Mississippi River Stoddard Islands (all postings)

How is the fishing for Northerns around Stoddard and Goose Island going? Headed there for our yearly fishing trip and was wondering if any good news on Pike could be found.

Thanks in advance Tight Lines

The river is on it's way down it crested on Friday. Guests have been catching a few crappies and bluegills in the marina. There have been quite a few bass and northern caught in the marina this past week.

Julie talked with one of our customers today and they said the bass were really biting last night.

Our guests caught some nice perch, bluegills and sauger below the dam! You can go just about any where around here just go slow, trim up and fish.

I went to visit a friend staying at Water's Edge for a relaxation and fishing trip. We fished for awhile off shore. It was pretty slow with some cooperating bluegills and perch. The wind, water levels and temperature didn't help.The motel owners have done a nice job of maintaining a clean and enjoyable facility. Later we went for Mexican night at Rocky's Supper Club. If you want to see something truly inspirational, do a google on "Pelicans go after Asian Carp". In states like Illinois and Missouri, pelicans have learned to herd these fish, capture, and swallow them whole. Pelicans have always impressed me, but now they are my real heroes.

I love and enjoy ice fishing in Stoddard, but I have never fished the open water in Stoddard. I know the water can get shallow in some spots. Before I go and take a boat out there are there any spots I should be aware of and look out for. I have a brand new boat and motor and would hate to damage anything in unfamiliar waters. Thanks

One bunch of perch was caught below Dresbach dam. The other bunch of perch and 6 walleyes were caught below Genoa dam. Both groups were fishing from there boats on Saturday.

Was there and in Genoa over the weekend. Was some ice in bays, but i'd think it would be gone by then. Lots of boats up there, cold water temps. Good luck and be safe.

I am almost 100 percent positive there is no ice out there. Everything has been melting big time in the southern half of the state the last week. If there is, there will be no ice this weekend for sure.

Coming up this weekend for a wedding on Sunday. Is there still any ice left? Open water? I'm thinking of pulling by Lund up and try for some panfish around Stoddard if there's no ice there. Can someone confirm please?

I have heard a lot about the area so I am headed up right after memorial day for a few days to give it a try. Looking mainly for panfish and walleyes. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

WISCOh2O,

Yes, we should have known better.. in years past the boat landing is one of the first places the ice will bad.. this year the marina was the first to go, then the landing.. I've been fishing this pool for years.. with experience and intel it was an "on the spot judgement call" with No fault but our own...

Glowin Eye:

I used to live in the large duplex, last place before the boat landing in Stoddard, and I can't tell you how many people thought the ice was safe after warm temps. and rain and they still go out and try it.

Each time I would watch them coming back this time of year there were problems, I'm shocked that watershed did not give you an accurate assessment of the ice conditions since he owns and operates right out of town there. Don't trust what others are telling you, you should have known better.

They should have a sign right by the landing this time of year that says, be AWARE of BAD ICE CONDITIONS, YOU ARE PRETTY MUCH GUARANTEED TO BREAK THROUGH NEAR THE BOAT LANDING.

I CAN'T BELIEVE HE TOLD YOU TO GO OUT BY THE BOAT LANDING WITH ALL OF THIS BAD ICE. WOW, THAT IS HORRIBLE ADVICE.

There is a lot of current going through the area they dredged there, if you don't know yourself than don't go.

I can't tell you how many people we have saved down there through the years with four wheelers going through and people just walking going through. Really really dangerous spot there.

BE SAFE and SMART use you're head man.

We were out fishing Saturday morning for the last hurrah.. made it out that the landing by 6am.. and we were the only vehicle in the parking lot.. so, visited watersled to see if any was out yesterday (Friday) the answer was yes. But everyone was going off by the public landing.. so, we headed back to the landing and preceded to unload and walk out to the perch’n area. Seen 6 other fisherman throughout the day.. the four of us fished from 6:30- 2:30 caught 1 bass and 2 perch.. with the slow fishing, warm weather and the changing ice conditions. The reward was not worth the risk so, we packed it up and headed to solid ground. About 60 yards from shore the adventure began with two of the four were wet up to waist from ice that had given away. One of the guys went through twice. All out with no injuries, just their pride was damaged. So, Yes the Mississippi ice fishing season is over..

i called Waters edge this afternoon and asked how the ice was. they said there were a few people fishing but most had given up. they said the ice is pretty much shot for the year and wouldn't recommend any body going out any more this year.. that means ...onto the rivers and the walleyes...