River info…
June 26, 2009 St. Croix River fishing is looking good, and shaping up into its fine summer time form with multi specie fin friends looking to tug on the line. First I’ll talk about the river conditions, the Croix is clearer now than I can remember, clearer than previously discussed a few weeks ago. Despite the recent rains the water level is not going to budge and is staying firmly put at 675.5 feet above sea level, where in fact it has been for much of the open water season. With the previously mentioned clear water you would think that the walleye would move deep. I am sure some have but I am finding them shallower than expected, other anglers are finding them shallow as well. Walleyes have been caught in depths from 6 to 21. More recently the shallow end of that depth range is holding more fish. Walleyes have been caught on the cast, jig and troll either livebait rigs or cranks. For livebait rigs crawlers and leeches have been best with or without spinners. I would advise trolling long breaklines and cast to specific spots and naturally target areas you believe hold fish. Colors patterns have not been noticeable so experiment.
Crappies though hard to find, as they are not scattered are a complete bonanza when found as they are grouped tight and well sized from the Croix. Here look to fathead minnows to fool these slabs, use fats on a 1/8-ounce jighead.
Smallmouth are on a strong bite still shallow from 2 to 8 feet deep and are hitting soft plastic very well from tubes to jerkbaits to lizards smallie action is very good! Smallies are also being caught on Rapala DT10 two strong colors are pearl gray shiner and crawdad. I have been trying to turn them on Spooks and buzz baits with limited success.
Channel cats are also hitting walleye anglers, though I have not fished for or talked to cat anglers recently, I expect a channel cat bite, one that can go on in the day, to be productive as the water is warm now. Use cut bait, crawlers, or chicken livers to take these whiskered devils. Also I like to bleed them out prior to cleaning them for best flavor.
Keep Catchin!
Turk
