September has arrived, and the Mississippi River around La Crosse, Wisconsin is currently experiencing some extremely low-water conditions. River levels are low, current flow is minimal, water temperatures remain elevated around 79–80 degrees, and algae blooms are still affecting portions of the river.
While these conditions have made some species more challenging to target, there are still plenty of opportunities for anglers. The good news is that September also marks the beginning of the transition toward fall fishing on the Upper Mississippi River. As water temperatures finally begin to fall, expect several species to become much more active.
Here’s what we’re seeing on the Mississippi River around La Crosse, WI, heading into September.
Panfish – The Best Bite on the Mississippi River Right Now
If you’re looking for consistent action, panfish are currently the best bet on the Mississippi River and Lake Onalaska.
Anglers are finding perch, big crappies, and some excellent bluegills throughout the system. The bluegill fishing has been especially impressive around wing dams, while open-water basins on Lake Onalaska have been producing some quality fish as well.
The extremely low current has changed how fish are positioning, so finding the right combination of depth, structure, and forage is important. Once you locate a concentration of fish, however, the action can be excellent.
For anglers looking for numbers and a good chance at a mixed bag, September panfish fishing in the La Crosse area is a great option.
Bass Fishing – Late Summer Patterns Continue
Mississippi River bass fishing around La Crosse remains in a late-summer pattern.
We’re seeing good numbers of bass with solid average size, but anglers need to slow down and be willing to thoroughly work an area. With current levels extremely low, main-river structure has become particularly important.
Wing dams, rock, wood, and other current-related structure can still hold bass, but the lack of flow means fish aren’t necessarily positioned where they would be during a more typical summer.
As September progresses, keep an eye on water temperatures. Once the river begins cooling down, the bass will start transitioning toward their fall feeding patterns.
By the end of the month, we should see the beginning of the fall bass feed bag, which is one of the most exciting times of the year to fish the Mississippi River.
Northern Pike – Waiting for Cooler Water
Northern pike have been relatively stingy throughout August, and we expect that trend to continue into the early part of September.
The biggest factor right now is water temperature. With the Mississippi River still sitting around 79–80 degrees, conditions aren’t ideal for getting pike into their aggressive fall feeding patterns.
Later in September, as temperatures begin to drop, expect the pike bite to improve. Cooler water should bring increased activity and more aggressive feeding.
For now, pike fishing is going to require some patience, but the fall transition is coming.
Mississippi River Catfish – Fall Feed Bag Is Coming
The Mississippi River catfish bite around La Crosse has been a tale of two seasons.
August started off hot, but the bite became progressively tougher as the month went on. Extremely low flow combined with elevated water temperatures has made consistently locating and catching big catfish more challenging.
There are still fish being caught on the main river, but patience is key right now. Finding the right areas and allowing your presentation to sit can make the difference between a slow day and a productive one.
The good news for catfish anglers is that September begins the transition into the fall feed bag.
As water temperatures start dropping, we expect catfish activity to increase significantly. By the middle of September, the bite should really start taking off.
For anglers looking to target flathead catfish on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, this fall transition is something to watch closely.
Sturgeon Fishing – Numbers Should Improve
We’re already beginning to catch lake sturgeon on the Mississippi River, and we’re expecting the bite to become more consistent as September progresses.
The fall transition should bring more fish into predictable patterns, and by the end of September, we expect to see more consistent numbers of sturgeon being caught.
If you’ve always wanted to experience the power of a Mississippi River sturgeon, September and the upcoming fall period are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
September Mississippi River Fishing Outlook
The Mississippi River around La Crosse is certainly presenting some challenges right now. Extremely low water, minimal current, warm water temperatures, and continued algae blooms have made fishing more inconsistent than normal.
But September is a transition month, and things are about to change.
As the river cools down, bass will begin moving toward their fall feeding patterns. Pike will become more aggressive, catfish will begin their fall feed, and sturgeon should become increasingly consistent.
And while the panfish bite is currently the most reliable option, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers willing to adapt to the conditions.
At River Bent Outfitters, we fish the Mississippi River and surrounding waters throughout the La Crosse area and specialize in pursuing trophy-class fish and providing a quality guided fishing experience.
Whether you’re after Mississippi River bass, trophy flathead catfish, sturgeon, perch, crappies, or bluegills, September is a great time to get on the water and experience the beginning of the fall transition.
Ready to get on the water? Contact River Bent Outfitters to book your next guided fishing trip on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, WI.
The fall feed bag is coming — and we’re ready for it.