If you want a fun time on the water on a small river town, with magnificent natural scenery, St. Croix River in Minnesota should be your next stop! Aside from its lush green landscape, it is also the home to various freshwater fish species, making it a perfect destination for anglers. Let St. Croix charm you with its beauty as Amaazen Outdoors bring you to your next best fishing outing.&nbsp; The Amaazen Outdoors is a fishing charter based in Minneapolis, MN providing guide services in the rivers of Minnesota. You will be accompanied by Captain Brian Vander Maazen, an experienced guide with a passion for drift boat fishing in St. Croix River. The captain loves bringing people to new places and teaching them different fishing techniques. He will be showing you techniques in light tackle, fly fishing, and spinning to ensure that you get the best catch for the day. For him, he finds the St. Croix River a peaceful place to best catch fish. Expect to encounter species of Smallmouth Bass, Brook Trout, Muskellunge (Musky), Northern Pike, and Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) as you head on to this adventure. Float on the shallow fast-moving rivers in the areas of St. Croix, Snake, Kettle, and Apple Rivers among others.&nbsp; You will be riding a 16’ ClackaCraft Drift Boat or a 14' RiverRat Raft Boat that can both safely house up to 2 anglers on board. It provides a comfortable fishing space and deck for all. Additionally, all fishing gear such as rods, reels, live bait, and other necessities will be provided as well. Make sure to bring your fishing licenses prior to the trip. Food and drinks will be included, but feel free to bring your own snacks. An ice box is also included to keep your drinks chilled.&nbsp; This charter practices catch-and-release to ensure that the fishing population will continue to thrive in the area. However, some circumstances allow the guests to keep their catch. The Amaazen Outdoors believes in responsible conservation as individuals try on new fishing experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp; Each catch will be an unforgettable memory that you will have. You will surely not go home empty-handed, as the river is full of fish, wildlife, and fun adventure! Don't wait another minute! Take a break and explore the scenic St. Croix River in Minnesota right now! Come on down and find out why this small river town is increasingly becoming one of the most popular getaways in America! Book your trip today and make lasting memories that you won't regret!

Smallmouth Bass

A lot of kids the last week getting it done before school starts!

<div>Great time to be on the river. congrats to Jack who caught this monster smallmouth.&nbsp; 19.5" 3.28lbs.&nbsp;</div>

Apple River Canyon State Natural Area - St. Croix, WI

Smallmouth on the fly this week! 

The last week has been fantastic for sight fishing to smallmouth on the fly.  Some big fish being caught with the avereage size around 14 inches.  Many more good days to come.  Murdich minnow was the ticket yesterday.  

Low water sight fishing for bass

Muskellunge

Musky Opener Sucess

The river is flowing at an excellent rate and the fish are in thier normal haunts.  Today we fished for smallmouth bass and musky.  We boated a 28" Musky and a number of smallmouth.  We had another musky follow.  Biggest smallmouth was 19.25" and 3.55LBs.  

Fishing topwater for bass produced most of our fish. 

Brown Trout

Float season is upon us and fishing is hot

Northern Pike

A Summer feeling has finally arrived here in the upper Midwest.  With that has come some of the best hatches I have seen in the last few years as water temps warm into the 60s.  This triggers EVERYTHING to POP.  Brown trout can be found taking mayflies in the morning.  On sunny days, they will be keying into caddis flies.  With mayflies taking over again in the evening.  

Bugs notes on the last few trips - BWOs, Caddis, PMDs, Sulfars, and some March Browns (and midges).

Flies that have been catching fish.  Any mayfly emerger pattern seems to get a few fish.  We have been fishing a cripple creek BWO in size 18.  We have been searching with Outrigger Caddis to get a few fish.  The number one pattern has been a Parachute tied on a curved (scud hook).  Color doesn’t seem to matter (Purple Haze has been good). 



Apple River is looking like we will have a good early season and some viable water for floating!  Northern Pike have been spawning in eddies and some smallmouth have been noted in the same areas.  However they have been a little picky for this time of year.  We will be getting on the water for some pre musky scouting the next two weeks.

St Croix is running great right now.  Smallmouth fishing is open on the river.  Musky will open on the 27th.  We will be getting out on the Croix in the next week as well now that the river has come down.

Things are lining up for a killer summer float season.  Hope to see you on the water this summer. 
Brian Maze


It is ON. Finally, IT IS ON.  

