The Mississippi River is an important source of life for many living things; from its deep waters to the miles of shoreline. But what about the fishing? Is the Mississippi River considered a freshwater system or does it house saltwater fish and other sea life? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as concise as one might like.
The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota and flows 2,320 miles south, draining 41% of the continental United States before emptying into a large delta at the Gulf of Mexico. This transition between the freshwaters of the Mississippi River and the saltwaters of the Gulf of Mexico is referred to as the Mississippi Sound, and it’s an area where fishing can be tricky.
Hawkins Chalmers, an experienced fisherman and founder of River Fishing, explains: “The salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico mix with the freshwaters of the Mississippi, making this zone a habitat that supports both fresh and saltwater fish. This means that, depending on the time of year, you could be fishing for the same species that you’d find in the Gulf or in deeper parts of the Mississippi”.
But, if saltwater and freshwater species can inhabit the same area, it might raise questions on whether the river is considered a freshwater system or a saltwater system. The answer isn’t necessarily clear cut, however. While the Mississippi does eventually mix with the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico, for the majority of its length it remains a freshwater system.
Casey Hoffland, an avid fisherman with thousands of miles of experience on the Mississippi, explains “the river remains relatively fresh with only little traces of salt until you get close to the Gulf. This means that you won’t find too many species that you’d find in the ocean, but there are plenty of freshwater staples in abundance”. He adds that there are also certain parts of the river that house higher concentrations of saltwater species, such as the brackish areas near the mouth of the river. This is because the saltwater fish can survive in this mix of fresh and salty waters.
Furthermore, The Misssissippi River Departement of Fish and Wildlife released a state-wide survey in the summer of 2020 that confirmed that the majority of the fish population in the Mississippi River is actually made up of freshwater species. According to the survey, the most common species caught in the river include catfish, bass, and crappie, all of which are found in freshwater systems.
So, it’s safe to say that although the waters near the mouth of the Mississippi may contain saltwater species, the majority of its length is considered a freshwater system. This means that anglers can expect that fishing in the area will be primarily made up of species found in freshwater, such as carp and catfish.
Weather and Tides
Whether it’s onshore or offshore, the weather is always an important factor when it comes to fishing. In the case of fishing in the Mississippi River, the weather plays a huge role in determining how successful an outing will be.
According to the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River consistently experiences unpredictable weather conditions. The strong winds, hailstorms, heatwaves and cold can all impact the water temperature and clarity, which can affect the behavior of the fish.
The tides also play a part in the fishing of the Mississippi River. Tides are caused by gravity as the moon pulls on the water, creating regional differences in water levels around the world. This can make a huge difference when fishing in the Mississippi River, with tidal fluctuations allowing the water to move and fish to follow it.
The Mississippi River Department of Fish and Wildlife said that as the tides come in, more water moves into the area. This can bring in salt water fish and larger species that are not typically found in this area. Furthermore, depending on the ideal fishing conditions, the river may or may not be experiencing a bass spawning season, which will make a difference in what kinds of fish are present in the area.
Connor Smith, a fishing guide in the region, says: “the key to successful fishing in the Mississippi River is understanding the impact of the weather and tides on the area. The water can be calm and serene one day, and then tumultuous with huge waves the next. It’s really important to know what the conditions are like before heading out and adjusting your lure and tackle accordingly”.
Fishing License and Regulations
Just like with any other body of water in the United States, you need a fishing license to fish in the Mississippi River. Fishing licenses can be purchased from a variety of places, such as bait shops, sporting goods stores, and online.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks also implements a variety of regulations that anglers must adhere to when fishing in the Mississippi River. These include regulations on the size and number of fish you can keep, as well as catch-and-release guidelines and seasons. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a fine.
Karen Hanson, an official from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, explains “the regulations are important for anglers to follow, as it helps maintain a healthy fish population for future generations of fishermen to enjoy. It’s also important for anglers to be aware that different regions of the river may have different regulations, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before heading out”.
Moreover, the regulations can also influence the types of species you’re likely to find in the Mississippi River. Depending on regional regulations, certain species such as striped bass may not be allowed to be kept, while others such as white crappie may be more prevalent in certain regions.
Summary
All in all, fishing in the Mississippi River can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, provided you observe the regulations and understand how the weather and tides can affect fishing in the area. On the whole, the majority of the Mississippi River can be considered a freshwater system, meaning that most anglers can expect to find the typical freshwater species in abundance.
Tips for Fishing in the Mississippi River
Fishing the Mississippi River can be intimidating for the unfamiliar, but there are a few simple tips that can help. First, it’s important to be aware of the weather and tides, as these can have a significant influence on the fishing in the area.
Second, be sure to have a valid fishing license and familiarize yourself with the local regulations before heading out. This is critical for maintaining a healthy fish population and for avoiding costly fines. Third, pick the right bait or lure for the fish. Different species have different tastes, so be sure to do your research on what types of bait or lures they prefer. Last but not least, the Mississippi River is full of surprises, so embrace the winds and waves and simply enjoy the experience of fishing on one of the world’s most iconic rivers.
Fishing Hot Spots
The Mississippi River offers hundreds of miles of fishing opportunities, but there are a few spots that tend to stand out as particularly good fishing destinations.
For starters, the Eagle Lake in Tunica County, Mississippi is known for its excellent panfishing. The area features a deep channel, which functions as a major shipping route and provides plenty of nooks and crannies for fish to hide. It is also home to healthy populations of largemouth bass and crappie, among other species.
Another spot to consider is the Big Creek, which is known for its easy access and abundance of fish. The area features plenty of open waters, as well as areas of dense aquatic vegetation that provide shelter for bass and other species. Additionally, the backwaters of the Big Creek provide plenty of nooks and crannies for more experienced anglers to explore.
Finally, the Missouri River offers excellent fishing opportunities and is often considered a hotspot amongst experienced anglers. The area is home to a wide variety of species, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill and trout. Additionally, anglers can also find a wide range of baitfish in the Missouri River, such as shad and carp.
Equipment
The proper equipment is always important when it comes to fishing, and this is especially true with fishing in the Mississippi River. Since the Mississippi is home to a wide range of species, it’s important to be aware of the different types of bait or lures they prefer.
When it comes to lures, spinners, crankbaits and jigs can all be effective in different fishing situations. For bait, earthworms, crawfish and crickets are all good options, as are certain fish attractors like cut bait, nightcrawlers and minnows. Additionally, anglers should also consider the type of equipment they’ll need, such as a rod and reel, line, hooks and sinkers.
Finally, when fishing in the Mississippi River it’s important to be aware of the conditions and to dress appropriately. This includes wearing waterproof or water-resistant clothing, as well as comfortable shoes with a good grip for wading into the river. Additionally, it’s always important to wear a life jacket when boating or if the water is particularly deep and fast-moving.
