Mississippi River Fishing Reports

[Rick]

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 8.21 feet and is expected to rise slowly over the next week.Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Walleye - Good: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and should be actively feeding. Troll three way rigs with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better; many 10+ inch fish are being reported. Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen about a foot at 16.2 feet and is expected to rise slowly and level off over the next week. Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Tailwaters are concentrating a lot of active fish right now. Walleye- Good: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and the bite is picking up in the tailwaters. Troll three way rigs with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better along the shorelines in the tailwaters; many 10+ inch fish are being reported. Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up in the tailwaters as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen about a foot at 7.7 feet is expected to rise slowly over the next week. Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Tailwaters are concentrating a lot of active fish right now.  Walleye - Fair: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and the bite is picking up in the tailwaters. Troll three way rigs with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better along the shorelines in the tailwaters; many 10+ inch fish are being reported.  Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up in the tailwaters as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are slowly starting to rise as the spring thaw continues. Most backwater areas are now free of ice with water temperatures slowly climbing into the lower 40's. Spring fishing is starting to get better as water temperatures warm up.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are rising and are 7.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and the RR bridge is 9.7 feet. The water will continue to rise this upcoming week. The channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. Yellow Perch - Good: Several reports scattered around the pool, but mostly from the tailwater. Northern Pike - Fair: More reports of northern pike being picked up by tailwater anglers. Some of the melted backwaters also may see some pike angling. Walleye - Good: Some scattered reports of walleyes being taken in the tailwaters and more along wing dams. Some nice slot fish are being are being seen every week. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 7.9 feet and are rising. Both Bellevue City ramp and the DNR ramp are open, but no courtesy dock available yet at the DNR ramp. Paddlefish season is now underway. Please review the Paddlefishing regulations. The channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch of all sizes are being caught in the tailwaters.  Paddlefish - Slow: Some paddlefish were caught early; now only an occasional fish is reported. Sauger - Good: Hit or miss. Some good reports of nice sauger. Most are being taken on minnow rigs. Walleye – Good: Nice slot fish still being reported.  Minnow and jig or pulling crank baits are the most popular strategies. Northern Pike - Fair: Tailwater anglers report catching a few northern pike. They will be preparing to spawn soon. They are a little late in spawning this year and as of yet have not spent their eggs. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are 7.8 feet at Fulton, 10.8 feet at Camanche and 5.7 feet at LeClaire. This is up a bit from last week.  The water temperature is around 42 degrees.
Paddlefish season season is underway;  please review the Paddlefishing regulations. Ramps are open and ready for use. Paddlefish - Slow: Good fishing seen early in the season; it has slowed greatly. Sauger - Fair: Lots of good reports mixed with some anglers having troubles catching sauger. Most anglers are using minnow rigs. Walleye - Fair: Not many being caught, but reports of some very nice sized fish. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are falling and are 8.8 feet at Rock Island. This is up from last week; conditions should remain favorable for angling this week. 

River levels are rising slowly throughout the district. Water levels are still very conducive to angling! Some ice is still reported in Pool 12 in a few backwaters. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.05 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising. Tailwater fishing is being reported as slow. Sauger - Slow: A few saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits. Black Crappie - Slow: Fishing has been slow in Sunset Marina for crappies. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.87 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers is being reported as slow. Sauger - Slow: Try fishing with jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs and stick baits. White Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in Big Timber. Try fishing with minnows or plastics around brush piles. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.45 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.17 feet at Lock and Dam 19 above Burlington and is rising. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.  

