Mississippi Backwater Recommendations (Wabasha Area)

Just joined the site. Long story short, spent 5 years active army followed by 3 in the National Guard here at home. I’ve always loved fishing and would like to get more ice fishing done this year. At my current job I finally (I think) have some stability and predictability to so I’d like to try a lot of areas this year.

This Saturday I’m going with a retired Air Force family friend to the backwaters of the Mississippi near Wabasha. I was wondering if anyone has any recommended spots, inlets, ponds, channels, etc. that I should definitely try. My favorite catches are either pike or a ton of panfish.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any help.

Welcome to IDO Dan.

The recent warm-up has brought some additional flow to pool four but I think in most places the ice was in not bad shape in the backwaters where you mention you’re going to try. More than anything I’d stay a ways away from any areas that are know for significant current. Generally speaking, most areas on the downstream side of the dike road will be fine and this is where the bulk of the fishing will be found. You’ll have the “community” holes where the fishing has likely been pounded down to the ho-hum variety by now but a little snooping should put you into fish.

Personally I’d begin the hunt at the second cement bridge after you come off the high bridge and the marina in Wabasha can offer some great bites but again you’ll need to hunt.

The upstream side of Trailer Point in Lake City [ between the last trailer on the upstream side and the end of the point] generally gets more attention for walleye/sauger, but some large schools of crappies can lay in there too and can keep a person busy. Late afternoon will likely show the best results.

Dan Strauss from Bellechester? How can you travel that far?!Before it got real warm again, I heard the bite in the Marina was good for crappies, sunfish & an occasional northern. But that can be a fast change with the weather changes. Check at the bait shop as you come into Wabasha near the first gas station (I forget the brand) a quick left just after the station and you can’t miss it. They are very good about sharing info & are usually pretty current.

Wow what a great response. I definitely appreciate the time taken to reply to my post. I’m afraid I don’t have the knowledge that the majority of users here possess but as time goes by I definitely plan on “paying it forward” and helping others as you have helped me.

Yes Mr. Stern this would be Dan Strauss from Bellechester. Grandma Strauss is good for a lot of wonderful things but ice fishing advice was not one of them (although apparently her grandma was known to fish through a hole in the ice from time to time).

Sorry I can’t help you with locations to fish down there. I wanted to THANK YOU for your service. Be safe and give us a report on how your outing went.

Tight Lines!