For information about the Mississippi River in Wisconsin where it shares an opposite shoreline with Minnesota refer to the Minnesota Mississippi River page for further information. This page will include that portion of the river which shares a border with the state of Iowa. I have not detailed any trips for this portion of the river as this site covers the northern part of Wisconsin, however I do include information that may be helpful in planning your own angling trip on this river. Detailed trips may be added at a later date.
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, flowing 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. In Wisconsin, the river has numerous locks and dams which can make the river resemble a large lake with its width.
River miles (RM) are counted upstream from the Mississippi’s confluence with the Ohio River, according to a system developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (R) and (L) on river mile markers represents right and left when facing downstream.
Many segments of this river can be viewed in Google Maps street view as some creative canoeists have taken GPS located photographs of their voyage down much of the Mississippi. This is a very useful tool in seeing portions of the river before you paddle it.
The Upper Mississippi River is home to over 119 species of fish - that is more species than found in any of Wisconsin’s inland lakes. Favorite sport fish for anglers include walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill, and crappies.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a great website that provides an overall map of the Mississippi River that borders the State of Wisconsin. In addition, they have detailed maps for each specific pool of the river. See the Location Map to verify map coverage.
These maps provide location of landing, channels, locks, dams, etc.
Fishing on the Mississippi? Check the Latest Water Levels and Forecasts on the NOAA website.
USGS 05378490 MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT LOCK AND DAM 5A NR WINONA, MN
USGS 05378500 MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT WINONA, MN
USGS 05386400 MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT BROWNSVILLE, MN
USGS 05389500 Mississippi River at McGregor, IA
USGS 05411500 Mississippi River at Clayton, IA
Locations in Winona, Wabasha, and Red Wing, MN; 651-955-5222. Guided kayak tours in the Mississippi backwaters from Winona to Red Wing. Natural education within backwater ecosystems. ACA certified professional guides and outdoor educators. Can accommodate up to 20 people. Also serves the Zumbro and Whitewater Rivers.
W6488 County Road Gi, Stoddard, WI 54658; 608-788-7018. Canoe rental only. Mississippi backwater route. Twelve canoes available; five flat bottoms. Kayaks also available.
The portion of the river above the Minnesota/Iowa border which shares a shoreline with Wisconsin will be covered under the Mississippi River page in the Minnesota section of this website.
Lower Mississippi River
Fishing on the Mississippi River can be a very different environment than other rivers you may have fished. It can be vast, swift, and become very busy with commercial and recreational watercraft all vying for its use and pleasures. While the river can boast of some great fishing, all the way from its headwaters to the wide lower pools, the river angler should become well acquainted with the laws and regulations which govern this river and be well versed in water safety.
The Minnesota DNR has published a river guide to boating the Mississippi River between Hastings and the Iowa border which is packed with information about the river in this area. While the guide is intended for a specific area the information contained within it can be applied to other parts of the Mississippi River also. This guide is intended to assist boaters on the river and to promote safe and enjoyable use of the resource. The guide contains detailed maps of the river and includes frequently requested information on boating facilities, safety aspects and hazards specific to the Mississippi River. Before venturing out on this river, especially in areas of high boat traffic, take some time to read and become familiar with river traffic and safety. This is especially true in areas of the locks and dams in this area.
Since the lower Mississippi River can be a very vast and busy river to fish it can be difficult and dangerous to do so in a canoe or kayak. A boat perhaps is better suited for exploring this portion of the river. However, there are many backwater sloughs that can also be great fishing and perhaps more safe for canoes or kayak angling.
Special rules, regulations and agreements apply when fishing the Mississippi River. Reciprocity agreements between Wisconsin and the states of Iowa and Minnesota allow a person to fish the boundary waters on the Mississippi River providing they have a valid fishing license from one of the adjacent states. The boundary waters area is defined by the railroad tracks that parallel both sides of the river. However residents must possess a resident license when fishing in their own states boundary waters. Regulations between Wisconsin and the other states differ so anglers must obey the regulations in the state they are fishing.
At this time I have not included any river floats for this lower part of the river, however many float and fishing opportunities do exist. Refer to the maps in the river guide for information on river access on this portion of the river and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Location Map for detailed maps of the river pools to help you plan your fishing trips in this area.
Detailed trips may be added at a later date.