river report

Lower St. Croix River fishing report July 19, 2010. Saugers are biting well and are mixed in with the walleye in deeper depths than previous weeks. As the river is dropping, it is just about a foot above normal pool elevation, and walleye and sauger are in their mid summer depths and found from 19 to 27 feet of water. Many of the sauger are from 13 to 16 inches, with 14 inch fish and larger being nice to keep for a fry. The walleye are larger and run from mostly 15 to 18 inches and much thicker fish. Crankbaits, crawlers, and leeches have been the top walleye and sauger catchers. Lindy rigging bait and spinners with bait are catching fish. Trolling Rapala crankbaits are just as effective. I personally like to troll and find fish then rig or spinner them up. Effective crankbaits are still the same as previous weeks, shad raps and shad rap RS. Soon wide wobblers with more action should become the go to option.

The muskie reports are up and down but I am hearing of very nice fish being caught. I have not had much time to go for muskie as all my trips have been walleye/sauger trips. Trolling cranks and casting bucktails/topwaters work well.

White bass are active for short periods of time during dawn and dusk. Maybe with the lowering water levels the typical summer patterns of great white bass fishing might start.

Notes – Last Friday on a half day trip my customer brought home nine keepers, three were walleye and six saugers. We also tried a little muskie fishing, but that is a hunt and serious time needs to be dedicated during the day for muskie hook ups. Very little angling pressure, pleasure boaters out in force starting at 10:30. River very clear. Thermocline at 30 feet.

Thanks for the report. I guess I need to get out there soon. One question, have you been going north or south of the 94 bridge?

I’ve been seeing similar results. Saturday I couldn’t catch an eye on live bait for anything, then I ran into a school of stripers I switched to a jig and paddle tail to catch a few of them but kept none. Saw a nice musky caught in Afton on my way back, had to call it a short day with a lot of other stuff going on. I just wish people would figure out things at the Hudson boat launch Thanks for the report.

Jeff, south of the bridge late last week. Spent lots of time north the week before. Are you related to Todd Jerry? He’s a ol school friend of mine.

Sorry. Had to laugh. Everytime down there lately I need to bring the camcorder. Lots of circle jerks down there.

There was a guy with a summer cruiser waiting to launch in the tie down area (I had beached my boat waiting for a spot) for the longest time. Finally he pulled ahead like he was going to launch his boat and was straight in front of the launching area but decided not to use the center spot to launch and just parked there. Someone else that was leaving parked their boat on the launch side of the dock while they got their trailer and had to back around the guy parked there while another vehicle was stalled and wouldn’t start next to the other pier. Then the guy that refused to use the center spot kids got out of the truck and were playing behind the boat where he couldn’t see them. Just a lot of things not going like they should….if stupid hurt I would set up a tylenol stand at the launch.

There is no easier place to get upset than at a ramp. I get a kick out people that think the line starts anywhere but at the ramp with vehicles/trailers. Heading out tonight. Hope I dont have to deal with any of them.

Great Report Turk