St. Croix River walleye

May 30, 2011 In the last week, the walleye bite on the St. Croix River has been good to excellent depending on the day. My full day customer groups have caught from 9 to 20 legal sized fish, plus some larger throw back walleyes. Saugers are also running with the walleyes in the fast moving water areas, but not very large on average. The stringers have been nice because the walleyes are thick, with 18 to 19 inch keepers have been common.

Last week the river rose two feet in three days, this water rise is usually an occurrence I do not enjoy as the water becomes dirtier, and fish usually move or become tight lipped. This did not happen last week, happily the fish bit well. Looking back even on the steady blowing east wind days we caught fish. With the south wind on Saturday the fish really were on the chew. Speaking more about this last water rise, the water never really became that dirty and debris filled. Even in the Bayport area where a water rise can make that pool turn poor fishing fast, I found the water there was uncommonly clear for a rise?

I have started to target the shallow fish and here we are keying on the fast water. The current picked up noticeably mid week and walleyes and smallmouth ( bass are now open to fish for) are keying on current breaks. Not current seams, but current breaks.

Trolling Rapalas in 15 to 22 feet of water has been excellent at hooking fish. Bright colors have been best. Lindy rigging in 16 to 22 feet with crawlers and leeches has at times put fish in the boat fast. Split shot fishing with bait in 8 to 15 feet of water has been good for numbers of all species and keeper walleyes as well. Yes sheepheads are biting well too!

I have been enjoying a 9am to 3pm bite, absent is a magic time frame to be on the water. The fish are holding bankers hours. Also do not think the river is a morning bite body of water. It is true you can catch them early morning, and it is nice to be first on a spot, but it is far from necessary to be on the water at daybreak. Though being on the water with the dawn of a new day truly has its own rewards.

The river will stay high and at no wake status until it appears to drop below 683.00 on Saturday June 4th. The river goes to no wake status automatically whenever the water reaches 683.00 above seal level in Stillwater, MN. The normal pool level in 765.5 in mid summer most years. Water temperature in 62 degrees, and water is still clear (for the river).