The Saint Croix River in Minnesota is known for its abundant fishing. The National Scenic Waterway marks the Minnesota and Wisconsin state boundaries from Danbury, Wisconsin to Prescott, Wisconsin, and is home to multiple species of fish. There are numerous river fishing guides to choose from should you decide to experience the Saint Croix yourself. Safety is always important on such trips, and valid Minnesota fishing licenses are required. The majority of fishing on the Saint Croix is done in late spring, summer and fall.
There are numerous types of eating size fish in the Saint Croix. Average-size fish in "average abundance" include walleye, sauger, and muskellunge, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Fish of higher than average abundance and variety of sizes in the Saint Croix include smallmouth bass, catfish, and lake sturgeon. Fish considered of lower than average abundance and average to small size include bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. More than 60 species of fish are documented in the Saint Croix, including redhorse, freshwater drum, and American eel.
The Saint Croix is a beautiful tributary of the Mississippi River. It is approximately 164 miles long, with the lower 125 miles defining the state line between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The river rises in the northwestern corner of Wisconsin out of the Upper Saint Croix Lake in Douglas County, Wisconsin. It is 20 miles south of Lake Superior. The river flows south to Gordon County in Minnesota, then southwest where it is joined by the Namekagon River in Burnett County, Wisconsin. It is wider in this area where it meets the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin a few miles downstream. It meets the muddy rivers of the Mississippi in Prescott, Wisconsin.
There are numerous state parks and sites available for boat access. State parks, like the William O'Brien State Park and the Interstate Park in Minnesota require fees to enter the parks. Other sites are operated by the National Park Service. Which site you choose depends on which type of boat you operate. For example, the Log Cabin Access site (see the Resources section for addresses of all sites) is a facility for canoes and car top boats only. Franconia Landing is a shallow, more undeveloped facility for small boat use. Some sites are very popular. The river's Boom Site Access is often full on summer weekends.
Shore fishing is also available on the Saint Croix, generally in the same sites that allow boat access. The lower campground of William O'Brien Park, for example, is a popular fishing site. Fishing in Interstate Park can be slightly problematic due to overhanging trees and steep cliffs at some shore fishing locations. Stillwater City Park offers shore fishing off the park's retaining wall between the lift bridge and the Stillwater Marina.
Fishing guides are available should it be your first time fishing on the Saint Croix. Rates for Saint Croix fishing guides are based on a full day (at least 8 hours) or half day (at least 4 hours.) Rates vary based on the guide.
