May 24, 2008
With water temperatures rising and the river dropping, St. Croix River walleye are in a transition period from their early season spawning ground locations, and now on the move to their summer haunts. For anglers this means that many of the places you have been getting fish in all likelihood will dry up soon, if not already. Some locations will hold fish all year, but a lot less in numbers will be present. Walleyes can still be found in the same depths and caught on the same presentations though as the previous week. Best depths for walleye have been from 10 to 22 feet deep on sand, some deeper water locations such as holes are holding fish, and then depths can be 30 feet. The range in the upper teens is generally consistent in holding white tips. Walleyes and some saugers are being caught on Lindy rigs, split shot rigs, (riggging with crawlers and leeches) jig and minnow, and trolled crankbaits. Rapala Shad Raps have been a top producer. Also anglers slow trolling livebait three way rigs (wolf river rigs) into and with current are producing.
Smallmouth bass season opened today and these bass are still on their beds near shallow rock and can also be on sand shorelines. Best baits for smallmouth are tubes, and many varieties of Carolina rigged plastics. Bass will also take spinners and Rapala DT series crankbaits.
Water temp 59 degrees. The river is 678.6 feet above sea level in Stillwater, Minnesota. The normal pool level is 675.5.
Have fun.