Fishing in the Mississippi River: Map, Species, and Top Spots

The mighty Mississippi River has many names, including The Big Muddy, Old Blue, Ol’ Man River, and The Great River, just to name a few. Along with many names, this 2,300-mile-long watershed provides some of the most exciting and challenging fishing opportunities in the United States.

America’s most popular river passes through ten states, including Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Louisiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri, stretching all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. With thousands of fantastic fishing opportunities, it’s no surprise that the Mississippi River is home to so many popular fish species.

Fishing in every tailwater, backwater, levee, and lake connected to the Mississippi River is a lot like a treasure hunt specially tailored to freshwater anglers. There’s a fish species for everyone, regardless of your skill level or fishing preferences. From casting bait and lures from the banks, drifting the river water in a kayak or canoe, or trawling a lure in your boat, the Mississippi River truly has something to offer for every angler.

In the following guide to fishing the Mississippi River, we’ll cover:

If you love freshwater fishing, then you can’t afford not to read How to Fish in a River: Tips and Techniques! It’s packed full of useful information, tips, and tricks for mastering river fishing.

Fishing in the Mississippi River is a mighty challenge, much like the mighty river itself, which has been proving to be a daunting task for decades. However, we’ve come a long way in the last few years; one area we’ve improved is technology. Thanks to the Fishbox, a premium Fishing Forecasting App, you’ll have access to advanced technology, including the best time to go fishing and when you’re better off relaxing at home and getting your fishing tackle or boat ready for your next freshwater adventure.

Mississippi River on the Map

The Mississippi River is undeniably one of the United States’ biggest fishing resources. From start to finish, the Mississippi River provides anglers across America with an endless number of different fishing opportunities. Hundreds of shore-based fishing locations, bridges, and boat launches are available along the full length of the Great River Road.

The large, vast pools in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa are all well-known for their excellent Walleye fishing. The long stretches of rivers that pass through Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri all offer Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and many other exciting fish. And in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, the Great River offers some of the world’s best Catfish.

When you compare the Mississippi River to many of the other pristine fisheries in the United States, you’ll discover that the Mississippi River is highly underutilized, which presents anglers with a great fishing opportunity. With more places to fish, a greater variety of fish species, and more opportunities, you have a much higher chance of catching fantastic fish when you fish in the Mississippi River.

You could spend years fishing in just a small stretch of this fantastic river and never unlock its full potential.

As we mentioned above, the Mississippi passes through ten different states and is like the spine of the country. Below, we have prepared a detailed map that clearly shows the path of the Mississippi River as it winds its way across the United States of America. The only limitation you have when fishing the Mississippi River is time.

Fish Species in the Mississippi River

If you love freshwater fishing, there’s no limit to what species you target when you’re fishing in the Mississippi River. Different states have different favorite or abundant species, so planning your fishing trip is essential if you want to target a specific species.

The following section will cover some of the most popular fish species in the Mississippi River and where to catch them.

Catfish

It’s hard to top the iconic aspect of catching monster Catfish and the waters of the mighty Mississippi River are teaming with them. In fact, Catfish is so popular that Freddie the Flathead Catfish is the official mascot of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

There are three different species of Catfish in the Mississippi River, including Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Blue Catfish. Catfish range in size but can easily reach lengths of 30 plus inches and weigh anywhere up to 100 pounds. Although Catfish can be caught in almost any body of water, they prefer clear and oxygenated waters.

You’ll need to tailor your angling approach to whatever species of Catfish you plan on targeting. Although they’re typically aggressive feeders, Catfish still require a little finesse.

• Blue Cats – Arguably one of the best-eating of all three Catfish species, Blue Catfish love strong river currents and will typically be found in the main channel of the river. Diet will vary depending on which part of the Mississippi River you plan on fishing in, so local knowledge and advice will be key.
• Channel Catfish – Easily one of the least fussy Catfish species, Channel Catfish don’t have much of a preference about what they eat, and you’ll find them lurking in deep sections of the river, especially in slow-moving side channels and pools.
• Flathead Catfish – Flathead Catfish love structure, and you’ll often find them underneath structures and congregating around sunken logs and trees. If you want to maximize your chances of catching a big Flathead, use live bait to lure them out of their homes.

