Mississippi River Walleyes - Part 1

Mississippi River Seasonal Changes

When traveling on highways across America, many rivers are crossed over, especially the "Mighty Mississippi". Depending on the time of year, even a novice angler can distinguish among this mighty river's normal water conditions, low water condition and high water stage. It seems like conditions really never stay the same for very long when it comes to this river. Walleyes like stable, non-fluctuating water levels and weather conditions, in fact, so do fishermen. Walleyes aren't as hard to catch in these stable conditions. For avid walleye fishermen, especially when fishing the Mississippi River, changing conditions always seem to be around the next bend.

Walleye anglers will always prefer low, stable water conditions, because here the water is clearer and their favorite fishing hole is probably where many walleyes will concentrate. Increased water levels on this river will turn stable fishing conditions into non-productive fishing efforts overnight. Unless you know how to adjust under these conditions, you won't catch many eyes. So, how do you adjust under a high water condition? Move your presentations into shallow water areas. Rising water will often set off a feeding frenzy into shallow areas into which abundant food is washed. A slight amount of current next to slack water is the key area in which to concentrate. Remember that walleyes will always be on the feed, unless the level of the river drops dramatically. In this case go to the deep holes and pursue them with a showier presentation. These fish, during this condition, will not be feeding aggressively. So slow it down and make them mad enough to strike at your bait dangling in their face.

On the Mississippi River, whether it's late winter pre spawn fishing, spawning season or post-spawn, walleyes can be found and caught. You must, however, adjust your game plan according to the river's conditions. This river will keep on producing walleyes when a typical cold front pushes through. It seems that cold fronts affect lakes more so than they do this river. A good bet is that where you found walleyes in the summer months, is where you'll most likely find them in the fall and early winter.

Questions and Answers

1. What are the 3 types of water conditions one should recognize and plan for different types of presentations? Normal water conditions, low water conditions and high water stages must be recognized in planning your presentation.

2. Which water condition do walleye anglers prefer? Low, stable water conditions are preferred by anglers because here the water is clearer and walleyes are concentrated in holes.

3. When the river's water level is rising, where do walleyes go on a feeding frenzy in this condition? Walleyes will move into shallow areas where abundant food is washed.

4. Do cold fronts affect rivers more so than lakes? Cold fronts affect lakes more so than they do rivers.