Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Big Eyes on the Croix

Cody Lubeley

By Cody Lubeley
in St. Croix River Fishing Reports

 Share

Recommended Posts

Cody Lubeley Community Regular

Cody Lubeley

Posted
Posted

Does anyone ever catch any big eyes like over three pounds out there.

It seems like there is enough stucture and food to support big fish I've just never heard of anyone catching anything over 20 inches out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
AuggieDawg11 Community Regular

AuggieDawg11

Posted
Posted

i've caught a few during open water in the same areas that I ice fish. I just haven't caught them during ice fishing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
croixflats Veteran

croixflats

Posted
Posted

Oh yes! They are out there and if your in the right area over twenty can be numerous. I have seen a few 5# and a few 10# a year during ice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CrappieFshr651 Proficient

CrappieFshr651

Posted
Posted

I've yet to see any hogs during winter, but my brother caught a 28 incher a couple years ago on open water

Link to comment
Share on other sites
River Dan Experienced

River Dan

Posted
Posted

First off, the river has alot of quality walleyes in it and anything over 20 should go back, so its nice to here not many are pulled though the ice. I havn't ice fished out there because I prefer open water fishing and pool 4 doesn't freeze so I spend time down there in the boat instead of ice fishing but during open water on the croix several over 8+ are released every season, since I've kept a journal (6+ years), the count is up to 18 now, four of which came this pass open water season. The Croix is a great fishery and there are alot of big eyes in it just remember catch and release! cool

Link to comment
Share on other sites
honda4life Community Regular

honda4life

Posted
Posted

River Dan you fish out of the boat even in the winter? since pool 4 dont freeze is the access open? that would be realy fun to try however id prolly freeze my balls off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CrappieFshr651 Proficient

CrappieFshr651

Posted
Posted

My uncle regularly fishes pool 4 in the winter out of his boat. Pepin freezes up though, that part of pool 4 isnt it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Quetico Proficient

Quetico

Posted
Posted

Everts Resort in Hager City is always open. Their access has to the dam is always open and fishable from a boat. We were there within the past month. Its cold but pick a day when its warmer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sandmannd Grand Master

Sandmannd

Posted
Posted

Yep, got ot everts you can fish around there just fine. I wouldn't go out if it's way cold out, but those rare days that's it's in the upper 20's or low 30's it's a good time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cedarcreek Contributor

Cedarcreek

Posted
Posted

Going on friday may have open seat Pool 4 "Soft water" if the old man passes. I will call you later Quietico.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cedarcreek Contributor

Cedarcreek

Posted
Posted

While all you guys are holding down the ice in Bayport the tough guys are in a boat on Pool 4. The ave day for us is 25-50 Saugers/Walleys with a long rod.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
croixflats Veteran

croixflats

Posted
Posted

All I can say is ewe do those fish glow in the dark with all the floressence and other stuff in that water. grin

Thats the Missi down thar is'nt it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
River Dan Experienced

River Dan

Posted
Posted

If you can believe the EPA the miss from the hastings dam on down is the cleaner then the croix,

Link to comment
Share on other sites
croixflats Veteran

croixflats

Posted
Posted

That's very hard to believe. I don't remember what year but the St.Croix was listed as one of the cleanest rivers in its class in the U.S. Not Questioning you just the findings of the EPA. They are a politically motivated entity.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CrappieFshr651 Proficient

CrappieFshr651

Posted
Posted

I agree croixflats, i dont see in any ways how that stretch of the miss is cleaner than the croix.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
croixeyes Experienced

croixeyes

Posted
Posted

I think everyone should go down to pool 4.There just arent any eyes on the Croix during the winter.However,Ill stay behind just to make sure wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JBMasterAngler Grand Master

JBMasterAngler

Posted
Posted

Does it really matter if the croix is cleaner than the 'sippi? Just as many polluted 'sippi eyes could be spending their winter in the croix right now, so who's to know what you may be eating. My opinion, if it doesn't glow in the dark it should be safe wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sandmannd Grand Master

