Lansing Riverfront Parkon Mississippi River (Upper Mississippi — NE Iowa stretch)
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Mississippi River
- 01Good to excellent fall fishing conditions on the Upper Mississippi River.
- 02Cooling water temperatures and stable flows are promoting active feeding.
- 03Predatory species are targeting baitfish, crayfish, and leeches.
- 04Panfish are actively feeding on smaller invertebrates and baitfish.
- 05Focus fishing efforts in shallow bay areas with rock and weed beds, and off-channel for Smallmouth Bass.
- 06Employ a slower retrieve with pauses for streamers and crayfish patterns.
- 07Exercise caution due to potentially low water levels and submerged rock formations outside the main channel.
What to tie on at Lansing Riverfront Park
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Game Changer
A highly effective articulated baitfish imitation for trophy bass, pike, and musky, especially productive when stripped at varying depths in cooling fall waters.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
Effectively imitates baitfish in varying water conditions, making it a go-to for predatory species like Walleye and Muskellunge, and can also attract Crappie.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in areas with aquatic vegetation on the Mississippi River, especially in early spring, making this pattern effective for Bluegill, Crappie, and Walleye.
Buy at AmazonDamsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch. This olive pattern is effective when stripped slowly along weed beds and can attract Walleye, Crappie, and Bluegill.
Woolly Bugger (Black)
A versatile streamer, effective year-round for predatory fish like Walleye and Muskellunge, especially as they become more active in warming spring waters, imitating leeches and baitfish. Also good for Bluegill and Crappie.
Crappie Jig Fly
Excellent for targeting Crappie and Bluegill during their spring spawn around submerged structure. Walleye will also strike these baitfish imitations.
Buy at AmazonPerch Pattern
Where perch are present in the river, early spring is prime time for this baitfish imitation for Walleye and Muskellunge.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns like this effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic predatory fish in early spring.
Crayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass and walleye in rocky areas. Stripped slowly along the bottom, this pattern is highly effective, even in cooler conditions.
Buy at AmazonIowa season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.