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5/18/2001
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Article/Press
Release
Fishing
prospects “great” on the mighty Mississippi
More than 100 species challenge anglers
Brian Brecka, DNR fisheries biologist, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
The
Mississippi River is loaded with a diversity of fish unmatched
elsewhere in Wisconsin. With more than 100 fish species, “who
knows what you’ll catch” is a phrase many anglers frequently
utter. From table favorites such as walleye and smallmouth bass to
fighters like white bass and northern pike, the river produces
scores of popular gamefish species to challenge anglers. The mighty
Mississippi is also home to gar, dogfish, buffalo, redhorse, carp,
drum, mooneye, sturgeon – and the list goes on and on. Some
anglers have even gone so far as to challenge themselves to see how
many different species they can catch!
While
we don’t have information on exact fish locations and what
they’re biting on, we do provide estimates on fish populations and
fish sizes. Anglers often use this information to target species
that are more prevalent or species that have good numbers of fish in
larger sizes.
What
determines fish populations on the Mississippi River? For most
species that anglers desire, it takes three to five years from the
time they hatch to become large enough to be legal or keeper size.
In other words, today’s fishing depends upon how successful a
particular species was at reproducing three to five years ago.
Reproductive
success and subsequent survival can vary greatly from year to year
and is dependent upon many factors. Water temperature, water level,
food availability, predator numbers and habitat conditions can all
affect survival. When conditions are ideal, survival of young fish
can be great and fishing in the future will be good.
However,
if even one or two conditions limit survival, young fish may be
nonexistent. If we have several years of low survival, poor fishing
will follow in years to come.
We
use various sampling techniques that allow us to predict fishing
success today and into the future. Shocking, fyke netting, seining
and other fish sampling gear provides years worth of data for making
reliable predictions. So what’s the status of your favorite fish?
Here’s
a species-by-species account of the more popular Mississippi River
fish. 2001 will be a great year to fish the Mississippi River. Most
species have populations and size structures that are in good shape.
Walleye
and sauger
- These two species are the most sought after recreational fish on
the Mississippi River and command much respect from their pursuers.
They also have extreme variability in their reproductive success:
survival of young fish is near zero in some years and phenomenally
high in others. Currently, walleye and sauger populations are in
good shape. Overall, the late 1990s were great years for young
walleye and sauger survival. Above-average hatches were found in
1996, 1997 and 1998. Walleyes from these years will range from 14 to
20 inches. Same-aged saugers, not growing as fast, will range from
11 to 16 inches. Larger walleye and sauger also are prevalent in the
river. Trophy walleye anglers realize the Mississippi River produces
fish over 10 pounds on a regular basis.
Smallmouth
bass
- Known for their aggressive behavior and excellent fight,
smallmouth bass are becoming a favorite of many anglers. It also
doesn’t hurt that the number of smallmouth bass both above and
below the 14-inch size limit may be at an all-time high. Catch and
release fishing for smallmouth has positively impacted the number of
large fish; fish 16 to 20 inches are not uncommon. The size
structure of smallmouth bass populations should remain solid, with
fishing remaining consistent.
Largemouth
bass
- Largemouth bass are the most sought after recreational fish in the
U.S. The Midwest features some great bass fisheries, with the
Mississippi River ranking near the top. Largemouth bass populations
are dependent upon habitat, especially habitat available for younger
fish. The late-1980s and early-1990s were difficult times for young
largemouths due to a decrease in aquatic vegetation. Vegetation
plays a crucial role in a young bass’s life as it feeds and
escapes predators among the underwater greenery. The mid- to
late-1990s brought a vegetation resurgence; plants became more
widespread and dense. Largemouth bass responded positively to this
change, and we started sampling more young fish. As the years have
gone by, these smaller fish have grown into sizes sought by anglers.
The current population of largemouth bass above and below the
14-inch size limit is good. Our surveys, along with angling reports,
show decent numbers of fish in the 3- to 6-pound range. If
vegetation continues to trend upward or remains similar, largemouth
bass populations should remain stable.
White
bass
- It’s difficult to find a species that’s harder hitting than
white bass. When these schooling fish work the surface they can give
even the fittest angler a sore arm. White bass populations are
generally good in the Mississippi River. They’re a fast growing
species, getting to 12 inches in three to four years. White bass
approaching 18 inches have become quite common in our most recent
sampling efforts. Because of their schooling nature and their
piscivorous diet, areas that produce white bass may do so for weeks
on end during the summer months. Enjoy the action when their feed
bags are on.
Northern
pike
- Northern pike are the largest and most toothy recreational fish of
the Upper Mississippi River. Fast growth and plentiful food make
northern pike 15 pounds or greater not uncommon. Similar to
largemouth bass, young northern pike depend heavily upon aquatic
vegetation. Annual spring surveys of adult northern pike show
populations do vary. Current numbers and sizes should provide decent
fishing. However, northern pike catches may depend upon food
availability. If northern pike’s preferred forage is in low
numbers, they may be extremely hungry and easily fooled with
live-bait or artificial presentations. On the other hand, high
numbers of baitfish may reduce your northern pike catch, even though
the numbers of pike present may be high.
Bluegill
- Historically, bluegill fishing on the Mississippi River has varied
greatly. There have been years when fishing is phenomenal and years
when bluegills are hard to come by. Why? Young bluegills greatly
depend upon vegetated habitat for their survival. As habitat
conditions fluctuate on the river, as they often do, so do bluegill
numbers. With a current upswing in vegetation, our sampling is
showing an increase in bluegill numbers. With the number of young
bluegills increasing, so too has anglers’ perception that these
small fish are stunted. Stunting does not occur for Mississippi
River bluegill. In fact, river bluegills have extremely fast growth
rates. Given three to four years of growth, they are often large
enough for the frying pan.
Crappie
- Two
species of crappie are found in the Mississippi River—the black
crappie and white crappie. Black crappies are far more prevalent.
Crappie populations in the river have been consistent through the
mid- to late-1990s. They’re not as dependent on vegetation and
were not as affected by the decline in vegetation. The size
structure of these populations have also been stable. Fish in the
13- to 15-inch range are often found in our nets. Fishing can be
exceptional when back-to-back years show great survival of young
fish.
Channel
catfish
- Channel catfish have done quite well during the 1990s. We tagged
thousands of channels during a five-year study in Pools 8 and 9.
Growth rates were good while angler exploitation was low. Although
excellent table fare, very few anglers specifically target channel
catfish. Fish for channel cats if you want a species that easy to
catch and excellent to eat.
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