what fish live in the mississippi river

5 common species of fish in the Mississippi River

• Catfish. There are 10 species of catfish in the Mississippi that fall into three families: blue, channel and flathead.
• Carp. Carp are giant minnows. ...
• Largemouth bass. As their name implies, largemouth bass are equipped with a large mouth, which allows them to feast on an array of food including fish, frogs, crayfish, insects and ...
• Crappie. ...
• Sturgeon. ...

Full Answer

What is the largest catfish in the Mississippi River?

You can hook three different Catfish species in the vast Mississippi River – Channel, Flathead, and Blue Catfish. Flatheads and Blues are usually the largest of the three. They can easily reach 30+ inches and weigh anywhere from 20–100 or more pounds. Channel Cats are usually in the 20-inch and 30-pound ballpark.

What wildlife is found in and near the Mississippi River?

Wildlife in the Park

• Mammals. Mammals in the park range from tiny, secretive northern shrews to more obvious animals such as otters, beavers, coyotes, and white-tailed deer.
• Birds. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has a wide diversity of habitats available for birds making it a haven for many species.
• Mussels. ...
• Fish. ...
• Insects. ...
• Reptiles and Amphibians. ...

What marine life is found in the Mississippi River?

The most important varieties of fish found in the river include several types of catfish (some of which grow to considerable size and are fished commercially by local concerns along the middle and lower river); walleyes and suckers, which thrive in the upper river and provide the basis for a sport-fishing industry in Minnesota and Wisconsin; carp; and garfish.

Is there fishing in the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River provides an excellent opportunity for bank angling as well as a float trip. Fishing for smallmouth bass often improves during the summer period at the same time that angling in lakes is less productive. It is not uncommon for anglers to catch 20-30 or more smallmouth in a single fishing trip.

What's the biggest fish in the Mississippi River?

Gulf Sturgeon1) Gulf Sturgeon The Gulf sturgeon is the biggest fish in the Mississippi River.

What is the rarest fish in the Mississippi River?

And the rarest were paddlefish, American eel, Mississippi silvery minnow and crystal darter. The pugnose minnow, warmouth and mud darter were most often found in backwaters.

How many types of fish are in the Mississippi River?

120 speciesMore than 120 species of fish inhabit the river below St. Anthony Falls, a diversity made possible by the many habitats available in currents, pools, and backwaters.

Is there good fishing in the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River provides an excellent opportunity for bank angling as well as a float trip. Fishing for smallmouth bass often improves during the summer period at the same time that angling in lakes is less productive. It is not uncommon for anglers to catch 20-30 or more smallmouth in a single fishing trip.

Does Mississippi River have salmon?

The Atlantic Salmon's popularity has led to unauthorized stocking in some areas, such as the Mississippi River in Illinois, where a specimen was collected in 1978 (Burr 1991).

What is the largest catfish caught in the Mississippi River?

131-pound(AP) — Talk about a fish tale: A Mississippi man reeled in a massive blue catfish that set a state record. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said Eugene Cronley of Brandon caught the 131-pound (59.4-kilogram) fish April 7 in the Mississippi River near Natchez.

Are there sharks in the Mississippi River?

Bull sharks have been known to occasionally leave their habitats in the Gulf of Mexico and swim upstream in the Mississippi River.

Are there lobsters in the Mississippi River?

Shellfish. The crayfish is a type of freshwater lobster found in the Mississippi River from end to end.

How deep is the Mississippi River?

200′Mississippi River / Max depth

Are there alligators in the Mississippi river?

Once considered an endangered species in the late 1960s, American Alligators have made a big comeback in the swampy marsh areas surrounding the Mississippi River. It is estimated that there are just over 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with most centralized in the southern portion of the state.

How many lines can you fish with on the Mississippi river?

Two linesTwo lines are allowed on border waters, such as the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, and in all the states that border Minnesota — Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota.

Are Mississippi River catfish good to eat?

Langley says the Mississippi River “has such and immense volume” that it “would wash away just about anything.” So according to officials and experts, it is safe to eat that Mississippi River catfish.

What is the rarest fish ever caught?

Indeed, the bottomless geothermal pool that gives the Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis) their name — plus some frisky mating behavior that resembles puppies playing — is the narrowest geographic range of any vertebrate. And with only 175 total fish at last count, they're the rarest fish on the planet.

Is there sharks in the Mississippi River?

Bull sharks have been known to occasionally leave their habitats in the Gulf of Mexico and swim upstream in the Mississippi River.

Are bull sharks in the Mississippi River?

Bull Sharks in the Mississippi River The recent study done by Shell and Gardner officially confirms that bull sharks travel more than 1,000 miles up the Mississippi River. The first confirmed report was in September of 1937 near Alton, Illinois.

How deep is the deepest part of the Mississippi River?

