Croix Fishing in the Fall?

I’ve noticed lots of you fish the St. Croix. Being a relative southerner on pool 14, I’ve been intrigued by what I have read.My brother lives in Luck, WI, and I’m tentatively planning a fall trip to visit him. Long ways to pull my boat, but would it be worth my while? How’s the walleye fishing on the Croix in the fall? Where would my best bet be? Probably will be in late September or early October.

I’d like to get my brother to give it a try, but he’s a Rockie Mountain transfer and is hopelessly hooked on fly fishing the Brule, and any other trout/steelhead/salmon stream he can find. Not my cup of tea.

I know nothing about the Croix. Would my 16′ Fish ‘n’ Ski be suitable on this water, how difficult is navigation? Lots of questions. I’ll appreciate any advice I can get. I also have a much smaller 14′ semi-V I use on a farm pond here. Would that be more suitable?

Thanks,

Rooster

Well, my Croix expertise is still in it’s infancy but I’m learning at a pretty good rate. This fall will be my first fall on the river and I anticipate a pretty good venture of it thanks to all that contribute here at FTR. What I can say now though is that I’d bring the Fish ‘n Ski. Your smaller boat would be just fine but if you find the action to be on the larger sections of the river, you’re going to want to be able to get around in a timely manner. Also, if it’s windy, which can be often in the fall, you’ll handle these waters a little better. Now, if you plan on staying in the northern sector, and you just KNOW that you won’t head south to the big waters, bring your 14. From Marine on St.Croix or Osceola north, it’s just not necessary to have a larger craft. You’ll still want a 15 or larger motor for mobility, but a larger craft could be cumbersome. Even more so if you put in north of Taylors Falls. More info will be coming your way so get your printer ready! And of course, stay in touch with the reports and repeat any unanswered questions about a week before you come up.

Bigger boat makes running much easier. St Croix in the fall can be outstanding. The bonus is the heavy traffic of the summer dries up to a trickle of boats as the fisherman seem to take over. I have done well for walleyes and sauger off of points that drop off quickly into deep water (often 50’+). The fish can be anywhere from 18-50+’ on these breaks. Nice bonus is sturgeon and catfish. I average one 10lb+ monster each fall outing with my biggest being a 48″ sturgeon (still not huge by Croix standards).

What part of the river are you fishing?

I’m not sure what part to fish yet. Planning is still in early stage. My brother lives northeast of St. Croix Falls. Is that area good or do I need to be closer to the Mississippi? You tell me where to fish, I’ll try it!

If your interested call me. I spend over 800 hrs. a year chasing eyes on the croix and sippi and would love to show a greenhorna few tricks or two, maybe we can trade a trip or two?? Send me a private e-mail with a phone # and I’ll do the same.FISH ON!!!