The Mississippi River is an important source of fish and other aquatic organisms that inhabit the water. Located in the United States, the river is home to a variety of fish species, from bottom-dwellers to top-feeders, including species like bass, walleye, catfish, carp, and sturgeon. People who enjoy fishing for this variety of fish must familiarize themselves with the regulations set by the state in which they plan to fish, making sure to abide by the laws to help protect these species from overfishing and other dangers.
The most common fish in the Mississippi River are bottom feeders, like carp and catfish. These fish feed mostly on the bottom, inhaling small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom organisms. The most interesting fact about these fish is that they are in fact very alert predators, as they often find bait very easily and are capable of reaching food during low oxygen levels due to their gill structure.
Other species of fish, like the walleye, are not bottom dwellers and are more attracted by the flow of water. This species of fish, which belongs to the perch family, feeds on other fish, larvae, and insects, and is considered a game fish in the sport fishing industry. The walleye is known for its fighting power as it can be hooked and will fight for hours if it is reeled in.
Additional varieties of fish that inhabit the Mississippi River include white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake sturgeon and lake trout. White bass are predominantly found near the shorelines as they feed on minnows near the edge of the water and also on smaller fish like bluegill. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, on the other hand, typically eat larger prey and are classified as gamefish due to their size and fighting power. The lake sturgeon is a bottom feeder that is generally found in deeper water, and the lake trout is a deep-water species mainly found in the north of the river.
For those planning on fishing in the Mississippi River, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, anglers should observe the state regulations for recreational fishing and be aware that some species require special permits or restrictions. Additionally, anglers should be aware of seasonal influences in the river, as travel conditions can change and the fish may become more or less active due to differences in water temperature and current.
Before fishing in the river, it is always a good idea to consult a map to determine the stretch of water in which one is fishing. This is important as the fish in different areas may vary depending on the environmental compositions. Knowledge of the local population and their fishing habits can be gained by engaging with local fishermen and experts, and they can give additional information regarding the best fishing spots, lures, baits, etc.
Bottom Feeders
Bottom feeders are the most common type of fish found in the Mississippi River. The carp and catfish most frequently found in the river are well adapted to sifting through the river sediment with their slender, sensitive mouths. Their diet often consists of small crustaceans, insects, and other bottom-dwelling organisms, aiding in the process of filtrating nutrients from the river sediment before the water can reach the Gulf of Mexico.
Carp are omnivorous, meaning they will eat just about anything. They can be found in large schools across the river, ranging from 10 to 500 as they hunt for food on the river bottom. Catfish, on the other hand, eat mostly fish, worms, and other small bottom-dwelling creatures. They can be solitary or in small schools, depending on their species. They are opportunistic feeders, using their keen sense of smell to detect food sources and employing their bony whiskers to make their way through the murky waters of the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River also houses bottom feeders like the largemouth suckers and creek chubs. Largemouth suckers are a large species of fish, reaching up to seven inches in length. These fish are mainly scavengers that feed on detritus and algae. The creek chub is a species of minnow that inhabits medium to large streams, including those found in the Mississippi River. In comparison to other minnows, the creek chubs can grow up to seven inches in length and prefer to stay closer to the shoreline, aided by their flattened lateral line, which helps them reduce the drag of the water.
Bottom feeders are an important part of the Mississippi River ecosystem, as they help keep the environment healthy by eating smaller organisms and cleaning up the river bottom. Knowing which species of fish inhabit the river can help anglers understand which types of bait are best used to catch these fish.
Gamefish
The Mississippi River is home to a number of gamefish, which are sought after by anglers due to their size and fighting power. Species like walleye, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass are the most commonly sought after by novice and professional anglers, with walleye being among the most popular of species in the river.
Walleye are large, active predators that can be found near the shoreline or in deeper water. They use their sharp senses to detect movement and their pectoral fins to turn and maneuver quickly to catch their prey. This species of fish is favored by anglers who love the challenge of catching them, as they can be difficult to catch due to their alertness and their ability to fight when hooked.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are mainly found near shorelines and they feed mainly on small fish and invertebrates. Smallmouth bass are more active than largemouth bass and they can often be seen chasing after prey. Largemouth bass, on the other hand, are ambush predators and they prefer to wait until their prey is close enough before pouncing and tackling them. Both species have a tremendous fighting power and have become a favorite among many anglers for their size and skill.
Lake sturgeon, another gamefish that inhabits the river, is a bottom-dwelling long-lived species with a unique appearance. Found in deeper water, lake sturgeon feed mostly on clams and small fish. This species of fish is protected under state regulations, and anglers who are interested in catching one must apply for special permits.
The lake trout is the last species of gamefish that can be found in the Mississippi River. These fish are large, deep-water predators that live in the cooler northern reaches of the river. They feed mostly on other fish, larvae, and insects and can be quite difficult to catch.
Restrictions
Before taking part in recreational fishing, anglers must be aware of the regulations set by their state of residence, as well as the open seasons and the species-specific creel limits. Fishing licenses must be obtained when venturing out for a day of fishing, with different licenses for different species. For instance, catching walleye, smallmouth bass and catfish all require a freshwater fishing license, while catching larger species such as lake sturgeon and lake trout may require a special permit.
In addition to the licenses, anglers must familiarize themselves with the restrictions placed on different lures and bait, which are usually regulated by state-specific seasons. For instance, the use of live bait, such as worms and minnows, is generally prohibited during spawning periods to help protect the species from over-harvesting. It is important to be aware of these regulations in order to ensure the sustainable management of fish species in the Mississippi River.
State regulations also require that all anglers actively promote the conservation of fish species. Anglers should practice catch-and-release when fishing for trophy-sized fish or for species with limited numbers. Additionally, anglers should practice responsible fishing by avoiding the use of multiple hooks, large bait, and the indiscriminate release of fish or bait.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a rich source of aquatic life, providing homes to many species of fish. Anglers should familiarize themselves with the regulations that apply to their respective states as they fish, and also be aware of seasonal influences that can affect the fish’s activity levels in the river. Knowledge of the local population and their fishing habits can help anglers familiarize themselves with the habits of fish in the river, as well as the best spots, lures, and baits to use to catch them.
