ST. CROIX RIVER FISHING REPORT
Fluctuating water levels, crazy boaters, floating debris, and varying water clarity presents numerous challenges when trying to find and catch fish on the St. Croix River. Understanding how the fish respond to these changes is paramount for a successful day on the water. Each of Trevor's fishing reports has the baits and techniques that will help you catch fish and also includes the water temperature so you know just what to do when you hit the water. Read up on the latest fishing report to get ready for your next outing on the river!
St. Croix River Fishing Report
06/22/2025
Water Temperature:​​ 74 - 82 degrees
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Summary: Minnesota just experienced a massive heat wave which has caused the water temperature to spike in the main river, but especially in the backwaters. The main river is hovering right around 76 - 77 degrees, although the backwaters are as high as 82 degrees. You can find smallmouth along the bank in areas with rocky bottom as well as laydowns. The walleye have begun to school up well on deeper rock piles and breaklines in 12 - 18 feet of water. Smallmouth are being caught on moving baits, while the walleye have been preferring a vertical presentation. We've got some cooler weather coming through, which should help the bite!
St. Croix River Fishing Report
06/01/2025
Water Temperature:​​ 65 - 68 degrees
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Summary: We are finding lots of smallmouth in shallow water (less than 6 feet deep). In addition, the walleye are also very shallow and pretty easy to pick off utilizing forward facing sonar. Look for sandy flats with rock transitions and the fish will be right there. The smallmouth have been really biting a small paddle tail swimbait good and the walleye are surprisingly eating a football jig. STAY SHALLOW, that's the best piece of advice for right now!
St. Croix River Fishing Report
05/30/2025
Water Temperature:​​ 62 - 65 degrees
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Summary: Most of the smallmouth are currently in their spawning phase up shallow. I'm seeing lots of fish on LiveScope cruising the shallows, especially in the flooded areas where there typically isn't water. It's currently more of a numbers game, rather than size, with the fish biting on just about everything you throw at them. We're catching a lot of fish on a football jig and a drop shot anywhere from 2-8 feet of water. Walleye can be found in the 8-12 foot flats on top of rock piles and are very eager to bite. Shaking a minnow or casting a jerkbait has been getting good numbers in the boat.
St. Croix River Fishing Report
05/23/2025
Water Temperature:​​ 60 - 62 degrees
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Summary: The river is a little bit higher than normal pool right now with a lot of the "cover" on the shorelines submerged in water. This allows for the smallmouth to push up further than they usually can with fish being caught in as shallow as 2 feet of water. Shaking a minnow and throwing a small swimbait to cover water has been the most effective way of putting fish in the boat. The walleye are hanging out relatively shallow right now as well around rocky bottoms. Dragging a Ned rig or slow rolling a small swimbait have been the top producers while other boat are also successful dragging a nightcrawler or leech on a Carolina rig.