May is a bountiful time on the Mississippi River and the coulee region near La Crosse in general. Fish have woken up from their winter doldrums and just about every species is hungry and ready to bite! This year the river has started off in somewhat of a weird cycle of warming and cooling throughout the months of March and April, so the fishing has been sporadic.

The river is set to rise within the first week of May, and water temps are hovering around 53 to 60 in the mornings and rising throughout the day depending on where you are in the system. This temperature is important in affecting the yearly spawn of many fish.

While the Perch, Walleye, and Pike spawn at lower temperatures, and most have completed this cycle, the bass, panfish, and catfish are just getting started.

Finding common spawning grounds such as backwater bays and island coves out of the main flow of river is key in getting on prespawn and spawning bass and panfish.

The catfish will be moving out of their wintering holes as the main river approaches the upper 50’s and 60’s consistently. 

There are plenty of good opportunities to get on fish on the river in May so take advantage of the beautiful weather and get out there fishing today!