You’ll find Catfish in the lower areas of the Mississippi River year-round, but the peak time to catch them is during the warmer summer months, May through to September.

Sauger and Walleye

In the upper areas of the Mississippi River, you’ll find fantastic Walleye and Sauger fishing. Minnesota is so proud of their Walleye fishing; they named the Walleye their official state fish in 1965. Along with great Walleye fishing in Minnesota, you’ll also find these delicious fish in high numbers in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. 

Walleye typically range from 15 through to 30 inches, and Sauger normally grows up to around 20 inches in length. Luckily, the Mississippi River offers year-round Walleye fishing, but there are still peak times when you can maximize your chances of catching one of these fantastic fish.

The best time to target Walleye is dawn and dusk, as well as any days where the overhead sky is a little cloudy or overcast. Ice fishing for big Walleye in the upper areas of the Mississippi River is also extremely popular.

During the warmer summer months, Walleye and Sauger will seek out cooler water that can be found in the deeper pools. Typically, Walleye and Sauger hang around in schools, so if you don’t get a bite or strike in one location, try switching to a new spot.

Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass 

Bass fishing on the Mississippi River is one area that doesn’t receive as much attention as it should. Both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, along with White Bass, are found throughout the upper and middle reaches of the Mississippi River. Although not as abundant, you’ll also find them in the southern areas of the river. 

In the colder waters of the Mississippi, Smallmouth Bass are the most popular catch, but Largemouth Bass can also be found lurking around underwater structures.

Setups and rigs for catching Bass often change depending on what season you’re fishing in. Crankbaits are popular in fall, and you can’t go wrong with spinnerbaits in early spring. Spring and Fall are the best times to chase Bass in the Mississippi River, and local knowledge about baits is key. Taking the time to talk to local anglers or bait and tackle store staff will help you narrow down on what the Bass prefer in the area you plan on fishing in.

Crappie 

Because of their delicious taste, both White and Black Crappie are extremely popular target species in the Mississippi River. If you’re close to the lower areas of the Mississippi River, you’ll find some fantastic Crappie action.

Black Crappie prefer clear water, while White Crappie are a little more durable and will be found in more disturbed water. Active throughout the year, Crappie fishing in spring is probably the best time to catch them as it’s during their spawn, and they’ll push into shallower water and vegetation closer to the banks of the river and side channels.

Top Fishing Spots in the Mississippi River

You could easily spend a lifetime exploring all the different fishing areas on the Mississippi River and not cover them all. Luckily, to save you a little bit of time, we’re going to cover some of the best fishing spots along the river so that you can maximize your time on the water.

Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the only places on the Mississippi River where you can go ice fishing during the colder winter months, so if you love ice fishing, this is a great state to try it. If you prefer regular fishing, the Lock and Dam Number Two is well worth a visit. It offers excellent Sauger and Walleye fishing.

If you prefer Smallmouth Bass, then you’ll want to try your luck around the Coon Rapids Dam. 

Wisconsin

They take their ice fishing pretty seriously in Wisconsin, too, so regardless of how cold it is, there are some fantastic ice fishing locations, including the Mississippi River Pool 8, which is full of Walleye, Crappie, and Perch.

If you prefer fishing during the warmer months, try your luck in the Mississippi River Pool 10, which is located between Iowa and Wisconsin and is full of Sauger, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass, and Perch.

Iowa

There are almost 300 miles of the Mississippi River, which winds its way through the state of Iowa, providing anglers with a lot of attractive fishing opportunities. Some of the best Sauger and Walleye fishing can be found in Dubuque. It’s especially good during the cooler winter months and offers anglers the opportunity to catch Carp, Bluegill, and Paddlefish along with any other freshwater regulars.

