St. Croix early season walleyes

[liphooked]

When typically does the open walleye fishing on the St. Croix take place?

I fished it for the first time last year and had pretty good success but am looking to improve (try some trolling this year) on my techniques (used mostly jig and minnow or crawler around the I-94 bridge).

do crankbaits work early in the year or is fishing north of the I-94 bridge a better choice with jigs and minnows?

looking forward to getting out soon. Just fished at Red Wing (7 in the livewell) but the St. Croix is closer.

any info would be greatly appreciated. Does anyone recommend a guide to help "educate" a novice walleye fisherman?

thanks,

[fishingkid78]

I believe it opens the 1st of may this year. I usually fish around prescott for the opener.

[fish4ed]

The season opens two weeks sooner on the St Croix than for Minnesota inland waters. That spot in the narrows north of the 94 bridge can get a bit congested early in the season but does produce fish - last year a lot of 14-1/2 inchers (sub-legal) for me. There are lots of good areas - I have personally caught fish from Catfish Bar to the boomsite landing, and I know of a lot of folks who like around Prescott down to the confluence with the Mississippi. Lots of techniques work, finding the fish is always the trick (obviously). It sounds like you already have something that works for you, just spend time on the water and be observant and open-minded. If you are interested in a guide, try Croixsippi - Turk is the consummate river rat, and a nice guy.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

Last year we caught a zillion 14 inchers.
I hope that equates to 15+ inchers this year. Crawlers have worked the best for me early season. High water has equated to better spring fishing for me. As far as spots I am willing to share you can do well around the 94 bridge. As mentioned the narrow channel above the 94 bridge always seems to produce somewhere along the stretch up to the black bridge. It's a no wake zone so that's nice too.

[This message has been edited by Suzuki (edited 03-16-2004).]

[hanronson]

Walleye opener is May 1st on St.Croix border water. I usually fish above the dam but am thinking about trying down by the 94 bridge also this year. Good luck!

------------------
(aftacrops nolonga)