upriver vs. downriver of Taylor’s Falls

Hi all,
It seems most of you yank fish out of the water below Taylor’s Falls, more particularly below I-94. I really, really like the stretch of river above Taylor’s Falls, and have actually only been on this section of river, each time in a canoe or kayak. I trolled spinners and got a few walleye, but never actively fished any of the St. Croix. It calls to me though. I’m mainly a muskie guy, but want to catch edibles too, and even cats. Is the fishing equally good above TF, as it is below? Have many of you had successes above TF?

Its all good even for muskie and northren.

I go up every year camping up above the dam.Late spring we try to hit it b4 the skitters get out to heavy.I dont know if I can say its better or not.My biggest sturgeon came from north of the dam and most our smallies are bigger than what you usually catch south but may just be my luck.
The best thing about that area is most of your best spots can be fished from shore with a campfire going and a cold one in your hand
I cant wait for spring

I’m kind of torn between where I want to move. My favorite muskie hunting in closer to the west metro, MN area, but I think the St. Croix could supply all of my fishing needs. Does anyone know if muskies are a’plenty in the St. Croix, or are they kinda rare?

Mr. Fishface,

You will change your handle to Muskiface on the Croix.
I’m in a cheap hotel with out high speed connection, otherwise I would find it for you…go back to last falls postings..about 4 or 5 pages back. Look for a post by Mr. HAS.
He has some pictures of “a few little ones” he and his customer boated last summer.

I don’t fish muskies, but I had a 7 and a 12 in my boat last year. Not big by Croix standards.

Mike T had some pictures too, if I recall.

This is what I love about the Croix, many differant fish and some quite large. You really never know what you’re going to catch. Mike T boated at least 10 differnt kinds of fish on one outing last year..maybe more. On the other hand, what I and other people don’t like is the cruisers from (mostly) Stillwater south.

Again, when you have time, go through the old posts and take a look at the pictures and reports.

Goood fish’en!

My favorite streach is from still water north to taylors falls. From Osceola to taylors is where I spend most of my time. There is plenty of fish to be had in this streach of water. Im not to sure of how muskie population compares to other areas but they are there. One nice thing about the upper streachs of the river is the lack of big boats. Mid week during the summer you might even find yourself alone out there. Near Osceola the canoes out number the boat by far during the summer.
I was just looking at the 16′ jon for sale in the swap adds. Looks like that boat is just itching for someone to pick it up and take it out on the northern strech of the croix. It is the perfect boat for up here.

Mike, You forgot to warn him about the hazzards up there…

What was that guys name with the 100 horse on his 12 foot john boat?

Kamakazee Ken. That was a 19hp on a 10′ jon. A poor mans jet ski.
Like all watery places the croix also atracts its share of challenged people.
Has anyone noticed if the Osceola strech of the river is open yet.

Shhhhh. There’s no muskies in the croix, don’t be fooled! Actually the water above the stillwater bridge should be considered for early muskie action with all the breaks, early weeds and wood. cold water input has proven to be pretty key for me all season long. it’s very much a low density fishery, but with some time spent exploring they can be had. I caught fish over 35 river miles last year and did not focus on any of the community spots at all, tried to be a bit of a pioneer and find my own, hard work but way worth it. The big bonus was the number of 15-20lb pike we landed.