Fishing was slow until the water heated up this morning.  We had very few rising trout until around 1030 AM.  At that time - it went off!  We had smaller sized BWO mayflies (18s) coming off.  The fish were picky on most of our attempts with mayfly patterns.  A lot of fish turning heads at the last second.  Water temps came up fast with 52 degrees early AM and mid morning hitting 56 degrees.  I think that was the trigger for the Caddis eruption that took place around 1030.  After taking turns at a few larger fish - one finaly ate a caddis pattern I had just switched too.  Step and repeated a few times with myself and my client - We looked at each other - Do we have the ticket?  Often on the rambling streams just as we thought it was going to work all day, the hatch was over as quick as it started.  We covered 2 miles of stream today on a 6 hour trip.  Of that 2 miles only a small portion had a true feeding frenzy. 
Some nice trout were netted between 1030 and 12 pm today.  And some smaller ones too.  Without question we had some bigger fish contacts today! 

Guide Tips and Thoughts:
On today's trip there were few factors that lead to our success.  

#1 Be looking for aquatic invertebrates ALL THE TIME(bugs, ya know? The stuff the trout eat).  You can go to a fly shop, ask around, pimp a guy for intell, but the tride and true way to know what is going on in your fishery is to look in the water.  Pick a rock up and look for these nymphs and larve.  Keep notes and learn more about the life cylces.  That is why I knew this location was going to have SOMETHING happening today.   

#2 Get uncomfortable with your fly selection. Sometimes fish will key into small details.  Trying a few flies and styles will impact your chances of "matching the hatch" as some say.

#3 Down size.  I know, getting the cheater glasses out sucks.  I now have to deal with these things too, urg.  Taking the time to tie on size 6x tippet and size 18 and 20 flies may be all it takes to put a monster trout in your net.  

One quick public service announcement - Wisconsins Early Catch and Release season is ending this upcoming weekend.  There will be a TON of folks getting after these fish starting May 6th.  All I ask is that you treat other anglers as you wish you would be treated by other anglers.  We all have a right to be on these beautiful streams.  Those rights come with privlidges and responsiblities.  PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF!!!  Be respectful of those folks who may see trout differently than you do.  We all have to share these resourses and the DNR would not allow a harvest if it was not approprate for the watershed.  
Get out there and find some new water. 

Seeking the Untamed - Chasing all Wild 
Brian Maze 

Size 20 & Size 18 
BWO Patterns
Caddis Patterns
8.5' 4wt 


Dry flies are heating up

EPSG:4269

Fly Fishing and Hunting: Unforgettable Experiences in MN

Look no further! At Amaazenoutdoors, with our experienced guides and vast knowledge of the Minnesota fishing, fly fishing, and hunting trade - let us take you on an exhilarating expedition! From St. Croix River Fishing to Hunting Outfitters to Woodcock Hunt - come explore with us today - don't wait a second longer and join the adventure now!

Let Amaazenoutdoors and Guide Brian Vander Maazen make your dream fishing adventure a reality! This Minnesota-based fishing guide company is owned and operated by Guide Brian Vander Maazen and specializes in providing top-notch fishing experiences for anglers of all levels. With years of experience and a passion for fishing, Guide Brian and his team will guide you to some of the best fishing spots in Minnesota, including the St. Croix River. About The Guide:The joy of sharing his fishing experiences and helping people become successful anglers is what drives Guide Brian Vander Maazen. He is passionate about exploring new fishing locations and taking his clients on unforgettable trips to the wild and scenic St. Croix River in Minnesota. The river boasts an amazing fishery and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect spot to catch various fish species, including Musky - the captain's favorite due to its rich folklore, history, and controversy. However, on some days, he prefers Smallmouth Bass, which is also abundant in the area. Fishing with Guide Brian is not just about catching fish; it's also about learning new techniques and gaining valuable insights into the world of angling. He takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge and expertise with his clients, helping them hone their skills and become more successful at fishing. With his guidance, even novice anglers can have a memorable and productive day on the water. In addition to fishing, Brian is also an experienced hunter, with a deep understanding of the local wildlife and hunting regulations. He has spent numerous seasons hunting and gaining invaluable knowledge of the local wildlife, hunting techniques, and regulations. Boat Details:Amaazenoutdoors has two boats available for its guests: the 16' ClackaCraft drift boat, which can accommodate up to two people and is perfect for navigating the St. Croix River, and the 14' RiverRat, which can also carry two people and is ideal for exploring smaller bodies of water. Both boats are from the year 2000 and have been well-maintained to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience. With these boats, guests can explore some of the best fishing spots in Minnesota while enjoying the comfort and convenience of quality watercraft. Don't wait another moment, join us now on an incomparable adventure!

