Upper Mississippi River Ice Fishing From La Crosse, WI to Wabasha, MN
Learn the River. Find the Fish. Become a Better Ice Angler.
Experience winter on the Upper Mississippi River with a fully guided ice fishing trip from River Bent Outfitters.
Our guided trips are designed for anglers who want more than simply being taken to a spot and handed a rod. You’ll learn how to identify productive winter habitat, understand how fish use current and structure, and develop techniques you can continue using long after your trip.
Whether you’re new to Mississippi River ice fishing or an experienced angler looking to improve your game, we’ll spend the day putting together a pattern and figuring out what the fish are doing.
A Hands-On Mississippi River Ice Fishing Experience
The Mississippi River is constantly changing throughout the winter. Water levels, current, weather, forage, and ice conditions all influence where fish will be.
That’s why we focus on teaching you how to find fish rather than simply where to fish.
During your trip, you’ll learn:
- How winter fish use current, depth, and structure
- How to identify productive areas under the ice
- How to use electronics to locate fish
- Hole-hopping strategies and efficient ice fishing techniques
- How to adjust your presentation based on fish activity
- How changing conditions can affect fish location
- Safe and responsible ice fishing practices on the river
Our goal is for you to leave with more than a successful day on the ice—you’ll leave with knowledge you can use on your own.
Accessible Areas. Productive Water. Less Guesswork.
We utilize ATVs and walk-in access when ice and conditions safely allow, allowing us to reach productive areas of the river without necessarily traveling long distances.
While traditional airboat trips are an excellent option for covering large sections of river far off the beaten path, our approach allows us to concentrate on accessible areas where anglers can learn a pattern and potentially return throughout the season on their own accord with the tools to make them successful.
We stay mobile when necessary, drill plenty of holes, and adjust our game plan based on what the fish are telling us.
Target Species
Depending on seasonal conditions and location, we target:
- Jumbo Yellow Perch
- Crappie
- Bluegill
- Pike
The exact species and locations will vary throughout the season, but our focus remains the same: finding active fish and putting together a productive pattern.
What’s Included
Your guided ice fishing trip includes everything you need for a comfortable and productive day on the river.
- 6-hour full-day guided trip
- Private trip for your group
- Heated portable fish houses available
- Rods and reels
- Tackle
- Bait
- Augers
- Tip-ups and tip-downs
- ATV transportation when conditions safely allow
- Walk-in access when appropriate
- Hot lunch on full-day trips
Don’t have your own equipment? No problem. We provide everything you need to fish.
Have your own electronics? Bring them along and we’ll help you learn how to get the most out of them on the Mississippi River.
Who Is This Trip For?
Our guided ice fishing trips are a great fit for:
First-time river ice anglers
Learn what makes fishing current and structure through the ice different from fishing a traditional lake.
Experienced ice anglers
Improve your ability to locate fish, read river conditions and develop a more consistent strategy.
Families and groups
Enjoy a comfortable, private day on the ice with all the equipment provided.
Anglers who want to learn
If you want to understand why we’re fishing a particular area—not just be told where to drill your holes—this trip is for you.
2026–2027 Ice Fishing Rates
6-Hour Full Day
1-2 People: $500
3 People: $700
4-6 People: $900
**Reach out directly for groups larger than 6 Anglers
Make Your Next Day on the Ice a Learning Experience
Ice fishing the Upper Mississippi River is about much more than drilling holes and waiting for a bite.
It’s about understanding the river, finding the fish, and knowing how to adjust when conditions change.
Whether you’re chasing jumbo perch, crappies, or bluegills, River Bent Outfitters will give you the equipment, instruction, and local knowledge to make the most of your time on the ice.
Come for the fish. Leave with the knowledge to find them yourself.
Book Your 2026–2027 Ice Fishing Trip
Dates fill quickly once safe ice arrives. Contact River Bent Outfitters today to reserve your date and experience guided ice fishing on the Upper Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin.