Willow River

The St. Croix River is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and is well noted for its steep bluffs and fall colors. As a result, boat traffic is heavy during summer, especially on weekends and holidays. “Slow no wake” zones are common on the river and applies to any area within 100 feet of all shorelines (including islands) and within 100 feet of swimmers. A particularly long no-wake zone is between the railroad bridge and the Highway 94 bridge. The lower section of the St. Croix River, downstream of Arcola Sandbar, is wide and slower flowing. For this reason, this stretch is also called Lake St. Croix. The St. Croix River forms part of the Minnesota and Wisconsin state border and as a result anglers must be aware of fishing regulations in both states. Anglers must posses a license from one of the states and must posses a license from the state of residence (if residing from Wisconsin or Minnesota). Anglers crossing the imaginary state line must obey the regulations that are more stringent. Wisconsin and Minnesota both have fish consumption advisories for the St. Croix River. Minnesota’s list is more extensive listing all species, except panfish. Wisconsin has advisories for the following species: walleye, sauger, white bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, common carp and buffalo. Check each state’s consumption advisory publications for more details.

A rich forage base is present, with gizzard shad being the most abundant. Redhorse sucker, common carp, freshwater drum, golden shiner, and common shiner are among the important food sources for gamefish.

Some walleye and sauger move upstream to spawn near Osceola, Wisconsin. White bass make spring movements into river mouths and to the tailwaters of the A.S. King Generating Plant just south of Stillwater, Minnesota. There is also a movement of several fish species into the St. Croix River from the Mississippi River.