Opinions wanted

Long time lurker not a big poster. Need some advice.

You see, because of a disability, I use the services of a marina to park my boat. It’s expensive but much easier and safer to keep my boat parked at a marina.

Here is my dilema, I’ve been on the Croix for the last ten years. Great fishery. I have access to a covered slip just outside of Stillwater. Just found out that I can now get access to a marina on Pool 2 and am thinking I might take a year off from the Croix and check out pool 2 for a season. My question is, should I do it? Is pool 2 that much better than the Croix. What is the boat traffic like in Inver Grove Heights area? The fishing? The people? The safety factor?

What do you think? I can always go back to the Croix in 2006.

Also, looking for some fishing partners. I have the boat and easy access.

What are you going after? If catch and release is your game then P2s home you can name! But If you like to eat em’ too then this is not the place for you. (I’m a poet and don’t know it?)

Seriously…does not get nearly as busy as the Croix does, And hardly any fishing traffic in the summer. Mostly pleasure boats. I’d say half to 1/3 that of the Croix. You can’t beat the size for fish on that pool. The eyes, northerns and cats are huge. Some bass but not as good as the Croix. But if you want the lock to Hastings is not that far away. Or (depending on the marina you are thinking about) P1 is the lock to the north. If you’re into bass then stay there but if you want everything else big and plentifull then go to P2. And if you need help ask any of us here. We’ll be glad to take a trip with you.

I would have to agree with MNfish. Less boat traffic (more barge traffic) and if pictures of eyes are what your after…P2 is the place. I fish the Croix most of the time…avoiding the weekends.

What size boat do you have? From the 494 bridge to Prescot it takes me about 1 1/2 hours depending on the lock. That’s with a 90 horse. Not something I would want to do everyday…but it’s a very interesting trip.

The St croix might offer a little more of a view but pool 2 is not far behind. Maybe booking a guide trip on pool 2 might show you what it has to offer. Im sure Steve Dezurick could show you a great deal about the fishing there and most likely has some good knowledge about what else is going on on 2.
Most of last year I spent trolling walleyes on pool 2 and could not have had a better summer. Boated 2 eyes in the 10# range and close to 20 that where 6# or larger. Along with this most of the other walleyes that I caught where atleast 15″ or larger. This is what keeps me coming back there.
There is also a lot of quiet time on pool 2. Taking a tour of the pool would be a good idea.

Where can I find some information on Steve Dezurick?

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Where can I find some information on Steve Dezurick?

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Steve Dezurik’s Website

My boat is a older 20 ft. pontoon with no furniture or front fence. Great boat for a guy who uses a chair to get around. Trolling motor on the front and 40 Honda on the back. Most folks love fishing from it. It moves pretty good and gets me around. I love that Honda, I put about 700 miles a season on it and she pures like a kitten. The boat has lots of room and has turned into a real work or art.

I go out Saturday to check out the marina to see if it’ll work for me. River Heights Marina. If it works out I think I’ll try pool 2 for a season. Mostly catch and release guy so it won’t bother me that I can’t keep anything from pool 2.

How is pool 2 for trolling? I love to troll but am adaptable to pretty much any kind of fishing.

Believe it or not, I’ll mish the wake action on the croix. I’ve had some of my best fishing right in the middle of all the boats/wakes etc.

Thanks for all your opinions.

Pool 2 has a great trolling bite.

croixboy,

The pontoon will do you fine on Pool 2. I am assuming you are considering a boat slip on the upper part of Pool 2?

Starting in late April, the trolling biite picks up all throughout the pool. Stay shallow (5-12 feet) mostly. Look for distinct current breaks for starters. The walleyes become very agressive by early to mid May. 20-60 fish days are not uncommon here. There are places for numbers and there are places to sacrafice numbers for shots at bigger fish. Along with the walleyes, the white bass, catfish, sheephead and smallies all kick into high gear around this time. So plenty of action to go around. The shot at a walleye in the 10# plus range is a goal that can be very obtainable with a little persistance!

Here is a shot of a bonus fish in the month of May!

Never been to pool 2, curious to why you say catch & release is there a small slot range?

Everett F

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If I can’t fish in heaven, I’m not going

it’s the law. season is open all year long and it is catch and release only.