Mississippi River Ice Fishing Charters

Mississippi River Ice Fishing Charters

Best Ice Fishing Charters in Mississippi River

Ice Fishing in Mississippi River

If you think the fishing action on the Upper Mississippi stops when temperatures drop below freezing, think again! Many anglers claim that Mississippi River ice fishing offers some of the best hard-water river fishing you can find in the US, as long as you’re careful and know where to go.
 

What to Expect

One of the first questions that comes to mind, especially when you’re talking about ice fishing on a river as big as the Mississippi, is whether it’s actually safe. While the main flow of this mighty body of water is no joke, the good news is there are plenty of small bays and backwater nooks where you can drop your line without being swept away.
 
The even better news is that in these slower-moving waters, strong ice settles in for several months, creating the ideal conditions for ice fishing. This is the time to set your sights on copious amounts of Bluegill, Crappie, and Yellow Perch, which are plentiful and very hungry. The best part is that you can land all three species in a day, sometimes even from the same hole. You can also hook Walleye and Northern Pike, though it will require more patience and experienced guidance.
 

How to Prepare

Winters in the north aren’t for the faint-hearted, so when you decide to go ice fishing, warm, layered clothes are priority number one. If you decide to explore the ice with a guide, they will usually have all the tackle and ice fishing equipment you need, and they will often drill holes for you. Some services even have ice shacks where you can stay warm until that first bite.
 
It’s up to you to dress for the occasion, get a fishing license that’s valid in the state where you’ll be fishing, and bring plenty of hot tea or coffee and food to keep you warm.
 
Mississippi River ice fishing is a diamond in the rough, but once you discover its riches, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Mississippi River
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 27,689 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Ice Fishing in Mississippi River

Strong fish you might want to lift some weights before heading out with Danny
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Strong fish you might want to lift some weights before heading out with Danny
Greg  B.
Greg B.
You don't have to go far to find the fish. Didn't seem like you could go wrong - short or long trip..
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You don't have to go far to find the fish. Didn't seem like you could go wrong - short or long trip..
Cody  G.
Cody G. Westport, ME
I take my youngest son once a year on a guided fishing trip and this was the best in our 5 years of going. The first time in gulfport though.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I take my youngest son once a year on a guided fishing trip and this was the best in our 5 years of going. The first time in gulfport though.
Curtis  C.
Curtis C. Beebe, AR
This boat and captain are the real deal,,, knowledgeable,fun, and professional
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This boat and captain are the real deal,,, knowledgeable,fun, and professional
Larry  L.  J.
Larry L. J. Stacy, MN
september was good but have to watch weather, it rained heavy on us for short period both days. you can bring a cooler to put your cut up fish in, use frozen ice paks and youโ€™ll get through TSA or put on plane as checked luggage. far cheaper than trying to ship
Excellent
5.0 / 5
september was good but have to watch weather, it rained heavy on us for short period both days. you can bring a cooler to put your cut up fish in, use frozen ice paks and youโ€™ll get through TSA or put on plane as checked luggage. far cheaper than trying to ship
James  M.
James M. Ashland, Virginia
Fish are biting this time of year. Especially if you have an experienced captain who knows the area
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish are biting this time of year. Especially if you have an experienced captain who knows the area
David  H.
David H. Saint Florian, AL
Great area of protected water with plenty of options on types of game fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great area of protected water with plenty of options on types of game fish.
James  W.
James W. Lutcher, Louisiana
Fishing morning bring long sleeve and extra outer wear. Warms up as day goes on.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing morning bring long sleeve and extra outer wear. Warms up as day goes on.
Michael  D.
Michael D. Tamarack, MN
It is HOT and the sun will try to fry you! Wear plenty of sunscreen, hydrate, and get in the shade as much as you can. Be ready for big fish that are quite a fight to pull in.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It is HOT and the sun will try to fry you! Wear plenty of sunscreen, hydrate, and get in the shade as much as you can. Be ready for big fish that are quite a fight to pull in.
Chris  B.
Chris B. Pike Road, AL
Wear layers. It can be chilly in the morning and warm in afternoon when sun comes out. Bring lots of snacks. Sunblock and shades
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear layers. It can be chilly in the morning and warm in afternoon when sun comes out. Bring lots of snacks. Sunblock and shades
ASHLEY  M.
ASHLEY M. Saint Paul, MN
Definitely! This was an afternoon trip so we were unsure if we'd catch any but we definitely did!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Definitely! This was an afternoon trip so we were unsure if we'd catch any but we definitely did!
Trina  H.
Trina H. Marshall, MN
Be sure to have someone who knows their way around and what they are doing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be sure to have someone who knows their way around and what they are doing
Diamond  D.
Diamond D. United States
This was our first time fishing on Superior. I've been to Alaska, I've been to fly in outposts in Canada... Those were Guys' trips.... This was a family friendly outing. I caught lake trout. That was my ambition. Mission accomplished. Thanks Tim!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was our first time fishing on Superior. I've been to Alaska, I've been to fly in outposts in Canada... Those were Guys' trips.... This was a family friendly outing. I caught lake trout. That was my ambition. Mission accomplished. Thanks Tim!
Jeremy  K.
Jeremy K. Fargo, ND
Make sure if itโ€™s hot there you bring plenty to drink and keep yourself hydrated.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure if itโ€™s hot there you bring plenty to drink and keep yourself hydrated.
Charlene  B.
Charlene B. Tangier, IN
It's a great place to fish, and the Bay St Louis area has many nice restaurants. Neat little town.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's a great place to fish, and the Bay St Louis area has many nice restaurants. Neat little town.
Mitchell  M.
Mitchell M. Ashland, OH
Highly recommend Captain Andrew with Blackdot Charters. We had an awesome day on the water. Caught a lot of different types of fish plus a couple stingrays and sharks.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Highly recommend Captain Andrew with Blackdot Charters. We had an awesome day on the water. Caught a lot of different types of fish plus a couple stingrays and sharks.
Stephanie  D.
Stephanie D. Diamondhead, Mississippi
Recommend going out early in the morning as it was very hot with heat index in the 100's.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Recommend going out early in the morning as it was very hot with heat index in the 100's.
Randall  R.
Randall R. Madison, AL
Sea trout are the ones that are the best to catch, red fish are better in Oct/nov
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Sea trout are the ones that are the best to catch, red fish are better in Oct/nov
Laurie  B.
Laurie B. Madison, AL
Book a trip with the Silver Dollar Charters and they will handle everything for you
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a trip with the Silver Dollar Charters and they will handle everything for you
Landon  M.
Landon M. Sarcoxie, MO
Bring plenty of fluids, wear thin long sleeve fishing shirts, bring a rag or towel. Just relax and have a great time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring plenty of fluids, wear thin long sleeve fishing shirts, bring a rag or towel. Just relax and have a great time!
Darla  M.
Darla M. United States

Top Targeted Ice Fishing Species in Mississippi River