June 1, 2010 Smallmouth fishing is finally open! The river is famous for smallmouth action, they are not the fattest smallmouth I have ever caught, say when compared to a Mille Lacs Lake smallie but the Croix has lots of 14 to 16 inch fish, 18 inch fish are not uncommon, though 20 inch fish are hard to get. The action is good and the fish are fighting hard in this warm water. I have been seeing 75 degree water already! Top lures are tubes on jig heads (eight ounce jigs), Rapala DT10s, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. It is no secret smallmouth like rock; however early in the season they are also on sand points. (Please release all smallies, they are very slow growing, white bass, walleye, catfish, sheepshead, northern pike, and sauger all eat better).
St. Croix walleye fishing has been up and down this last week, with some days being much better than others. Walleyes have been caught from 12 to 27 feet of water on split shot rigs, livebait slip sinker rigs, three way rigs, and trolling cranks. Best bait depends on whom you talk to, however recently crawlers and leeches have been best for my boat. Others have had success on fatheads. Livebait slip sinker weights from 1/8 to 3/8 ounces (actually up to ¾ ounces if drifting fast and deep) are proper for the depths listed above. Rapala’s are the ticket (shad raps, minnow raps, and shad rap RS. firetiger has been a great.
Freshwater drum and white bass are also hitting. Channel cats are just starting to bite. Summer seems here with this beautiful weather. Lots of little places out of the way to fish on the river if you are looking for a quiet spot go there on a tuesday morning, fish and watch the river flow.
The St. Croix River is 676.01 feet above sea level and steady.
