Post Spawn Walleye Fishing on the St. Louis River

Spring Walleye Fishing on the St. Louis River

A Guide to the Great Migration

In the north, spring kicks off a much-anticipated ritual for die-hard anglers: the walleye run. As the ice clears and rivers start flowing again, walleyes leave big water like Lake Superior and head upstream into feeder rivers to spawn. It's nature’s signal that the season has officially begun. One of the best places to experience this migration firsthand? The St. Louis River.

Let’s break down what makes this fishery special and how you can get in on the action.

A River with Muscle: Welcome to the St. Louis

Captain Jarrid Houston and his fishing buddy Eric “Sherpa” Holl guide the 192-mile-long St. Louis River near Duluth, Minnesota. They know it inside and out. This river’s got it all: walleye, perch, sturgeon, crappie, bass—you name it. And when spring hits, it becomes a superhighway for walleyes moving in from Lake Superior.

“The fish are spread out everywhere,” Jarrid says. “Some stay in the river longer, others head back to the lake fast, and some hang out along the way. It keeps us guessing.”

That means anglers need to stay on the move and be willing to switch tactics. If you’re stuck on one spot or one presentation, you might miss the bite completely.

Finding Fish: From Jigs to Cranks

One reason Jarrid and Eric love this fishery? It lets them fish however they want. Early in the day, they find success with jigs, especially in shallow back bays fed by Lake Superior. As the wind picks up, they switch it up—trolling with crankbaits and crawler harnesses in three to four feet of water.

Eric shares a handy tip for minimizing snags when trolling with bottom bouncers: bend the wire arm slightly upward. It lifts the rig just enough to keep you from dragging too much but still gets you in the zone.

They also run long rods—10’6” on each side of the boat—to cover more water without planer boards. Crankbaits are trolled slowly, just enough to give them a lazy wobble, mimicking a struggling shiner (walleye candy).

Know Your Gear: The Lund 1775 Impact

The crew fishes from a Lund 1775 Impact XS—versatile enough for big water like Lake Superior, but nimble enough for the river. It’s outfitted with plenty of rod storage, movable rod holders, and a full windshield to keep everyone dry and talking during rough rides.

Powered by a 115 HP Mercury motor, it handles trolling on calm days without needing a kicker, and the bow-mounted trolling motor makes fine adjustments easy.

Patterns That Pay Off

Throughout the day, they keep dialing in patterns—adjusting crankbait colors, depths, and trolling distances until the bites start to come more consistently. Eric and Jarrid even name their lures after sports legends to keep things light—“Let’s put Jackie Robinson on the crankbait, and Michael Jordan on the harness.”

That’s not just for fun—it helps them track what’s working without overthinking.

As they move upriver and conditions change, they switch to jigging in seven feet of water. It’s all about feeling the bottom and waiting for that unmistakable “thump.”

Why This Fishery Matters

The St. Louis River offers more than just great fishing—it’s a wild, diverse landscape that feels like a hidden corner of the northwoods. With stretches of whitewater and pockets of untouched beauty, it’s easy to forget you’re anywhere near civilization. “Some areas are so remote-looking, you’d swear you were dropped in Alaska,” Jarrid says.

This river also supports a solid walleye fishery, thanks to smart management. With a two-fish daily limit and a 15-inch size minimum, the system keeps fish populations balanced and thriving, making it a reliable destination season after season.

A Way of Life

Jarrid and Eric have been guiding here for over a decade. For them, fishing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s chasing spring walleyes or drilling through ice in the winter, this river has given them plenty of good days on the water.

“You might not land a 30-incher every trip,” Jarrid says, “but you’ll catch quality fish. And more importantly, you’ll remember the experience.”

Spring walleye fishing on the St. Louis River is about reading the conditions, staying flexible, and respecting the fishery. From fast jig bites to slow, steady trolling, this river has it all. Bring your A-game, be ready to adapt, and you might just find yourself hooked on this incredible stretch of water.