Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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Upper Mississippi backwaters and wing dams with walleye, sauger, and panfish.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Mississippi River (Guttenberg) for smallmouth bass, bluegill and walleye. The best months overall are Apr to Oct. In October, smallmouth bass and walleye are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (2 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Cabela's in Prairie du Chien, 15 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Driftless Area Spring Creeks is 59 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Oct
In October
Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Mississippi River (Guttenberg) Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye, Smallmouth Bass · After dark.
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Bluegill
Fly 7.5 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, foam spiders and small poppers.
Spin / Cast 5 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 4 lb line with a small bobber.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Mississippi River (Guttenberg)
Reels
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Mississippi River (Guttenberg)
Bait & Tackle
Cabela's
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin· 15 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Prairie du Chien, WI.
Fly ShopBait & Tackle
Anglers Nook Bait & Tackle
Lancaster, Wisconsin· 20 mi
Fly and tackle shop in Lancaster, WI.
Bait & Tackle
Verle's Hunting & Fishing Supply
Manchester, Iowa· 31 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Manchester, IA.
Bait & Tackle
Lucky's Live Bait and Tackle
Central City, Iowa· 50 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Central City, IA.
Bait & Tackle
Lake Galena Marina & Bait Shop
Galena, Illinois· 50 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Galena, IL.
Bait & Tackle
Kate's Bait & Sporting Goods
Dodgeville, Wisconsin· 50 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Dodgeville, WI.
Bait & Tackle
Lucky's Bait & Tackle
Central City, Iowa· 50 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Central City, IA.
Make It a Trip