Taylors Falls / Interstate Parkon St. Croix River
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Cooler fall temperatures have driven most fish
- 01Cooler fall temperatures have driven most fish, including Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Muskellunge, to deeper water and structure.
- 02Subsurface presentations mimicking baitfish, leeches, and larger nymphs are proving most effective.
- 03Predatory species are actively keying in on larger food sources as they prepare for winter.
- 04Focus on deeper holes, slack water behind prominent points, and areas with submerged structure.
- 05Retrieve streamers and nymphs slowly to appeal to less active, cold-water fish.
What to tie on at Taylors Falls / Interstate Park
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Gurgler
With summer fully here and water temperatures warm, topwater action for aggressive smallmouth bass, walleye, and musky is excellent, especially in early mornings and late afternoons. This popper creates an enticing disturbance to draw strikes.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A classic and versatile streamer pattern, the olive Woolly Bugger is a year-round staple, excellent for enticing predatory strikes from bass, walleye, musky, and pike, imitating leeches or baitfish active in the St. Croix River.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
A versatile and reliable streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger mimics leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for predatory species in cooling fall waters.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger
The marabou tail provides life-like movement even in near-freezing water. Stripped ultra-slowly through deep pools, it mimics leeches or small forage fish.
Buy at AmazonScud
These freshwater amphipods are an active food source in early spring, especially effective in the warming, stained water of the St. Croix River.
Buy at AmazonGurgler
As water temperatures climb and fish metabolism increases, topwater action for bass and panfish intensifies, making this popper excellent for drawing aggressive surface strikes.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the most active aquatic insects in the Upper Midwest during the winter. A size 18-22 Zebra Midge is a staple for any fish still feeding on invertebrates in the cold current.
Buy at AmazonCrappie Jig Fly
With crappie becoming active around structure for spawning in spring, this fly is a proven producer for panfish, walleye, and sauger.
Buy at AmazonDamsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become increasingly active in late spring, migrating to shore. Stripped slowly along weed beds, this pattern is highly effective for opportunistic feeders.
Minnesota season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.