Last year fished some of the pools from La Crosse to Pool 4 and had a lot of fun. The bait shops down past pool 4 on Wisconsin side all seemed to have and sell willow cats. First time I have used them and they seemed to work well. They make a plastic bait with willow cat smell infused you can buy online and bait store I think vados sell them. I have tried them and and not sure if they work or not. Don’t have a lot of confidence in them so have not used much. If you want willow cats think you will have to drive a bit to get. Check Everts resort sometimes they have them and are a lot closer.
I tried those plastic willowcats,and they are a very good smallmouth bait.Also got some super-sized sheephead.No walleye,the bass beat them to it.
It may be out of your way,but Fat Cat Tackle in Trempealeau has willowcats and seems to be the best price around.