Illinois

Almost 600 miles of the Mississippi River passes through Illinois, and it boasts some amazing fishing opportunities for freshwater anglers. Channel Catfish, Bass, Walleye, and Northern Pike are available for enthusiastic anglers. Finding a quiet fishing spot on the main river, or a backwater, is quite easy as there’s so much river to choose from.

Some of the most popular angling destinations along the Mississippi River in Illinois include Fort Kaskaskia and the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, and popular species include Bass, Crappie, and Catfish.

Missouri

There are plenty of great locations to target Catfish in Missouri, and you’ll find all three species, including Flathead, Blue, and Channel Catfish, located along the Mississippi River. One of the best places to land a giant Catfish is Sulphur Springs. The area between the Chain of Rocks Canal and McKinley Bridge is a prime spot for both Catfish and White Bass. You can fish directly from the shore or from a boat. Both options will prove productive.

Kentucky

Kentucky is almost in the middle of the Great River, and some of the more abundant fish species start to change, but don’t worry, the fishing is still excellent. You’ll catch Carp, Crappie, Catfish, and Bass, with Carp fishing gaining a lot of popularity lately, especially with anglers using fly rods.

Make sure you grab a Kentucky fishing license, and you’ll be ready to start fishing on almost all public land throughout the state. Some of the best fishing locations in the state include the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site and Columbus-Belmont State Park.

Tennessee

Catfishing in Tennessee is taken to an entirely new level, and anywhere in the 167 miles of the Mississippi River, you’ll have the opportunity to catch one of these fantastic fish. Along with Catfish, you’ll also have the opportunity to catch Paddlefish, Bullhead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. Anytime between July and November is perfect, and the Memphis Area is particularly good.

Arkansas

Although Catfish are probably the biggest target species on the section of the Mississippi River, which passes through Arkansas, Bass and Crappie aren’t far behind. If you’re looking to potentially land a record-breaking Catfish, try the junction of the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers. It’s well-known to contain the monster Flathead and Blue Catfish.

If you love catching White Bass, spring is the best season to do it as they make their way to the tributaries of the river. Early spring offers a strong Crappie bite in the slower-moving sections of the river.

Mississippi

With loads of Catfish in this section of the Great River, it’s no surprise that catfishing is the most popular activity on the river. You’ll still find plenty of other freshwater species, including Crappie, but without a doubt, it’s Catfish that gets the most attention. Tunica Lake is a fantastic location to hone your Catfish skills.

Louisiana

The most southern part of the Mississippi River, Louisianna, is extremely popular with Catfish anglers, with both Channel and Blue Catfish being the target species of choice. Almost everywhere you fish on the river will be Catfish, so choosing a spot won’t be difficult. Try your luck where the Red River joins the Mississippi or around St. Francisville.

Fishing in the Mississippi River: Map, Species, and Top Spots – Conclusion 

Hopefully, by utilizing the detailed information above in our Mississippi River fishing guide, you’ll be fully prepared to take advantage of everything this fantastic river has to offer anglers.

At Fishbox App, we’re proud to do our part in building a community of responsible anglers. Part of being a responsible angler requires you to follow local fishing rules governing size, season, and bag limits and leaving fishing areas as clean, if not cleaner, than how you find them. By being responsible anglers, we’re all ensuring that future generations of fishing enthusiasts get to experience the same, if not better, fishing opportunities.

Regardless of where you’re planning on fishing along the long stretches of the Mississippi River, the premium fish forecasting application Fishbox App will put you in the perfect position to potentially land great fish by analyzing local weather and water conditions along with input from anglers. The Fishbox App utilizes accurate weather, tide, and fishing conditions to predict the best time to get out on the water to catch your target species.

Are you experienced with the magnificent Mississippi River and keen to share some angling advice with beginners? Drop a comment below! We’d love to hear your feedback, and your tips and tricks could be just what a fellow angler needs to turn their luck around and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience fishing in the Mississippi River.