Sandmannd

Posted
Posted

I've eaten eyes out of both the croix and pool four many times and none the worse for wear. Have at 'em boys.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
FishonTom Enthusiast

FishonTom

Posted
Posted

I have been eating the eyes from the Miss's since the 1950's, and from the Croix since the 60's and aside from the nipple growing from under my chest I am fine. They are both clean enough to eat the fish, the sippi is just muddier. Oh, and I have caught 9#+ from both rivers in the last 2 years. CPR except for a 12#er in 1969 below lock 5A, which was a dust collector for 30+ years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
croixflats Veteran

croixflats

Posted
Posted

FishonTom Welcome to FM.

I"m just having some fun with the stereo type of the Big M. Besides them thar guys in them boats have water in their veins and if they did'nt have open water I think they would dry up. grin

I hope you take advantage of what FM has to offer to all of us. Such a vast wealth of knowlage at our finger tips and a great bunch to offer it up. It looks like we can learn a lot from you also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Metrorugby Apprentice

Metrorugby

Posted
Posted

It depends on what part of the Miss or Croix you are at. Lake Pepin is impaired for Mercury, but heck every water in MN is as well. If you are close to where 3M discharges you might want to rethink eating the fish. Back about 15 years ago they were using a substance which had dioxins in it, which are one of the most toxic substances known. Also, two years ago the Miss had its first mayfly hatch in about 20 years, signs that the river is improving.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
honda4life Community Regular

honda4life

Posted
Posted

ANyone wana take me along in the boat for some winter walleyes? I think it would be a blast! ill help pay gas, buy munchies.. please please can i can i huh huh can i huh?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ferny Collaborator

Ferny

Posted
Posted

Mississippi cleaner than the Croix??? Come on I find that VERY hard to believe. Look at the confluence of the MN/sippi sometime then the croix/sippi...hmm? Look at the water shed of the sippi/muddysota compared to mostly scenic river way of the croix. Think of all the farmland and industry on the sippi and sota...really can't wrap my head around that one!

Skeptically,

Ferny.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
FishonTom Enthusiast

FishonTom

Posted
Posted

Ferny, relax, the Croix is cleaner. A long tome ago a Republican Pres. made the Croix a National Treasure and protected it. He also started the EPA. Most people don't know that the republicans are the real earth savers. Dems talk the talk, but GOP walk the walk. By the way it was Nixon. Not the one the GOP is most proud of

Link to comment
Share on other sites
croixflats Veteran

croixflats

Posted
Posted

He signed it into law but it was 2 democrats that created it.

Mondale and Nelson. One from Minnesota and the other from Wisconsin.

The Dems were instrumental in creating. Without them it would not have been written.And the creation, signed into law, of the national wild and scenic rive act was in 1968.

Hmmm, who was in office then? Hint he was a democrat.

Republicans cant take full credit for that one. grin

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Johnny_Da_Der Community Regular

Johnny_Da_Der

Posted
Posted

Ferny, relax, the Croix is cleaner. A long tome ago a Republican Pres. made the Croix a National Treasure and protected it. He also started the EPA. Most people don't know that the republicans are the real earth savers. Dems talk the talk, but GOP walk the walk. By the way it was Nixon. Not the one the GOP is most proud of

is this the political forum now. OK - yeah the GOP are the real earth savers just like they are fiscally conservative... crazy

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Turk Veteran

Turk

Posted
Posted

To view MN lakes and river for fish consumption: google -fish consumption advisory MN -, and the Deptment of Health site should come up. As mercury is an air deposition pollutant you may be surprised what you find on the "clean" lakes. Then look at the Mississippi in relation, you might be surprised.

Turk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      water levels

      By jparrucci · Posted

      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      water levels

      By mbeyer · Posted

      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      Ice-Out 2024

      By SkunkedAgain · Posted

      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      Ice-Out 2024

      By mbeyer · Posted

      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Sturgeon Fishing is Hot

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept