With thousands of miles to explore and hundreds of fish to target, the vast and bountiful Mississippi River is a must-see destination for freshwater anglers. If you’re coming to this impressive body of water for the first time, book a trip with one of many Mississippi River fishing guides to make sure you find the best bite.
Top Catches and Where to Find Them
The Mississippi River is a border between 10 different states, from its source in Minnesota all the way to Louisiana. With over 2,300 miles and endless fishing spots to check out, the “Father of Waters” is a never-ending source of solid freshwater fishing.
There are well over 100 species swimming in these murky waters, and depending on where you decide to cast your line, you could catch a wide array of them. Walleye, Sauger, Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Crappie are the most common catches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.
Missouri, Tennessee and further south, Arkansas and Mississippi, is where Catfish take center stage, and the lower Mississippi River is where you go to target monster Mudcats. Blue, Channel, and Flathead Catfish are the most popular on the menu, and they come in trophy sizes, especially if you’re looking for a new personal record and you’ve got an experienced guide by your side.
What to Expect on a Mississippi River Fishing Trip
All along the river, there are thousands of local guides who have spent most of their lives fishing the mighty Mississippi, and they know what they’re doing. When you book a trip with them, be it from the shore or from a boat, they’ll do their best to find some good fish for you. Whether you’re looking to fill your cooler with delicious fish or hook something brag-worthy, there’s a guide on the river that can make it happen.
There’s usually a variety of trips on offer, and half day and full day expeditions are by far the most popular. This means that you can come with your family and spend 4–5 hours on the water catching your lunch. Book an eight-hour trip if you’re aiming to come face-to-gills with something formidable, such as a monster Mudcat.
What to Bring
Because the Mississippi River is so big, preparing for your trip depends heavily on where you plan to launch. It’s always a good idea to talk to your guide beforehand so you can confirm what you need to bring.
More often than not, you’ll need to buy a state fishing license before coming aboard (be sure you have a license that’s valid in whichever state waters you’re fishing). Mississippi River fishing guides usually provide all the necessary fishing gear and a boat, and sometimes provide pickup service. If you’re going on longer trips, don’t forget your favorite drinks and food, and be sure to dress properly for the time of the year.
Go fishing on the “Old Man River,” find out more about its incredible history, and get a taste of the superb fishing this impressive watershed has to offer!