Hudson WI

Just recently moved to the area and I am looking for some info on good lakes to try for ice fishing close to the area. I am not looking for specific spots I am just looking for lake names to try. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Chad

Quite a few lakes around. With the 10 panfish limit in St. Croix county there are decent panfish to be had, but there is a lot of pressure. A few lakes to name would be Cedar, Pine, Bass and the infamous St. Croix. Take your pick and explore. If your willing go north into Polk County, plenty of lakes there with quality panfish also. Good Luck Sir!

Are there some lakes you would recommend in polk county? I am willing to explore.

Thanks
Chad

Go to the Wisconsin DNR website and explore.
http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/findalake/
There are tons of great lakes not far from you.

Check out the lakes around Amery in Polk co. North Twin, Wapogaset, etc. I don’t ice fish anymore but we used to do ok up there when I was younger.

Welcome to Hudson! Just moved here myself about 2yrs ago. Last year was my first fishing in the area. Plenty of lakes north a bit and even across the river on the MN side. Unfortunately not a lot of options real close. All seem to be 30-45 min drive out. I’m on the south end of town kinda the direction of the old dog track.

Always looking for another ice buddy to explore with. PM me this winter if you’re game!

There are lakes within 2 hours of the Croix/sippi worth Fishing?!?!?

FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:

There are lakes within 2 hours of the Croix/sippi worth Fishing?!?!?

Depends on what your time is worth I guess.

Or for someone like me that has a 2yr old and a 5 day old…we just don’t have a lot of opportunities to slip away. So I just get out whenever and wherever the wife’s leash lets me stray.

We used to fish balsam, Cedar and the Croix alot for eyes and did really well, but that was years ago. For panfish we would hit Bone, Deer and a few others. If i had the croix in my backyard again that would be the only body i would fish… But that is just me.

I’ve never ice fished a river so the thought of going out on the Croix still freaks me out a bit. Definitely, something I’d prefer to do the first time with some guys that are experienced with it. Also just don’t know much about fishing a current.

I’ve heard it can be good fishing though. I know I see a lot of houses up by the Andersen/Xcel plant.

Big Round was one of my favorites in Polk county. Old timer Frank caught the Wisconsin State record pumpkin seed out of that lake 15 years or so ago, 1.4 lbs. Quality gils perch and crappie to be had. I would fish that lake if I was you. Last light best bite…wink wink

Agree with needing to drive a ways. I have never ice fished on the st.croix yet, but want to try it. Still haven’t even taken my boat out there yet since we moved here last year. Usually go over to MN or fish Amery/Polk County area.

The croix has been a good spot for me. Cedar gets LOTS of pressure as does Bass. Pine has nice pike and numbers of crappie, but not real big one since it does get a decent amount of pressure. Pine also has an aerator and i almost found a spring the hard way. Polk county has more lakes if you are willing to drive about an hour or so. Wapo is a good one, big round/church pine, balsam can produce nice gills too.
Im in NR and always looking for another ice partner!

Sounds like come first ice we need to have a Hudson/St. Croix Cty meet-up!

@jamin yes we do!

I know this isn’t related to ice fishing, but the Kinnickinnic River is an excellent trout fishery. I went to college in River Falls and fished it quite often.

As others have pointed out the HWY 8 area (and north) in Polk Co has a variety of lakes to explore. Generally speaking, less pressure than the Chisago Lakes area.

Jordan Weiler wrote:

I know this isn’t related to ice fishing, but the Kinnickinnic River is an excellent trout fishery. I went to college in River Falls and fished it quite often.

I’m 15 min from there. I meant to try and teach myself fly fishing this summer, but just never had enough time to get beyond teaching myself casting in my yard. Hopefully next year! I have a buddy that fishes it regularly…makes the 1hr drive at least once a week and he landed some beauties this year.

Would love to get in on a Hudson WI meetup. Thanks to everyone for you input. I plan to do some exploring this up coming ice season.

Thanks
Chad

Some great panfishing can pop up at times in the St. Croix valley. Lots of hidden gems up for exploring. Cedar, Wappogasset, Balsam, and Lake Menomin, would be worth your time. The St. Croix is a fantastic open water walleye/sauger fishery, but I have not run into anyone who has had consistency on the Croix through the ice. I spend so much time on the river during the summer that I don’t bother with it in the winter and venture elsewhere.

Good suggestions, thanks Matt! I can can neither confirm nor deny a couple of those.

I’m seeing more and more boats in Hudson, everywhere a guy looks…you can tell guys are hitting the Croix HARD right now.