was a bit tougher than the previous two seasons (by general reporting) but they’re still there.
The Kinni deal is popular because of the cool water coming into the Croix during the hot summer months. It’s a narrow area so it’s easier to fish. A BIG downside, however, is the boat traffic. If you’ve got traffic, you’re HIGHLY unlikely to find any willing feeders. There’s just too much commotion so the fish tend to move out to calmer areas, which theoretically puts the fish into warmer waters and making them more lethargic until nightfall. Early morning, mid to late summer weekdays…… are by far your best shot for a calculated muskie encounter by the Kinni. There’s some big pike to be found too!
As a muskie nut, please do your homework on the fragility of large muskies. Do not overplay them, cut hooks if a clean dehooking isn’t likely, keep the fish in the net IN THE WATER, wet your hands before handling, and only bring the fish on board for a snapshot. Release it gently and revive it with minimal handling. Guard it from other boats and do NOT let water get into the gills backwards, they’ll drown!
You may already know these things but a “red flag” goes off everytime I hear someone wanting to give it a try. This fish is a limited resource and preserved for trophy fishing. This is why I have to speak up.
About a month ago, I got to talk to a customer who wanted to give muskies a “serious effort” this year by putting 20lb. test mono on his walleye rod! 
A big muskie is quite a thrill and amazingly strong, but they’re wimps! They need to be handled as little as possible and netted/released as quick as possible. Otherwise, delayed mortality strikes……. and all too often. Get quality gear, quality line, a BIG net, lineman’s pliers, and a good knowledge base of the fish itself. It’ll only make things grow bigger and better!
Thank you both for the response. I definently am going to give it a shot this year and see how I can do. I have the correct tackle, setup, and knowlage on the physical fishing portion itself as I have been an avid Pike fisherman for all my life. I have cought muskies before but I thought it might be fun to acctually try and specifically target for them at times this year. Thanks again for the input guys 
BTW Pete Bauer is me, I guess I have two accounts on here 
Thanks again guys
Good Luck! I hope it all comes together for you!
Pete Bauer?
Are you married to a woman named Jean?
Nope, I do know there are several other Peter Bauer’s in the Hastings area though. I’m only 21 and still in college, cant be thinking about marriage yet… 
Yep, that name is common in town!
Good luck on your muskie hunt!
Keep at it and don’t let em get to ya!
How about this guy? Maybe a distant cousin or uncle?
haha No, but I get that alot
last saterday acroos from the boom site in the back waters i caught a 32” mustie 
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