200′Mississippi River / Max depthFrom its source, Lake Itasca, to its end, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River drops 1,475 feet. The deepest point on the Mississippi River is located near Algiers Point in New Orleans and is 200 feet in depth.

What are the fish in the Mississippi River?

Favorite sport fish include walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill and crappies. On the Mississippi River, you don't necessarily need a boat to catch them! The species list also includes riverine species such as catfish, blue sucker, shorthead redhorse and bigmouth buffalo that are typical of large rivers in Wisconsin as well as some ancient fish such as paddlefish, lake sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon.

What states allow fishing on the Mississippi River?

Special rules, regulations and agreements apply when fishing the Upper Mississippi River. Reciprocity agreements between Wisconsin and the states of Iowa and Minnesota allow a person to fish the boundary waters on the Mississippi River providing they have a valid fishing license from one of the adjacent states.

What river does Wisconsin fisheries survey?

Wisconsin fishery biologists conduct fish and habitat surveys on several navigation pools of the Mississippi River. The reports are categorized on a county basis as follows:

Is the Mississippi River in Wisconsin part of the Upper Mississippi River?

While much of the Mississippi River that borders Wisconsin is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Wisconsin retained title to, custody and protection of the fishery in the river and adjacent waters.

Is Wisconsin a fish contaminated state?

For public health protection, the Department of Natural Resource routinely monitors chemicals in fish collected from waters throughout Wisconsin. After consulting with the Division of Heath the state issues fish contaminant advisories each year. Precautions recommended in the advisories range from advice that you remove fat and skin before cooking and eating some fish to a stronger statement that advises that you should not eat certain fish. You may also want to consult the fish consumption advisories from Iowa and Minnesota which also border the Mississippi River.

Is the Mississippi River good for fishing?

Although the Mississippi River can be intimidating for anglers, its mix of backwater lakes, running sloughs, tailwaters and main channel habitats offer spectacular fishing opportunities. For more detailed information on fishing on the Mississippi River including maps, safety tips for boating and river habitats for fish see ...

Do you need a boat to catch a Mississippi River?

On the Mississippi River, you don't necessarily need a boat to catch them! The species list also includes riverine species such as catfish, blue sucker, shorthead redhorse and bigmouth buffalo that are typical of large rivers in Wisconsin as well as some ancient fish such as paddlefish, lake sturgeon and shovelnose sturgeon.

Where can I find bass in the Mississippi River?

Smallmouth, Largemouth, and White Bass are abundant in the Upper and Middle Mississippi River, though you can find some in the south as well.

What fish are in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, Carp, Crappie, Bass, and Catfish are all in the cards. Carp, in particular, has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among fly fishermen. Fly fishing is very popular in Kentucky, especially because targeting Carp on a fly has become somewhat of a trend. Carp are relentless fighters and targeting them on a fly takes ...

What is the mascot of the Mississippi River?

This species is so popular that the official mascot of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is Freddie, the Flathead Catfish. You can hook three different Catfish species in the vast Mississippi River – Channel, Flathead, and Blue Catfish. Flatheads and Blues are usually the largest of the three.

How big do saugers get?

Sauger numbers follow close behind. Walleye range from 15–30 inches, while Sauger are smaller and usually grow up to 20 inches . One of the best things about Walleye fishing on the Mississippi is that you can enjoy it all year. However, this doesn’t mean you should expect the same action any time you cast your line.

What is the best time to catch walleye in Mississippi?

The best times to target Walleye are dawn and dusk, as well as cloudy days, when lower light conditions make it harder for these fish to see. This is also the reason why ice fishing for Walleye is such a big deal on the Upper Mississippi.

What fish are in the McKinley Bridge?

The section between the McKinley Bridge and the Chain of Rocks Canal has a good population of White Bass and Catfish. If you’d like a mixed bag, then head here – whether you’re casting your line from shore or aboard a boat, chances are, you’ll be successful.

Why is fly fishing so popular in Kentucky?

Fly fishing is very popular in Kentucky, especially because targeting Carp on a fly has become somewhat of a trend. Carp are relentless fighters and targeting them on a fly takes the fishing battles to a whole new level.

What are the living things in the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River and its floodplain are home to a diverse population of living things: 1 At least 260 species of fish, 25% of all fish species in North America, live in the Mississippi River. Learn more about selected fish species of the Mississippi in the Minnesota area. Download coloring pages featuring Mississippi River fish. 2 Forty percent of the nation's migratory waterfowl use the river corridor during their spring and fall migration. 3 Sixty percent of all North American birds (326 species) use the Mississippi River Basin as their migratory flyway. Learn more about birds of the Mississippi River in the Minnesota area. 4 From Cairo, IL upstream to Lake Itasca there are 38 documented species of mussel. On the Lower Mississippi, there may be as many as 60 separate species of mussel. Learn more about mussels of the upper Mississippi River. 5 The Upper Mississippi is host to more than 50 mammal species; 6 At least 145 species of amphibians and reptiles inhabit the Upper Mississippi River environs.

