St. Croix Musky Bass River Float Upriver Anglers

St. Croix River Musky and Bass Guided Float Trip

Northwest Wisconsin's St. Croix River system offers some of the finest multi-species fishing you'll find anywhere in the upper Midwest. This eight-hour float trip puts you right in the heart of prime smallmouth and musky country, where crystal-clear waters meet rocky structure and deep pools that hold trophy fish. Lead guide Nick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you for shots at aggressive smallies, toothy pike, and the fish of 10,000 casts – muskellunge. Whether you're slinging flies or throwing conventional tackle, this top-rated adventure delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early with Nick at a predetermined launch spot along one of three premier watersheds – the St. Croix, Chippewa, or Red Cedar Rivers. The specific location depends on current conditions, water levels, and where the fish are most active. You'll be floating in a 14-foot Down River Equipment raft that's built for stealth and maneuverability. This isn't your typical noisy motorboat approach – the raft lets you drift silently into prime holding water without spooking fish. Nick provides all the fly fishing gear you'll need, from rods and reels to a full selection of patterns that match local hatches and baitfish. If you prefer conventional tackle, just let him know when you book and he'll have light spinning gear ready to go. The trip accommodates up to two guests, so you're not fighting crowds or waiting your turn. Nick tailors the experience to your skill level, whether you're picking up a rod for the first time or you're an experienced angler looking to dial in new techniques. Don't forget your Wisconsin fishing license – it's required for everyone on the water.

Techniques and Tackle

The beauty of float fishing these river systems lies in covering diverse water types throughout the day. You'll work everything from shallow riffles where smallmouth bass ambush crayfish to deep pools where muskies lurk in the shadows. For fly fishing, Nick typically starts guests with streamers that imitate the abundant sculpins, darters, and juvenile gamefish that make up the bulk of predator diets here. Think woolly buggers, clouser minnows, and articulated patterns that move water and trigger aggressive strikes. The raft allows for precise positioning, so you can cast tight to structure, work current seams, and present flies in ways that just aren't possible from shore. When targeting muskies, the game changes entirely. These apex predators require bigger presentations – large streamers, poppers, and even conventional lures like bucktails and jerkbaits. Nick carries wire leaders and heavy tippet because when a 40-inch musky decides to eat your fly, you want tackle that can handle the fight. The rocky structure and fallen timber that define these rivers create perfect ambush points, but they also mean you need to know how to work your presentation without hanging up on every cast.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the backbone of fishing on these river systems, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are incredibly abundant and absolutely explosive when hooked in current. Northwest Wisconsin smallies typically run 12 to 18 inches, with fish over 20 inches caught regularly by anglers who know where to look. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures sit in that sweet spot between 65 and 75 degrees. What makes smallmouth so special here is their aggressive nature – they'll absolutely crush a well-presented fly or lure, often jumping multiple times during the fight. The rocky bottom and current give them every advantage, making even average-sized fish feel like monsters.

Northern pike patrol the deeper pools and slack water areas, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. These toothy predators regularly reach 30 inches or more in these waters, with fish over 40 inches landed each season by lucky anglers. Pike are active throughout the year but really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures drop and their metabolism kicks into high gear. They're notorious for following lures and flies right to the boat before deciding whether to strike, which makes for some heart-stopping visual fishing. When a big pike does commit, the initial run is absolutely explosive, and their habit of jumping and thrashing makes for memorable fights and great photos.

Muskellunge represent the ultimate challenge on these waters. Known as the fish of 10,000 casts, muskies are the apex predators of the St. Croix system, with fish over 50 inches caught each year by dedicated anglers. These legendary fighters are most active during fall when water temperatures drop and they feed heavily before winter. Muskies are notorious for being moody and selective, often following presentations without striking. But when everything aligns – the right spot, the right lure, the right retrieve – a big musky strike is unlike anything else in freshwater fishing. The initial shock of the hit, followed by their powerful runs and aerial displays, creates fishing memories that last a lifetime.

Largemouth bass round out the mix, particularly in the slower, deeper sections of river where vegetation provides cover. While not as abundant as their smallmouth cousins, largemouths in these systems grow fat and healthy on the diverse forage base. They're most active during the warmest part of summer and respond well to topwater presentations during low-light periods. A big largemouth bass exploding on a surface fly in the calm of early morning is worth the price of admission alone.

Time to Book Your Spot

This world-class float fishing experience showcases everything that makes Northwest Wisconsin such a renowned destination for multi-species angling. With Nick's expert guidance, top-quality gear, and access to three of the region's best river systems, you're set up for a customer favorite adventure that delivers both action and education. The combination of abundant smallmouth bass, challenging muskies, and the stunning river scen