Mississippi River Fishing Forecast –
Brian Brecka – Fisheries Biologist – Wisconsin DNR
Throughout the year we hear from anglers that have questions about fishing the Mississippi River. While we don’t have information on exact fish locations and what they’re biting on, we do provide estimates on fish populations and fish sizes. Anglers often use this information to target species that are more prevalent or species that have good numbers of fish in larger sizes.
What determines fish populations on the Mississippi River? For most species that anglers desire, it takes three to five years from the time they hatch to become large enough to be legal or keeper size. In other words, today’s fishing depends upon how successful a particular species was at reproducing three to five years ago. Reproductive success and subsequent survival can vary greatly from year to year and is dependent upon many factors. Water temperature, water level, food availability, predator numbers and habitat conditions can all affect survival. When conditions are ideal, survival of young fish can be great and fishing in the future will be good.
However, if even one or two conditions limit survival, young fish may be nonexistent. If we have several years of low survival, tough fishing will follow.
We use various sampling techniques that allow us to predict fishing success today and into the future. Shocking, fyke netting, seining and other fish sampling gear provides years worth of data for making reliable predictions. So what’s the status of your favorite fish? What follows is a species by species account of the more popular Mississippi River fish.
Walleye and Sauger:
These two species are the most sought after recreational fish on the Mississippi River and command much respect from their pursuers. They’re also species that have extreme variability in their reproductive success; survival of young fish is near zero in some years and phenomenally high in others. Currently, walleye and sauger populations are in good shape. Overall, the late-1990s were great years for young walleye and sauger survival. Above average hatches were found in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Walleyes from these years will range from 14 to 20 inches. Same aged saugers, not growing as fast, will range from 11 to 16 inches. Larger walleye and sauger are also prevalent in the river. Trophy anglers realize the Mississippi River consistently produces walleyes over 10 pounds.
Smallmouth Bass:
Known for their aggressive behavior and excellent fight, smallmouth bass are becoming a favorite of many anglers. It also doesn’t hurt that the number of smallmouth bass above and below the 14-inch size limit may be at an all-time high. Catch and release fishing for smallmouth has positively impacted the number of large fish; fish 16 to 20 inches are common. The size structure of smallmouth bass populations should remain solid, with fishing remaining consistent.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass are the most sought after recreational fish in the U.S. The Midwest features some great bass fisheries, with the Mississippi River ranking near the top. Largemouth bass populations are dependent upon habitat, especially habitat available for the younger fish. The late-1980s and early-1990s were difficult times for young largemouths due to a decrease in aquatic vegetation. Vegetation plays a crucial role in a young bass’ life as it feeds and escapes predators amongst the underwater greenery. The mid- to late-1990s brought a vegetation resurgence; plants again became more widespread and dense. Largemouth bass responded to this change positively, and we started sampling more young fish. As the years have gone by, these smaller fish have grown into sizes sought by anglers. The current population of largemouth bass above and below the 14-inch size limit is good. Our surveys, along with angling reports, show decent numbers of fish in the 3- to 6-pound range. If vegetation continues to trend upward or remains similar, largemouth bass populations should remain stable.
White Bass:
It’s difficult to find a species that’s harder hitting than white bass. When these schooling fish work the surface they can challenge the arm strength of even the fittest angler. White bass populations are generally good in the Mississippi River. They’re a fast growing species, getting to 12 inches in three to four years. White bass approaching 18 inches have become quite common in our most recent sampling efforts. Because of their schooling nature and their piscivorous diet, areas that produce white bass may do so for weeks on end during the summer months. Enjoy the action when their feed bags are on.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike are the largest and most toothy recreational fish of the Upper Mississippi River. Fast growth and plentiful food make northern pike 15 pounds or greater not uncommon. Similar to largemouth bass, young northern pike depend heavily upon aquatic vegetation. Annual spring surveys of adult northern pike show populations do vary. Current numbers and sizes should provide decent fishing. However, northern pike catches may depend upon food availability. If a northern pike’s preferred forage is in low numbers, they may be extremely hungry and easily fooled with live-bait or artificial presentations. On the other hand, high numbers of baitfish may reduce your northern pike catch, even though the numbers of pike present may be high.
Bluegill:
Historically, bluegill fishing on the Mississippi River has varied greatly. There have been years when fishing is phenomenal and years when bluegills are hard to come by. Why? Young bluegills are greatly dependent upon vegetated habitat for their survival. As habitat conditions fluctuate on the river (as they often do), so do bluegill numbers. With a current upswing in vegetation, several sampling efforts have shown bluegill numbers increasing. With the number of young bluegills increasing, so to has the belief that these small fish are stunted. Stunting does not occur for Mississippi River bluegill. In fact, river bluegills have extremely fast growth rates. Given three to four years of growth, they are often large enough for the frying pan.
Crappie:
Two species of crappie are found in the Mississippi River — the black crappie and white crappie. Black crappies are far more prevalent. Crappie populations in the river have been consistent through the mid- to late-1990s. They’re not as dependent on vegetation and were not as affected by the decline in vegetation. The size structure of these populations have also been stable. Fish in the 13- to 15-inch range are often found in our nets. Fishing can be exceptional when back-to-back years show great survival of young fish.
Channel Catfish:
Channel catfish have done quite well during the 1990s. Thousands of channels were tagged during a five-year study in Pools 8 and 9. Growth rates were good while angler exploitation was low. Although excellent table fare, very few anglers specifically target channel catfish. Fish for channel cats if you want a species that easy to catch and excellent to eat.
Other Species:
The Mississippi River is loaded with a diversity of fish that is unmatched in Wisconsin(/Minnesota). With over 100 fish species, “who knows what you’ll catch” is a phrase uttered frequently by many anglers. Gar, dogfish, buffalo, redhorse, carp, drum, mooneye, sturgeon — the list goes on and on. Some anglers have even gone so far as to challenge themselves to see how many different species they can catch!
2001 will be a great year to fish the Mississippi River. Most species have populations and size structures that are in good shape.
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Yes, you read that right! “2001 will be a great year to fish the Mississippi River”.
Not much has changed since this was written back in 2000.
