River Bent Outfitters
Ice fishing is underway on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin, but anglers should remain cautious as ice conditions continue to vary across the system. Current ice thickness ranges from approximately 6 inches up to 11 inches, depending on location.
Backwater areas, protected sloughs, and shallow basins away from current are holding the most consistent ice, while areas influenced by current, springs, or main river flow remain thinner and unpredictable.
As always on the Mississippi River, checking ice frequently is critical, and anglers should avoid current seams, pressure cracks, and any areas with visible flow.
Perch and Panfish Ice Fishing Report
The yellow perch and panfish bite has been mediocre, with fish showing signs of a classic mid-winter lull already. Bluegills, crappies, and perch are present, but the bite has been finicky, requiring anglers to slow down and fine-tune their presentations to stay successful.
Most bites have been subtle, with fish lightly inhaling baits rather than aggressively striking. Electronics are showing fish, but triggering them has taken patience and finesse.
Best Baits & Presentations
Anglers finding success on the Mississippi River backwaters are downsizing:
- Small tungsten jigs (3mm/4mm)
- Soft plastics with subtle movement
- Red spikes have been the most consistent live bait
- Light line (2–3 lb test) for improved bite detection
- Slow lifts, dead-sticking, and gentle quivers over aggressive jigging
Where to Fish
Key areas to focus on include:
- Backwater basins and sloughs with remaining green grass
- Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering holes
- Inside bends with reduced current
- Remaining green weed edges holding oxygen
Mobility is helping anglers locate small groups of active fish, but once fish are found, staying patient and working them thoroughly has been important.
River Bent Outfitters Outlook
As winter progresses and ice conditions continue to stabilize, the Mississippi River ice fishing bite should gradually improve. River Bent Outfitters will continue monitoring ice safety and fish activity across the La Crosse area to provide the most up-to-date information possible.
If you’re looking to shorten the learning curve, guided ice fishing trips with River Bent Outfitters offer safe access, proven locations, and expert instruction on targeting Mississippi River perch and panfish during the winter season.
Stay safe, fish smart, and don’t be afraid to downsize—those finesse tactics are putting fish on the ice right now.