Pool 9’s best spots to fish are in the Minnesota Slough near New Albin and in the Lansing Big Lake complex, especially the areas of Shore Slough and Philippi Bottoms. In Pool 10, the bluegill angler will do well to try Joyce Lake and Mud Hen Lake near Harpers Ferry, as well Methodist and Norwegian lakes near McGregor.

For fishermen near Pool 11, the Bertom Lake, south of Cassville, Wis., and Mud Lake, just north of Dubuque, are tops. The latter is the site of a recent habitat development project, and the bluegills have responded. It seems that these super survivors are willing to take advantage of every bit of habitat enhancement undertaken.

According to Gritters, bluegills in the Mississippi River tend to be slightly smaller than their counterparts in the lakes and farm ponds around the Hawkeye State. To make up for it, their numbers are high, and they’re eager biters.

“With that said, the largest ‘gill I’ve seen taken from the Mississippi was 10 1/2 inches,” said Gritters. “The average keeper is around 7 inches. The great thing about fishing the Mississippi is that you never know what else you might catch. With over 100 fish species in the river, you’re liable to catch just about anything with a hook and bobber.”

Special restrictions apply to the Mississippi River and its backwaters. The daily possession limit is 25 crappies, with an overall possession limit of 50 fish.

For additional information, contact IDNR’s Guttenberg Fish Management Unit at (563) 252-1156.