Mississippi River Ice Fishing Charters

1 Fishing Charters

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
4.6 / 5
Based on 29,146 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Ice Fishing in Mississippi River

Definitely book with the fish trap. October is the end of the season but Dustin know the area and where the fish are.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely book with the fish trap. October is the end of the season but Dustin know the area and where the fish are.
Navigator Fishing Charters LLC
Navigator Fishing Charters LLC
You might need long pants and light jacket early in October but it warmed up and was beautiful later in the day. Be mindful of weather and dress accordingly.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You might need long pants and light jacket early in October but it warmed up and was beautiful later in the day. Be mindful of weather and dress accordingly.
Blackdot Charters
Blackdot Charters
Amazing experience with Captain Chris and his deckhand (canโ€™t remember his name) the weather can be unpredictable. Cool one minute and hot the next. Just pack a sweater or light jacket to be able to take off.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Amazing experience with Captain Chris and his deckhand (canโ€™t remember his name) the weather can be unpredictable. Cool one minute and hot the next. Just pack a sweater or light jacket to be able to take off.
Dailey Charters
Dailey Charters
Ben was the greatest Cpt and Luke was awesome. They exceeded my expectations and we cant wait to go back with other family members.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ben was the greatest Cpt and Luke was awesome. They exceeded my expectations and we cant wait to go back with other family members.
Captain Ben's Charters LLC
Captain Ben's Charters LLC
I think the Gulf Coast has amazing fishing, Especially if youโ€™re on the water, youโ€™re always gonna reel something up.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I think the Gulf Coast has amazing fishing, Especially if youโ€™re on the water, youโ€™re always gonna reel something up.
Leo's Fish'n Charters
Leo's Fish'n Charters
Ask questions as the captain was great about communication about that to expect and and needs you have
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ask questions as the captain was great about communication about that to expect and and needs you have
Captain Ben's Charters LLC
Captain Ben's Charters LLC
Beautiful sunrise..excellent guide and crew...caught the limit. Don't miss out you have to try this on Lake Superior!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Beautiful sunrise..excellent guide and crew...caught the limit. Don't miss out you have to try this on Lake Superior!!
Happy Hooker Charters โ€“
Happy Hooker Charters โ€“ "Aluminauti"
Go with Hammer Time Charter. Captain Mike is so friendly & will do everything he can to see that you have the best experience possible.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Go with Hammer Time Charter. Captain Mike is so friendly & will do everything he can to see that you have the best experience possible.
Hammer Time Charters
Hammer Time Charters
Just book your trip with Reel Therapy Fishing and enjoy. Remember the Captain knows more than you so listen to him and have a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just book your trip with Reel Therapy Fishing and enjoy. Remember the Captain knows more than you so listen to him and have a great time.
Reel Therapy Fishing Charters
Reel Therapy Fishing Charters
Book an afternoon trip to see the most beautiful sunset as you are pulling back into docks.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book an afternoon trip to see the most beautiful sunset as you are pulling back into docks.
Borderline Adventures LLC
Borderline Adventures LLC
Leave it all to Captain Chris โ€ฆ He will make sure your trip is unforgettable !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Leave it all to Captain Chris โ€ฆ He will make sure your trip is unforgettable !
Dailey Charters
Dailey Charters
You will not be disappointed if you go with Happy Hooker Charters! Very professional and knowledgeable!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You will not be disappointed if you go with Happy Hooker Charters! Very professional and knowledgeable!
Happy Hooker Charters โ€“
Happy Hooker Charters โ€“ "Aluminauti"
Be ready to fish. Listen to what he has to say and you will catch the fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready to fish. Listen to what he has to say and you will catch the fish!
Lazee Daze Charters, LLC โ€“ Bay St Louis
Lazee Daze Charters, LLC โ€“ Bay St Louis
Yes! Great guidance from the captain (Andrew). He knew exactly where the fish were, and we caught fish on the first cast in every location we went to.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes! Great guidance from the captain (Andrew). He knew exactly where the fish were, and we caught fish on the first cast in every location we went to.
Blackdot Charters
Blackdot Charters
Take Dramamine as a precaution. It helps for sure. Never had a problem and that might be why.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take Dramamine as a precaution. It helps for sure. Never had a problem and that might be why.
Big Fish Charters
Big Fish Charters
This is a must, kids, anyone in general, very great personality!! Very nice equipment, great guide, will make sure you get fish in the boat!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is a must, kids, anyone in general, very great personality!! Very nice equipment, great guide, will make sure you get fish in the boat!
3 Pound Fishing Guide Service โ€“ Lake of Egypt
3 Pound Fishing Guide Service โ€“ Lake of Egypt
Spring and summer fishing on Superior may lend itself to catching more species.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Spring and summer fishing on Superior may lend itself to catching more species.
Chasin' Tail Charters MN
Chasin' Tail Charters MN
100%, will be posted on our social media and recommend to any friends/family that are looking for a unique experience! It was amazing!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
100%, will be posted on our social media and recommend to any friends/family that are looking for a unique experience! It was amazing!!!
Borderline Adventures LLC
Borderline Adventures LLC
Not every day is a โ€˜high fish dayโ€™. Donโ€™t blame anyone if youโ€™re not catching fish. Going fishing and catching fish are two different things. Be prepared that fishing can be slow, but still make it an enjoyable trip. Relax, enjoy the scenery and the fact that youโ€™re on the water, and have good conversation. Laugh a lot. Then, if youโ€™re catching fish, and itโ€™s a good โ€˜catchingโ€™ day, thatโ€™s a terrific bonus. Be prepared for weather changes.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not every day is a โ€˜high fish dayโ€™. Donโ€™t blame anyone if youโ€™re not catching fish. Going fishing and catching fish are two different things. Be prepared that fishing can be slow, but still make it an enjoyable trip. Relax, enjoy the scenery and the fact that youโ€™re on the water, and have good conversation. Laugh a lot. Then, if youโ€™re catching fish, and itโ€™s a good โ€˜catchingโ€™ day, thatโ€™s a terrific bonus. Be prepared for weather changes.
Chasin' Tail Charters MN
Chasin' Tail Charters MN
It's Lake Superior and Northern Minnesota. Those 2 in combination can create interesting weather at any time. Bring enough clothes to add or subtract as the temps and the wind require. Take some Dramamine with as well if you have a sensitive tummy to waves or if you've not been in big water before. Better safe than sorry
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's Lake Superior and Northern Minnesota. Those 2 in combination can create interesting weather at any time. Bring enough clothes to add or subtract as the temps and the wind require. Take some Dramamine with as well if you have a sensitive tummy to waves or if you've not been in big water before. Better safe than sorry
Looper Charters Lake Superior
Looper Charters Lake Superior

Top Targeted Ice Fishing Species in Mississippi River