05-16-10 St. Croix River fishing is well under way now that the weather has turned and become very pleasant. As the sun came out so did the anglers. Last Saturday was the Minnesota inland opener, but the river had tons of angler out enjoying the sun, and looking to hook walleye. Walleye are being caught on livebait and crankbaits. Nightcrawlers and leeches as well as some fathead minnows on lindy rigs have been the main presentation hooking walleye. Best depths have been from 15 to 27 feet of water. For this depth you’ll need 3/8 to ¾ ounce weights. I use number six and four hook on Suffix elite monofilament line. Trolling is also putting walleye in the box. Shad Rap number 5 to 8 and Shad Rap RS all three sizes.
Sheepshead are biting very well and a few channel cats are also being caught. Smallmouth bass are also being caught but are still closed and can not be intentionally fished for even if your plan is to release them (it is not my law folks).
The river is rising and will crest mid week at 680.00, as of today the level is 678.9, fairly debris free.
I am finding a few fish specie abundance quite surprising. They are sunfish and perch, very common fish in most lakes, but traditionally the river has had very low numbers of both of these fish. When I say low levels of these fish I am referring to south of Stillwater. Yes there are pockets of sunfish in marinas and other shallow flats, but I am seeing sunfish in the deep on walleye spots, and perch there as well. I believe the main reason we are seeing these fish is that the water has cleared over the last few years, and weedlines are showing up in depths that never could receive enough sunlight to grow vegatation. The dark water stops the sun from penetrating, but when the water clears more light can penetrate.
Summer seams to be here, have fun on the river!
Attached: Jim Green with a Croix walleye on crawler
Attached: Adam and His Grandpa Ralph steiner posing together with Adam Croix walleye
Attached: Adam again with another Croix crawler caught walleye
Attached: Adam again with a fine white tip.
All fish released.
Keep Catchin
Turk
