How to Catch Walleye in the Mississippi River

Healthy walleye populations are found in the Mississippi.

The Mississippi River is perhaps best known for its catfish, but the river also holds a strong walleye population. The walleye here tend to be relatively small, mostly between 2 and 5 pounds, with the occasional fish weighing in at 10 pounds. Walleye behave differently in rivers than in lakes, but there are a number of effective methods for catching these fish in the Mississippi. The sauger, a close relative and near-lookalike of the walleye, is also found in the Mississippi, usually in deeper water than walleye.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod and reel
• Bait and tackle
• Fishing boat
• Mississippi River map

Instructions

1. Focus on areas within one mile of locks and dams. Mississippi River walleye tend to be more plentiful in these areas. Consult a detailed river map to find out where the dams and locks are located.

2. Fish in places that have some current, but not too much. Walleye often congregate in coves and backwater areas where the current is slower. Wing dams are particularly good places to fish. These are man-made rockpiles extending out into the river, deflecting the current. Anchor your boat downstream or to the side of the wing dam and fish the area with jigs and other bottom-bumping lures.

3. Pay attention to the weather. Wind direction strongly influences walleye behavior. A gentle western wind is best. According to fishing researcher Dan Eggertsen, walleye fishing on the Mississippi practically shuts down when the wind blows from the north and east.

4. Use live bait. Crankbaits and soft plastics can be effective, but jigs tipped with live minnows are favorites of local walleye fishermen. Pink, black and chartreuse are the top jig colors. Jig size depends on the flow of the current; ...- to ¼-ounce jigs work in most situations. Mississippi River walleye are predominantly bottom-oriented, so keep your bait on or near the bottom at all times.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask around at bait shops and talk to local fishermen. No one knows the ins and outs of fishing the Mississippi River like those who have been doing it all their lives.

• The Mississippi passes through several states, and they all have their own regulations and licensing requirements. Make sure you have a valid fishing license for the state where you are fishing, and consult a river map if you aren't sure where the state lines are.

References

• Ask About Walleye Fishing: Mississippi River Walleye Fishing Tips
• Street Directory: Mississippi River Walleye Fishing Tips
• Walleye Central: Mississippi River Walleyes and Sauger
• The Best Sporting Goods Products: Tips for Targeting Mississippi River Walleye