Out of Hastings

[Aaron Carrell]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some tips regarding where to start on the Croix. I'm familiar enough with some river fishing (usually on Mississippi backwaters though), but I'm hoping to chase some smallmouth and white bass this fall. I just recently got switched to working in Hastings, so I figure this is my opportunity to hit the Croix for the first time. First off, a few questions.

Is there a good landing right out of Hastings to start fishing without much of a drive? I'm working just near where 316 hits 61, so if that helps for most convenient direction to go.

Also, is the area near the confluence any good for those types of fish, or should I head a little farther upstream. I took a look at the satellite imagery and it just looks like a wide consistent river without much visible structure, so I'm hesitant to just randomly put in and go. Any tips for where to put in and typical structure to expect (oh, and any hazards to consider please!) would be fantastic. Not wanting hotspots, just generals. Every time I hit new rivers I'm amazed at how different it is from the last I was on.

Thanks for the help fellas. Good fishin!

[mwal]

There are 3 launches right in Hastings, One public by the lock and dam no ramp and in the main current so it can be challenging by your self. The other 2 is the marina in town and Hubs on the other side of the bridge. Both are pay to launch but easier in my opinion to launch at. From the confluence north to the Kinni narrows has plenty of Smallies and walleyes. I favor the WI bank but have done well on the MN side to. Good luck . Give a report if you go.

Mwal

[mwal]

Always keep an eye out for gulls diving. That usually means whitebass are on surface chasing the shad around. Keep a rod with a white rooster tail rigged for them. For smallies I work the banks and ledges with tube etc also top water in the evening. Don't be suprised if you run into a muskie or channel cat, panfish either. You never know whats lurking in the river.

Mwal

[Turk]

The confluence is Prescott and is likely the most famous fishing grounds on the croix next to the kinni narrows...you are in a darn fine area. Turk

[Dale Rueber]

The Croix above Prescott offers many fishing spots. If you have GPS with a map chip, look for the under water points. If you don't have a GPS look for areas on the shoreline that are lower and most of the time there will be an underwater point there. Many of the shorelines between the point will hold fish.

Also don't rule out pool 3. There are many wing dams, flats, and shorelines to fish down river from lock #2 in Hastings.

One thing to keep in mind is any where above Prescott on the Mississippi is considered inland MN waters so you have to follow the MN inland rules. From the confluence at Prescott and down the Mississippi is border waters with one set of rules and from the confluence up the Croix is border waters with another set of rules. Basic difference on the Mississippi and Croix border waters is that Walleye is open year round on the Mississippi and has a season on the Croix.

[Aaron Carrell]

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll post a report as soon as my schedule allows me to get out! Hopefully some afternoon this week.

One questions regarding the confluence. Do people spend alot of time right where they hit for smallies, etc? I'm not at all chasing walleyes or fishing with live bait either, so keep that in mind if you answer that question.

Thanks for all the help!

[mwal]

Hit the shoreline going upstream from the bridge either side. Don't be afraid to jig or tube into the 20 ft range. I have never caught a smallie in the confluence. Mine have always come near shoreline structure or wing dams down river.

Mwal