Mississippi River Pool 8 - LaCrosse

It's been a good spring for walleye on the Mississippi River with many great fish caught.  Shallow rocky back flow areas are great places to find fish both pre and post spawn (see video).  The river is rising so the back flow areas become even more attractive to fish looking for an easy meal.  Water temps are rising, and all species of fish are becoming a great option to target.  Crappies, bass, and catfish are active now!  Check out how and where I caught my biggest walleye of 2024 in the video below!

Have been out a handful of times over the last couple weeks, including yesterday. Perch that I caught yesterday were milking, and I believe in some of the shallow bays where water has warmed up faster that perch have already spawned. Like the post prior to me mentioned, fishing at the dam can be hit or miss. My theory to that is with the lower water levels and reduced flow it isn't bringing nearly as many fish up towards the dams. Most of the fish there are still resident fish that have been getting hammered on, so don't be afraid to explore some spots downstream away from the dams and find fish unpressured. Last weekend I caught a perch just a hair under 15". I usually like letting the big females go, but this one I saved for the taxidermist. If anyone has recommendations for people that do good work on perch mounts send me an PM or email at [email protected].
(and yes I know I should look into replicas in the future).
 

Fished the dam area yesterday.  About 40 boats out.  Saw more boats than fish.  Few were caught.  Nothing close to keeper.  Walleye sauger and few perch. 

Got out for a couple hours today. A 10 inch perch, 13 inch walleye, and....a Sheepenstein that was about 15 lbs.
Fished some new water and never saw another boat. Very peaceful morning on the water.

Most of the tournament anglers stay at the AmericInn on the north side of Lacrosse. 

In the Lacrosse area
Looking for lodging with parking for a boat and a plug in. Doesn't have to be fancy. Just safe for equipment and clean.

Perch bite has been outstanding. I'm booking into April already if you're looking to get out! This was shot a few weeks ago already and the bite has been outstanding and will continue to be for quite a while! Also finding fish in typical wintering areas. Drop shotting minnows and plastics have been the most productive. I post daily at Adrenaline Angling Guide Service on Facebook if you're looking to follow along our adventures. Thanks!

Walleye fishing has been slow, but there are fish to be had! There is not a lot of flow which spreads out the fish, so as long as you're willing to poke around there lots of little saugers, medium perch, and nice walleyes.

Perch and walleye are bite is good 
Perch bite is on minnows 
Walleye bite has been best with plastic 
Have openings if you want to get in on the c spring bite 

Catch....Monday I saw on the ice maybe 100 guys in 3 or 4 spots south of La X. Tuesday maybe 60 and Wednesday may 30.

There's probably gonna still be a few this weekend. Bring a boat or canoe along with both ice and long rods. Perch will mostly be hanging in a little deeper ( 10 feet or more) water.

If you're not an experienced late ice fisher you might be able to find a fishable spot with your canoe. There's a lot of guys boat fishing. Be very careful either way...not a good time of year to end up getting wet.