Mississippi River

[IAFOWLER]

Hi guys, new here. Learning a lot from the site. I'm new to crappie fishing and was wondering if now is a good time to fish the river, pools 12 and 13? The water is still pretty high and dirty, but coming down. I've heard people tell me it will be good and other say they won't bite. Or bluegills, they would work too, just want some fish to fry.:o I know of one sandy bottom bay that maybe they'd spawn in, but it's under about 10 feet of water right now.

[hammann_13]

IAFOWLER,

Yes the river should become good for fishing, even with the water high, if you go to any backwaters. I fish on pool 16 and 17 and got some good bites last weekend before the rain in slack water, as the river was just over the backwater islands. Even with the water high fish for them in trees, from the bank to 8 foot deep. Last weekend the water was 62 near Davenport, and no fish that I caught had spawned yet. You may have to adjust everytime you go out, due to the dropping river. Look for areas they would spawn in if the river was near a normal level as well, and you should find some there. Use your imagination. Good luck

[hammann_13]

Caught these out on pool 16 near andulusia, il. Caught ten on friday mostly inbetween 10-12 inches. Bite was slow and out of the current flowing through backwaters. When fish hit they really thumped, but very inconsistent. All females had eggs and were not even close to spawning due to the flood water. Most caught in 7-8 ft of water near the bottom with tubes.

[GrumpyLoomis]

Don't know much about Pools 12 & 13 but live on 16 and things should get soon. Water off the islands makes them more predictable on any pool.

[hammann_13]

Anyone been out on the river lately? Have been picking up a steady amount of fish on pools 16&17. Still catching quite a few crappie, especially whites, with eggs. Good average size of 11-12 inches on plastics. Some fish are starting to move out from the thick brush to larger trees.

[GrumpyLoomis]

All my crappie fishing has been on Rathbun this spring. Have been on pool 16 everyday this week. Catching catfish though.