River stages have been on the rise the past few days with the recent rains and snow melt. Main channel water temperature is around 42 degrees. Tailwater fishing has been reported as being slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 11.7 feet with a very gradual fall. Water temperature is near 81 degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to water over the road. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot construction is expected to start July 30 and the ramp will be closed through October. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleye are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning. Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees; use a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 620.5 feet at Lynxville and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 81 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp still has water over the road. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning. Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 11.4 feet at Guttenberg and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 75 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Guttenberg south ramp is now open. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning.Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River levels remain high with only a slight downward trend. Many ramps have reopened. Be aware of floating flood debris. Water temperature is in the upper 70's to 80's. Fish have been elusive in the high water, but clarity has improved this week. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are near 11 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and near 13 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity is improving. The water temperature is around 81 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: In flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along the edge of flooding water. White Bass - Good: Looks for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evening hours. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill have finally returned to angler creels. Try bobber and worms in clearer backwater areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 12.5 feet at Bellevue and is receding. Expect a small drop in levels this upcoming week. Smaller boat ramps still have water and debris on them. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. The water is turbid, but is clearing up. The channel water temperature is around 81 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both largemouth and smallmouth are being caught. Most are feeding along the flooding edge. Use a bright colored spinner in the turbid water. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are receding throughout Pool 14; expect it to continue to continue to recede. Presently levels are near 12 feet near Fulton, 14.2 feet at Camanche and 8.4 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Water clarity is poor, but is improving. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are receding in Pool 15. Most smaller boat ramps have debris on them, but most are useable. Presently the water is 12 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is poor, but is improving. The water temperature is near 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in flooded conditions. Drum will use freshly washed in food in newly flooded habitats. 

Water levels are high, but are receding slowly; we are out of flood stages throughout the district. Boat ramps are getting back in working order, but some are still under water. Water clarity is fair. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.38 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The docks are being reported as in at the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport. The Fairport Recreation Area has a dock in at the upper ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught in Sunset Marina on stinkbait. Try also above brush piles and snags in the back channels. Walleye - Fair: Reports of some walleyes being caught trolling between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. Try fishing on the wingdams along Credit Island with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.48 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Big Timber is closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above snag piles along the side channels and main channel with stinkbait or shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams; use crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits by GPC can work, too. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with pieces of worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.87 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. The gates are still out of the water at the dam. Flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel for catfish; use stinkbait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 8.22 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level is 13.34 feet at Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level at Fort Madison is 527.02 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel; use stinkbait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. 

River stages are still high, but have been falling. Fishing is being reported as slow. Main channel water temperature is around 82 degrees. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062

[Rick]

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS - IOWA BORDER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8 feet at Lansing. Avoid ice on shoreline edges and areas of current. Fish deep cuts above the Lansing bridge or in Shore Slough. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts;  use larger active minnows. Black Crappie - Fair: Use glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 15.6 feet at Lynxville and is stable. Heavy snow cover is insulating the ice. Avoid areas of current and shorelines. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 7.3 feet at Guttenberg. Ramps are frozen over at the dam. The bite is slow, but some nice perch are biting in Zollicoffer at Mud Lake near Dubuque. Avoid the springs and creek areas walking in as ice may be thin. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Fish are becoming more active with the longer days. The Upper Mississippi River levels have fallen this week; look for levels to rise as snow-melt occurs. Heavy snow cover is insulating the ice and slush is forming with warmer daytime temperatures. Ice depth is 12 to 14 inches. Avoid ice in areas with springs and any current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are are 6.9 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.4 feet at the RR bridge. This is down from last week and is expected to be stable this week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs with waxworms. Usually late winter bluegill fishing picks up quite a bit. Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on waxworms. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are 7.8 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 34 degrees. The Bellevue City boat ramp is open at times, but ice chucks are often present.The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - No Report: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are often reported at Sabula and Browns lakes. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Bluegill - Fair: Late winter is usually when the bluegill bite really picks up. Paddlefish - Fair: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 6.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.6 feet at Camanche and 5.5 feet at LeClaire. Expect levels to be stable. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Fair: Use a jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows. Poor weather conditions have limited fishing activity. Bluegill - No Report:  Anglers are fishing all the usual spots, Joyces Lake Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. Yellow Perch - No Report: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.3 feet and is excepted to stabilize. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

The tailwater are starting to open up a bit. Floating ice is an issue at most ramps. Ice fishing is going on throughout the district at the normal locations. When weather is nice, we have lots of anglers out. Water levels are dropping throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.29 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. As of March 7th, the Marquette St ramp is open, but there is some ice at the bottom of the ramp that could make launching boats difficult. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger. Ramp and main channel conditions may change with rain and warm temperatures in the forecast. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports this week.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.44 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has been rising. As of March 7th, there is some floating ice at the boat launch in Muscatine. There is also a lip of ice at the bottom of the ramp that could make launching a boat difficult. The parking lot in Big Timber is open, but use caution as the road and parking lot are ice covered. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. There could be unsafe ice conditions with fluctuating river levels.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.35 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. The Toolsboro ramp is still closed. The fluctuating river levels could create unsafe ice conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been rising. We have not received any reports if boat ramps or the main channel are open. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. The fluctuating river levels could create unsafe ice conditions.

