Damn Good River Fishing Guides In The Mississippi River

The best river fishing trips in the Mississippi River are:

• SouthernCats Guide Service guided by Mike M.
• 2 Rivers Fly Fishing guided by Micah M.
• Strip Set Fly guided by Troy S.
• Jean Lafitte Harbor Charters guided by Shaw C.
• Waters Edge Fly Fishing guided by Mitchell B.

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 6 river trips in the Mississippi River, and the most popular trips in the area are Tennessee River Catfishing guided by Mike, Smallmouth Fly Fishing Trips guided by Mitchell, and Fly Fishing Central Minnesota guided by Troy.

Our guides in the Mississippi River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 8293 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly river guides / fishing lessons in the Mississippi River? Check out our beginner and family friendly river guides in the Mississippi River.

The most commonly sought after species for river fishing are: 1. smallmouth bass, 2. flounder, 3. redfish, 4. speckled trout, and 5. black drum.

The most common fishing techniques in the Mississippi River are drift fishing, light tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but cut bait fishing and fly fishing are popular as well.

Prices for river fishing in the Mississippi River can range anywhere from about $400 to $2,625, but the average price for a half day trip for river fishing in the Mississippi River is $1,319. The average price for a full day trip for river fishing in the Mississippi River is $908.

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

The most popular season for river fishing in the Mississippi River is spring, and most anglers book their trips 37 days in advance.

See here for more information on fishing licenses in the Mississippi River, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in the Mississippi River. When in doubt, your guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in the Mississippi River.

River fishing on the Mississippi River offers anglers a vast and diverse fishing experience across several states, from Minnesota down through Louisiana. This iconic river is renowned for its rich biodiversity and the variety of fish species it supports. Anglers can target a wide range of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, northern pike, and various species of panfish. Each section of the river offers unique challenges and rewards, making it a favorite destination for both recreational and competitive fishing.

One of the key attractions of fishing on the Mississippi River is the opportunity to catch trophy-sized catfish. Channels and blue catfish are particularly abundant in deeper parts of the river, where anglers use bottom rigs baited with cut bait, stink bait, or live baitfish to attract these large, bottom-dwelling fish. Flathead catfish, known for their size and strength, are another prized catch that draws anglers seeking a thrilling fight.

For bass fishing enthusiasts, both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in various stretches of the Mississippi River. Largemouth bass are typically found in slower-moving sections with plenty of cover such as submerged logs, weed beds, and backwater areas. Anglers often use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms to entice these predatory fish. Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, prefer faster currents and rocky bottoms, making them a challenging but rewarding target for anglers who enjoy river fishing techniques like casting jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures. Whether fishing from a boat or the shore, the Mississippi River offers endless opportunities for anglers to explore its waters and reel in some impressive catches.

River fishing seasons on the Mississippi River vary throughout its expansive length, spanning several states and offering diverse fishing opportunities. Spring is a prime season for fishing on the Mississippi River as water temperatures rise and fish become more active. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are particularly active during this time, moving into shallower waters to spawn and feed. Anglers often target bass using a variety of techniques such as casting crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics around submerged structures and shoreline cover. Spring also marks the beginning of catfish season, with channels, blues, and flatheads becoming more active as they move into shallower areas to feed.

Summer on the Mississippi River brings warmer temperatures and longer days, prompting fish to seek cooler, deeper waters during the heat of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times to fish when temperatures are more comfortable and fish are actively feeding. Catfish remain a popular target during summer, with anglers using bottom rigs baited with cut bait, stink bait, or live baitfish to attract these large, bottom-dwelling fish. Bass fishing can still be productive in early mornings and late evenings, especially around structures and areas with moving water.

Fall offers another peak season for fishing on the Mississippi River as water temperatures begin to cool and fish become more active in preparation for winter. Bass fishing remains productive as fish feed heavily to build up their reserves for the colder months ahead. Anglers may find success using a variety of lures and techniques tailored to the changing behavior of bass in cooler water. Catfish continue to be a popular target, particularly in deeper holes and channels where they congregate. As the weather cools, panfish such as crappie and bluegill also become more active, providing anglers with additional opportunities to enjoy fishing on the Mississippi River before winter sets in.

River fishing on the Mississippi River offers anglers a wide range of types and techniques tailored to various fish species and fishing preferences. One popular method is bass fishing, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass abundant throughout different sections of the river. Anglers often use techniques such as casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms around submerged structures, weed beds, and current breaks to entice these predatory fish. Smallmouth bass, known for their strong fights and preference for rocky bottoms and faster currents, are particularly sought after by anglers who enjoy the challenge of river fishing.

Catfish are another prominent target species on the Mississippi River, offering year-round fishing opportunities. Channels, blues, and flatheads can be caught using bottom fishing techniques with cut bait, stink bait, or live baitfish. Anglers typically target deeper holes, channel edges, and submerged structures where catfish congregate. Night fishing can be particularly productive as catfish are more active in low light conditions. The Mississippi River's catfish provide a thrilling challenge and are often sought after for their size and delicious flesh.

Panfish such as crappie and bluegill are also popular targets for anglers fishing the Mississippi River. Crappie, in particular, can be found around submerged brush piles, bridge pilings, and other structures where they school in large numbers. Anglers often use small jigs or live minnows suspended at varying depths to target these tasty panfish. Bluegill, known for their willingness to bite and family-friendly fishing experience, can be caught using small hooks baited with worms or small jigs. Whether fishing from the shoreline, a boat, or even from a kayak, the Mississippi River offers ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy a variety of fishing techniques amidst its scenic landscapes and diverse fish populations.

When river fishing on the Mississippi River, anglers have a wealth of fish species to target, each offering unique challenges and rewards throughout the seasons. Largemouth bass are a prized catch, particularly in the river's slower-moving sections where they seek out submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and other structures. Spring and fall are optimal seasons for bass fishing as these fish become more active during their spawning and feeding periods. Anglers often use a variety of techniques such as casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics to entice largemouth bass in these habitats.

Catfish are another popular species to catch on the Mississippi River, providing year-round fishing opportunities. Channels, blues, and flatheads can be found throughout the river, often lurking in deeper holes, creek channels, and near submerged logs. Bottom fishing with cut bait, stink bait, or live baitfish is a common and effective technique for targeting these bottom-dwelling fish. Catfish are known for their size and strong fights, making them a favorite among anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience.

Panfish such as crappie and bluegill also thrive in the Mississippi River, offering enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages. Crappie, in particular, can be found around submerged structures and bridge pilings, especially during the cooler months of fall and winter when they move into shallower waters to feed. Anglers typically use small jigs or live minnows to target these schooling fish. Bluegill, known for their willingness to bite and accessible fishing spots, can be caught using small hooks baited with worms or small jigs around shoreline vegetation and structures. Whether fishing from the shore or a boat, the Mississippi River provides ample opportunities for anglers to pursue a variety of fish species in its expansive and diverse waters.