Fishing at St. Croix, Minnesota
8,393-acre lake · Washington County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, St. Croix is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Washington County. At 8,393 acres, it offers mid-sized lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 9 stocking events on record for St. Croix:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 192 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 23,660 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 4,039 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 11,099 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 4,100 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 16,400 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 1,487 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 35,340 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 293 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Muskellunge in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in St. Croix, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish St. Croix
For muskellunge, the best fishing on St. Croix is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of St. Croix:
- Lake Mallalieu — 1.6 mi (8,028 ac)
- Lake Elmo — 7.0 mi (274 ac)
- Elmo — 7.0 mi (257 ac)
- Eagle Point Lake — 7.7 mi (112 ac)
- Little Falls Lake 171 — 8.4 mi (180 ac)
- Lake Jane — 9.8 mi (131 ac)
- Jane — 9.8 mi (158 ac)
- Lake Olson — 10.7 mi (227 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at St. Croix. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in St. Croix?
St. Croix has been stocked with Muskellunge.
When was St. Croix last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 192 muskellunge were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for St. Croix?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.