River stages have been rising since Monday. There is some rain and warm temperatures in the forecast that could cause the river to raise more. Rising river levels could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS - IOWA Wisconsin & Illinois

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level has risen to 16 feet at Lansing is predicted to remain there this week. Water temperature is 61 degrees.Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial baits in the flooded shorelines in areas out of the current. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use light tackle fished in the flooded trees. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Use light tackle tipped with a small piece of worm in areas away from current. Northern Pike - Good: Try artificial baits attached to a leader in backwaters with clearer water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are feeding just before the spawn. Try golden shiners or small bluegill on heavy tackle in deep channel areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom along main channel borders. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is has risen to 26.2 feet at Lynxville with a slight rise before leveling off this week. Sny Magill ramp is still closed. Water temperature is 62 degrees. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial baits in the flooded shorelines in areas out of the current. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow or a hair jig in side channels. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Use light tackle tipped with a small piece of worm in areas away from current. Northern Pike - Good: Try artificial baits attached to a leader in backwaters with clearer water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are feeding just before the spawn. Try golden shiners or small bluegill on heavy tackle in deep channel areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom along main channel borders. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level has risen to 17.4 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to remain at this level for some time. Water temperature is 58 degrees. City ramp and Mud Lake and Finley ramps are still closed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial baits in the flooded shorelines in areas out of the current. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow or a hair jig in side channels. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Use light tackle tipped with a small piece of worm in areas away from current. Northern Pike - Fair: Try artificial baits attached to a leader in backwaters with clearer water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are feeding just before the spawn. Try golden shiners or small bluegill on heavy tackle in deep channel areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom along main channel borders. 

Upper Mississippi River levels will rise slightly before cresting this week due to recent heavy rainfall. Levels will remain high throughout the week. Many boat ramps are still under water and covered in flood debris. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Fishing has picked up this week with warmer water temperatures. Water clarity is reduced. Water temperature is near 61 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are expected to crest before leveling off this week. Levels are 18.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 20.4 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 64 degrees. Many boat ramps still have flood debris on them. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northern pike are being caught on flashy lures along the flooded shoreline edges. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish bite is best in flooded conditions. Fish near bank with stink bait or worms.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is rising and is 18.3 feet at Lock and Dam 12 and predicted to crest this week, but will remain high. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 64 degrees. Most boat ramps are closed or have debris on them, but the Bellevue City Ramp is back open. Northern Pike - Good: Northerns are biting on flashy lures fished along the shoreline edges. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank. Largemouth Bass - Good: Deep clear flooded areas like Spring Lake have been good. Green Island wildlife area might also hold some bass this year. Walleye - Good: Even in flooded conditions, some walleye are being caught.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are near 18.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 19.8 feet at Camanche and 13.5 feet at LeClaire. Levels are predicted to rise about a foot before leveling off. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 64 degrees. Many boat ramps will have flood debris on them. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are rising and are near 19.6 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 64 degrees. Boat ramps are flooded or will have debris on them. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Some flooding is still occurring throughout the district; many boat ramps are closed or will have debris on them. Water levels are predicted to rise again before cresting this week. Levels will remain high this week. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 20.02 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and forecast to reach 21 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Davenport. River stage is 21.04 feet at Fairport and flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp in Davenport is closed. Clark's Ferry, Shady Creek, and the Fairport Recreational Area boat ramps are under water.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 20.71 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and forecast to reach 22.2 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 22.50 feet at Muscatine and flood stage is 16 feet. The ramps at Muscatine are closed due to high water. Kilpeck and Big Timber boat ramps are also closed. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool due to the high water.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 22.38 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and forecast to reach 23.4 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 21.02 feet at Keithsburg and flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The hawkeye dolbee access is also under water. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week due to the high water.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 18.8 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and forecast to reach 19.5 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 23.04 feet at Burlington and flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 533.24 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week due to the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19 have been on the rise. River levels are above major flood stage. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. Main channel water clarity is poor. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS IOWA ILLINOIS WISCONSIN MINNESOTA

