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Saint Croix River

Boat Ramps
22
Access Points
23
Species
39

The Saint Croix River is a premier fishing destination flowing along the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. This National Wild and Scenic Riverway offers diverse fishing environments across its 165-mile length, from the headwaters at Upper St. Croix Lake in northwestern Wisconsin to its confluence with the Mississippi River at Prescott, WI. The river features exceptional water quality, varied underwater habitats, and supports over 60 documented fish species, making it one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. With stretches ranging from boulder-strewn rapids to deep, calm pools, the Saint Croix provides outstanding fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels throughout the year.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Muskellunge500 fish · Fingerlings2025
  • Muskellunge150,438 fish · Fry2019
  • Muskellunge955 fish · Fingerlings2019
  • Muskellunge10 fish · Adults2017
  • Muskellunge135 fish · Fingerlings2017

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Saint Croix River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Saint Croix River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Saint Croix River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Saint Croix River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Saint Croix River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Saint Croix River and check the forecast before you go.

ST. CROIX RIVER AT ST. CROIX FALLS, WI

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Saint Croix River fishing guides

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