How many people rely on the Mississippi River?

A January 2000 study published by the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee states that close to 15 million people rely on the Mississippi River or its tributaries in just the upper half of the basin (from Cairo, IL to Minneapolis, MN).

How long is the Mississippi River?

The US Geologic Survey has published a number of 2,300 miles, the EPA says it is 2,320 miles long, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area suggests the river's length is 2,350 miles.

What is the Mississippi River of History?

The River of History discusses the history represented within the 72 mile corridor of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, including the history of Native Americans and dispossession, exploration, transportation, commerce, navigation, and other topics. The River of History is provided online.

How does the Mississippi River help the community?

Communities up and down the river use the Mississippi to obtain freshwater and to discharge their industrial and municipal waste. We don't have good figures on water use for the whole Mississippi River Basin, but we have some clues. A January 2000 study published by the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee states that close to 15 million people rely on the Mississippi River or its tributaries in just the upper half of the basin (from Cairo, IL to Minneapolis, MN). A frequently cited figure of 18 million people using the Mississippi River Watershed for water supply comes from a 1982 study by the Upper Mississippi River Basin Committee. The Environmental Protection Agency simply says that more than 50 cities rely on the Mississippi for daily water supply.

What did Native Americans use the Mississippi River for?

Native Americans lived along its banks and used the river for sustenance and transportation. Early European explorers used the Mississippi to explore the interior and the northern reaches of what was to become the United States.

Where is the widest part of the Mississippi River?

The widest part of the Mississippi can be found at Lake Winnibigoshish near Bena, MN , where it is wider than 11 miles. The widest navigable section in the shipping channel of the Mississippi is Lake Pepin, where the channel is approximately 2 miles wide.

How many species of fish live in the Mississippi River?

Many species of birds summer here with many more species using the river and its forests and grasslands as stopovers during their epic migrations. More than 120 species of fish make their home in the river, along with recovering mussel populations.

What are the fish that live in the river?

Their presence makes it possible for eagles, otters, ospreys, cormorants, herons, mussels, and other species to live in or along the river. Use the checklist below to explore the diversity of fish in the river and explore selected fish species ...

What are the land, water, and sky of the Mississippi River?

Introduction. The land, water, and sky of the upper Mississippi River are teaming with life. The Mississippi and the surrounding bluffs and floodplains provide food and shelter for migrating birds, unique fish, and remarkable mammals.

What is the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area working on?

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is working on an Action Plan to stop Asian carp as far down stream as possible. Are you curious about why these fish are so bad? Read about how they might impact our rivers and lakes, how they spread, and what they eat.

What animals live in the river banks?

Otters, coyotes, deer, beaver and muskrats and other mammals live along the river's banks. The National Park Service routinely conducts studies to monitor and evaluate animal populations. The park also assesses the quality of their habitat and works with partners to restore, connect, and expand natural areas while preventing or supressing invasive ...

When did river otters return to the Twin Cities?

Their return to the Twin Cities since the 1980's is a success story for water quality on the Mississippi River.

Where are bald eagles found?

The National Park Service is studying bald eagles to determine the persistence of various chemicals in the upper Mississippi River , the Saint Croix and the Apostle Islands. These studies provide insight into how many eagles are here, ...

What is the name of the fish that swims in freshwater?

Trout are species of fish belonging to the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo, and Salvelinus. They are closely related to salmon and char species. Trout also love to swim under freshwater ecosystems.

How Do Fishes Get In Rivers?

Most fishes can only be found in saltwater ecosystems like the ocean and sea. Also, most of the fishes you found in a river are from the oceans. Now you are wondering, how do fishes get in rivers?

What is the family of crappies?

Crappies inhabit North American freshwater, and they belong to the sunfish family Centrarchidae. There are two recognized species under this genus, and they are the white crappie and black crappie.

What is the largest species of salmon?

The chinook salmon is the largest species of Pacific salmon, and they belong to the genus Oncorhynchus. They have blue-green, red, or purple on the back and top of their head. Also, they have silvery sides and white ventral surfaces.

Why are tilapias so popular?

They are popular in all countries around the world because of their low price, easy preparation, and good taste. Tilapia is also one of the favorite foods of omnivore and carnivore animals. Tilapia are freshwater fish that inhabit shallow streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes.

Where are the three largest catfish found?

What are those three? The Mekong giant catfish can be found in Asia, the wels catfish in Eurasia, and Paraiba in South America.

Where do walleyes live?

Walleye is a perciform fish that lives in the freshwater ecosystems of Canada, and the Northern United States. They are closely related to European zander, commonly called the pikeperch. Walleyes can grow to about 80cm, and they can weigh up to about 9kg.