Ice Fishing the St Croix

I hope to get a few more trips in the boat this year, but I’m wondering if you St Croix veterans know where the best spots are to park and walk on for early season ice fishing on the Croix. Last year we drove on at Bayport but I’d like to know if many fish through the ice at my other favorite spots between Hudson and Afton.

If I’m not mistaken, the stretch between Hudson and Afton isn’t a very safe one. Croix ice is legendary in it’s uncertainties and I think the Bayport area is a rarity compared to the rest of the river. I think “Lake St. Croix” (south side of I-94 bridge) freezes up decently but from there south it can get very dangerous very quickly. The “lake” doesn’t have much for access and year after year after year, I just don’t see any activity down that way…………..can’t help but think it’s that way for a reason. I know there are others who know better than I so I’m hoping they see this thread and expand on the subject.

Ive talked with guys who have fished the ice not far up from prescott with good results…… but Ive never tried it….

honestly…. Im hooked on open water…. Pool 2 is awesome, and pool 4 can be as well……its rare that you cant get out on pool 4….. and pool 2 is open more often than you might think……

Remember, not everyone is a boat owner. I know quite a few guys who don’t own boats and really enjoy the ice.

I was hoping there would be some walk on spots near the big sunken islands on the WI side between Hudson and Afton. Do people walk on to get to the bar in front of Andersen Corp and under the high power lines?

Thanks for the info, I fish the open water on the Croix a lot but plan to really dig into the ice fishing this year!

You can park at the beach on the MN side of Hwy. 10, and walk on there. It can be scary at times. The open water starts at the Hwy bridge. Swedish Pimples and minnow heads are effective, as are jigs and whole minnows. The hottest time for these fish are right at sunrise and sunset. It gets awfully dead during the day. Another hot little area for early season ice is the Vermillion River east of Hastings. Many LARGE pike, and plenty of crappie and walleye/sauger to keep even my kids busy! ALWAYS carry a chisle with, as ice can change daily!

Tuck

EyeGUide,

How far up the River from the Landing South of hastings is the “dam”. Have you spent anytime in the Fall or winter there?

Very true about bringing a SPud along ice fishing. I went in last year on the Vermillion river!

Which Dam? It is 11 miles from L&D 2, and 5 from 3. But you cannot get to either from the Vermillion…Is that what you were looking for?

Tuck

I was told that there was a dam of sorts on the Vermillion. Granted I have only been fishing at Vermillion 8 or 9 times. I guess I am trying to cut down on time searching for spots on Vermillion, while spending more fishing. Don’t get me wrong, I love to explore!!!!!

Do you spend much time or have success on some of the deeper bends in the river or is Black bird the “MAIN” fish magnet?

THanks, as always!!!

Edited by Jim W on 11/02/01 09:51 AM.

There is a dam of sorts by Truedale. It is more of a dike that separates the Miss from the Vermillion. High water times, you can get to it from the Vermillion. Fishing is really good there when you can get there.

Great info. . . Thanks! Tuck, Where on the Vermillion do people get on?