Meet Guide Brian Vander Maazen and Amaazenoutdoors

Common Questions How much does a Minnesota fishing charter cost?Our guided fishing trips range from $520-$800 per charter and include 2 guests. Do I need a fishing license in Minnesota?Yes, a valid Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older who wishes to fish in public waters, including lakes, rivers, and streams. Don't forget to purchase and bring your fishing license on your trip with Guide Brian! What months are best fishing in Minnesota?The best months for fishing in Minnesota vary depending on the type of fish you are targeting and the location. Generally, the fishing season in Minnesota runs from May to September, and the peak season for fishing is from June to August. During this time, many species of fish are active and biting, including Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskie. And lucky you, these are just a few species our guide, Brian is known for!

Minnesota: The Ultimate Fly Fishing and Hunting Destination

Polk County

Pierce County

6610 425th St

Rusk County

Bait Fee

Mate's Fee

Get a longer fishing trip in the waters of St. Croix River to have more chances of reeling in species of Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge! The lush scenery and amazing upstream waves make it a perfect adventure for all fishing enthusiasts. Embark on a fishing adventure on the St. Croix River now and increase your chances of catching Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskellun! Time is running out so don't wait any longer—book a longer expedition today for the unforgettable experience you deserve!

ClackaCraft

8 hrs 

St. Croix River Fishing Charters

Ride a drift boat and cruise along the fast-moving rivers in the St. Croix area and its tributaries, bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin. In this 5-hour trip, you will be catching Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, and even Trout! Ride on this river fishing adventure! Ready for a thrill? Join us for a 5-hour drift boat ride through the breathtaking St. Croix area! Feel the exhilaration as you cruise down fast moving rivers, located in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Don't wait any longer - book your adventure now and experience river life like never before!

4 hrs 

Charter Fishing St Croix River

Prepare your fishing waders as you wade and fish for Trout and other species in Pierce and St. Croix County. You will be fly fishing in the spring creeks of the area targeting Brown Trout and some Brook Trout. Rods, fly lines, and other gear will be provided.  Don't miss out on the unparalleled fly fishing experience in Pierce and St. Croix County. Get ready now –grab your fishing waders, tackle, and gear and be ready to catch Trout and other species this spring! Make plans today, as spots are limited so don't wait, enjoy an unforgettable fly fishing adventure!

Brook Trout

Rainbow Trout

RiverRat

6 hrs 

Fishing Charter St. Croix

Cast for some trophy Musky during the in River King. A summer is one of the best times to catch these species as they tend to go to the warmer shores in the area. Team up with the captain as you get the best fishing trip in the area.  It's time to start planning your Musky fishing trip: don't miss out on the incredible trophy opportunities that River King provides during this season! Act now and experience an exciting adventure with a greater chance of catching a Musky. What are you waiting for? The fish won't wait for you – let's go fishing!

We fish the St Croix, Apple, Chippewa, Flambeau 

St Croix River Musky Fishing 

Fully Guided Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock trip.  Northwood grouse camp for the outdoorsman looking for the northwoods experience.  Camp will be hosted in Northwest WI in early October.  Camp accommodations include meals and heated canvas tents with cots.  Come in and roll out your sleeping bag, enjoy the comrodery and chase wild grouse over pointing dogs.  One night of lodging and one day guided hunt.  

Ruffed Grouse

Woodcock

1 day 

2 day 

Wisconsin Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Camp

Limited Space Available.  This camp is a true north woods experience.  Camping in the big woods in heated canvas tents.  Come for a full day of guided grouse hunting over pointing dogs and stay the evening.  Muliple days available upon request (if available).  Due to fluxuating bird numbers this camp stays on the move each year if needed to find the best bird numbers in Northern MInnesota.  We often are set up in St. Louis, Lake, or Cook County Minnesota.  This camp  offers the best conditions for the early season hunter.  Weather can be very mild with limited chance of snow. 

  MN Grouse Camp Accomidations availalbe upon Request..  Heated (if needed) Canvas Tent with Cot.  Meals would be included (breakfast, lunch & Dinner).  Come the night before your hunt or stay the nigh after the hunt.
100.00 a night (w/Meals).  Two guest 150.00 a night w/ 2 guest max per night.  
