Shore fishing the Croix?

Begrudgingly accepting that with this warm weather the ice season is winding down. I don’t do much open water fishing as I don’t own a boat but would really like to get out and do some this year.

So that raises the question — is there any good shore access fishing on the Croix in the Stillwater to Hastings vicinity?

I read a lot about guys shore fishing the Mississippi, but living in Hudson I’d like to find some spots to head to in the afternoons and evenings and hit that ice out bite.

I realize spots are coveted information. If the spots you know aren’t common knowledge but you’re willing to share and teach a guy how to do some shore fishing, I’m willing to sign a NDA and pinky swear I won’t pass along your secrets.

Shoot me a PM and we can exchange texts too. Obviously I’m willing to carry my weight and carpool, provide bait, beverages, etc in exchange.

Oh and I guess I should mention I’m mostly interested in learning to catch walleyes. I know nothing about cats and sturgeon so that’s a whole other can of worms I’ll have to explore some day and stick with what I know (through the ice at least) for now.

TIA!

You might check out the Kinnikinic State Park near River Falls. The Kinni is a popular fly fishing spot but it empties into the St Croix right on park property. Might be a hike. Give them a call, worth a shot.

Good luck!

Thanks, P2F! The Kinni dumping into the Croix could be a decent option. I’ll have to check that out.

Also, now realizing I’m limiting myself to the Croix may be stupid when Pool 2/Hastings area isn’t all that far of a drive. I guess I’d be a fool to not consider that area as well.

Time to go and search the MN subforum for P2 shore spots…

Before I had a boat I wade fished the smaller rivers around here.You are not stuck fishing one spot. Another good option.

Jamin wrote:

Time to go and search the MN subforum for P2 shore spots…

For upper pool 2 check out Crosby Farm regional park, Fort Snelling State Park, the park where Minnehaha Creek empties into P2 (as well as the rip-rap between that beach and the dam), and Hidden Falls park. Other guys would be a lot better suited to give advice about the lower part of the pool.

Also Prescott area might find you some decent Croix shore spots? Or across the river on the MN side.

The public shore fishing spots on the Croix around Hudson are pretty popular. You will have company. The Ferry Landing in North Hudson, Lake Mallileu Dam, Lakefront Park, the end of the Dike, under the I-94 Bridge are the popular spots.

Once the water warms up, you can get on any of the islands in front of Hudson and fish towards the Minnesota side in the channel. When the water is lower, you could wade across to most of them.

I’ve also seen a bunch of shore fishing in Bayport area around NSP power plant and Anderson Windows. Good luck.

suzuki wrote:

Before I had a boat I wade fished the smaller rivers around here.You are not stuck fishing one spot. Another good option.

Good suggestion, that may be an option when things warm a bit. Thanks!

pool2fool wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Jamin wrote:</div>
Time to go and search the MN subforum for P2 shore spots…

For upper pool 2 check out Crosby Farm regional park, Fort Snelling State Park, the park where Minnehaha Creek empties into P2 (as well as the rip-rap between that beach and the dam), and Hidden Falls park. Other guys would be a lot better suited to give advice about the lower part of the pool.

Also Prescott area might find you some decent Croix shore spots? Or across the river on the MN side.

bzzsaw wrote:

The public shore fishing spots on the Croix around Hudson are pretty popular. You will have company. The Ferry Landing in North Hudson, Lake Mallileu Dam, Lakefront Park, the end of the Dike, under the I-94 Bridge are the popular spots.

Once the water warms up, you can get on any of the islands in front of Hudson and fish towards the Minnesota side in the channel. When the water is lower, you could wade across to most of them.

I’ve also seen a bunch of shore fishing in Bayport area around NSP power plant and Anderson Windows. Good luck.

Thank you to both of you for the suggestions! I’ll have to do some googling and mapping to start picking spots that are accessible and look promising.

P2 isn’t all that far from me, I’ll just need to plan a day when the wife can grab the kiddos and give me a pass.

I figured the WI spots may be rather populated but being closer to home reduces travel time and increases wet line time.

Is the best time to start shore fishing the walleyes as soon as the season opens back up?

Thinking maybe I can enjoy a late ice panfish bite and my upcoming LOW trip before transitioning.

Jamin wrote:

Is the best time to start shore fishing the walleyes as soon as the season opens back up?

Season never closes on p2 but it’s all catch and release. Lots of fish will be caught now til opener.

Just to be clear I don’t regularly shore fish pool 2 and haven’t for years now but I do fish pool 2 in a boat a fair amount and I think there are several good shore spots on the lower end that would be closer to you. Might require a walk or looking for spots via google maps or similar. Again not an expert by any means but I know options are available.

It will take some research and work and I’m not sure the seasonality of the spots, but definitely some opportunities.

‘Is the best time to start shore fishing the walleyes as soon as the season opens back up?’

On the Croix.. YES. Early season can be very good.

I spent years down there shore fishing the Croix when I was young and still do a few times a year. I love it!! I usually fish private property in the afton area but there are lots of places to catch walleyes. Early season is best with a little high water. Fish areas with current if you want walleyes!!!

You most likely do not have to go far? I would assume the area around Mallaliu Dam and the pier could be pretty good when the water is up but have not fished it myself.

The south side of Afton Marina there is city property with a beach and buts up next to the rock pier from the marina. That can be good in high water for walleyes. Lots of carp in the summer!!

Prescott is always good early in the season but falls off once the water goes down.

Jamin, considering what you did with the group lithium purchase I have no doubt you will be invited to fish the Croix out of a boat early season.

Hey all,

Greatly appreciate all the insight and suggestions! As soon as I can get a couple more days on the ice in and enjoy my LOW trip next week, it will likely be time (sadly) to wash and store the ice gear and start researching some public access spots on the river to fish.

Thanks for some suggestions to expedite my research.

suzuki wrote:

Jamin, considering what you did with the group lithium purchase I have no doubt you will be invited to fish the Croix out of a boat early season.

Actually already received an offer from another guy who is new to fishing the Croix. Figured we could attend the school of hard knocks together.
Great group of IDO members on the forum!

Jamin,

Highwater with current is your main ally when shore fishing for walleye.

Most times without the high-water and current you’ll need to fish in the low night or after dark, but if there is flow daytime works.

Levee’s in Hudson, Prescott , and Stillwater are productive. It does help when you know the structure thats “out there” sometimes you can find specifics where the fish hold.

Good luck,
Turk