October on the Mississippi River around La Crosse is one of the best times of year to be on the water. Cool nights and crisp mornings have the fish feeding heavily in preparation for winter, and the scenery with fall colors along the bluffs makes it hard to beat. Here’s what’s been happening on the river lately and what to expect through the rest of the month in our October Mississippi River fishing report.

Flathead Catfish

As water temps drop into the upper 50s and low 60s, flatheads are going to start to slow down, but there’s still a short window of solid fishing left. We’ve been finding them near shallow wood and near deeper wintering holes and current seams, especially during the early evening hours. Live bait like bluegills are still producing, but don’t shy away from cut bait. This is the time of year when those last few fish before they shut down can be absolute tanks.

Channel Catfish

While the flatheads are tapering off, channel catfish are picking up the slack. Cut bait and fresh shrimp have been hot on the edges of main channel current and below wing dams. Look for consistent action in 10–20 feet of water, and don’t be surprised if a few bonus sturgeon show up in the mix.

Lake Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing has been excellent this fall when the floating grass hasn’t been an issue in efficently fishing them! With stable flows and now cooling water, they’re feeding aggressively on nightcrawlers and cut bait along deeper flats and below dams. Most fish have been coming from 20–35 feet of water. October often produces some of the biggest sturgeon of the season, and the fight in this cooler water is incredible.

Bass (Smallmouth & Largemouth)

Bass fishing has been steady, especially on warmer afternoons when the sun pushes baitfish into shallower water. Smallmouth are hitting swim baits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater along sand drops and wing dams right now. Largemouth can be found in backwaters chasing bait around —spinnerbaits, swim jigs, swimbaits, and topwater are all great choices right now.

Panfish (Bluegill, Crappie, Perch)

Panfish are bunching up in deeper backwater holes and slow-moving channels. Crappies are taking small plastics or minnows under floats, while bluegills are hitting pieces of worm or small ice jigs tipped with plastics. It’s a great time for a laid-back day of steady action and plenty of fillets for the pan.

Overall Outlook

October offers a little bit of everything—the last big push for flatheads, excellent sturgeon action, and great opportunities for bass and panfish. As we move toward late fall, expect water temps to keep dropping and fish to transition to their wintering spots.

If you’re looking to get on the water before the snow flies, we still have a few open dates available for fall sturgeon, bass, or and catfish trips. Give me a shout at 608-778-4034 and let’s wrap up the season with a few big ones from the Mississippi.