St Croix Wingdams?

I am not real familiar with the St Croix but love and respect river fishing. Are there alot of wingdams in this river?

Tim –

The answer to your question is No. The St Croix does not have the current flow that the Mississippi River has so there are no wingdams. The Corps of Engineers marks the main river channel with bouys up to the Soo Line Railroad Bridge north of Stillwater. It is required to maintain a navigable channel on the st Croix but I’ve fished the river since 1977 and have never seen any dredging. There has not really been any consistent barge traffic since Xcel Energy stopped barging coal to the Allen S. King Plant in Oak Park Heights.

Not sure if they are man made or natural, but there are areas that are very wing dam like….. The three that pop in mind is that rock pile that run straight out to the bouy at the Bluffs access and the other one by the Afton state park. Just upstream from the beach area. There is a nasty little one on the upstream side of the King discharge that can really bite you if you are not paying attention.

-J.

Thanks i wasn’t sure and would like to throw some bullies for some flats and wasn’t sure if i should hit the wingdams (if available) or hit the timber. Any suggestions for Flatheads on the Croix?

Tim –
What section of river did you plan on fishing? Where are you going to put in?

I would be coming from St Cloud area so any stretch would be fine but especially if there is a better section than another. I have never been on the Croix but have fished the Miss and MN River chasing Flatheads and Channels. Always catch and release after a quick photo. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Tim…you might want to bring a spare prop…

Catfish Bar is a good well know flat spot…Stay well lit and inside the red nun channel marker…and keep an eye out for other boats…although the hatch hasn’t started yet.

There have been some good flats caught at cannery point just south of Beanies and around the pilings of the bridge. The rocks on the Wi side have produced some dandys.

Don’t forget to toss out some cut bait as the channels get pretty good sized!

Almost forgot…the Kinni narrows at the top neck down area…If I had the time..I would be there now!

Tim –
I sent you a PM. If you have any questions call me.

Steve

Tim, you may be tempted with the free launch at the Boomsite landing (Stillwater), but you really have to be careful around there!

As Brian said, bring a spare prop. High water, things are covered that you can’t see, and in low water you could beach it anywhere in the area (north of the lift bridge).

Beanie’s is a nice place to launch just south of 94 on the MN side ($9-$15), and not so many obstacles as long as you stay in the channel.

IMHO, the best bet for launching is at the Bluffs. $5.00 for a one day pass, or $25.00 for the whole year. As long as the water is normal to high, the launch is never a problem. Years when it gets real low, it can be entertaining . Or with a screaming SE wind like we had today…… In all seriousness, it is a very nice place to launch, protected harbor, 3 lanes wide, and good value. As long as you stay between the buoys on the way out, you should be fine. The real issue I have (this should be fun) is who would want to catch catfish on purpose?

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The real issue I have (this should be fun) is who would want to catch catfish on purpose?

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BK and Steve are going to get you for this one

Greg…your plug is out of your boat..

I would agree about the Bluffs, but only if your fishing that area. It’s about 5 miles to Prescott and 5 miles to the Afton area from there.