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen to 9.3 feet and is predicted to reach 9.5 feet before leveling off. Water temperature is 74 degrees. New Albin Army road is reopened. Hwy 82, Lansing Bridge is closed until June 15th. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits near the dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use a lure with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawing. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 18.5 feet at Lyxnville and is expected to reach 19.6 feet. Water temperature is 75 degrees. Sny Magill access is underwater. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits near the dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use lures with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Some shovelnose are being picked up using a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas.  Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 10.7 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to reach 11.6 feet this week. Water temperature is near 70 degrees. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits near the dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use lures with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Upper Mississippi River levels are predicted to rise this week. Heavy rains have reduced water clarity. Look for the clearer water in backwater sloughs/ lakes. Many fish species are spawning and actively feeding with the water temperatures over 70 degrees. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin waters of Pools 9-12. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be released immediately. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily harvest limit of 6 and possession of 12.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level at the Dubuque Lock and Dam is rising and is near 10.1 feet; levels are 12.2 feet at the RR bridge.Water temperature is around 77 degrees. The water clarity is fair. Northern Pike - Excellent: Flashy spinners in warm sun filled waters might trigger these predators. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on beds. Try a simple bobber and worms. White Crappie - Fair: Crappie are reported out of marina areas and backwaters. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Cut bait is still producing nice channel catfish. Some catfish have started to move along the rock lines to prepare for spawning. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females remain a little elusive since they are done spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 11.5 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is rising. The water temperature is 77 degrees. Pleasant Creek Boat ramp is available to use. Water has receded off the boat ramp at Bellevue, but it is still difficult to launch from that ramp.   Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some cats have moved along rock lines and in flooded grass lines to prepare to spawn. White Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being picked up in backwater areas near dead falls. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try flashy spinners fished along old weed edges and rock shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females are a little elusive since they are done spawning. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill nests can be seen along shorelines in the backwater areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught by walleye anglers jigging in the tailwaters or by anglers who are targeting fish with live fish for bait. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being reported near locations where the wing dams meet the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 11.3 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 13.8 feet at Camanche and 8.3 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature has risen to 77 degrees. The water is turbid. The Corps of Engineers boat ramp at Cattail Slough may still be closed due to high water and debris. Walleye - Fair: Angler are finding some walleyes on wing dams near shore with crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try cut bait in moderate current areas. Look for channel cats to move along the rock lines when spawning gets closer. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good:Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females are a little elusive since they are done spawning. Northern Pike - Good: Use flashy spinners along backwater shorelines or in the tailwaters for this aggressive fish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try large live bait to catch big flathead catfish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds.  Fish along the weed lines or in pockets of vegetation.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 12.5 feet at Rock Island and is stable. The water temperature is around 72 degrees; water is turbid with recent rains. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel cats are readily biting on cut bait and prepared baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around brush piles or in the tailwater area.

Water level is stable to rising in most locations. There may be some minor debris on boat ramps after recent floods. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage is 11.8 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is forecast to rise. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 12.9 feet by Saturday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. River stage is 12.49 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 11.52 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to rise.  Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage is 13.39 feet at Muscatine. Flood stage is 16 feet at Muscatine. The gates are out of the water at the dam. The ramps at Big Timber and Kilpeck are closed due to high water. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 13.81 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to reach 14.4 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 13.67 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. The gates are out of the water at the dam. Toolsboro ramp is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will most likely have water over it. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 10.4 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is starting to rise. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 11 feet by the end of the weekend. The gates are out of the water at the dam. River stage is 15.49 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 528.29 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing reports or ramp condition reports for this pool.

River stages had been falling this past week, but are forecast to start rising due to recent heavy rains. Some boat ramps will be underwater. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temperature is around 74 degrees. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.