Clinton County, IA · Inland River
Mississippi River (Clinton)
The pooled Mississippi at Clinton — classic Upper Mississippi walleye and sauger water below the lock and dam, with smallmouth bass on the wing dams, channel catfish in the current, and crappie in the backwaters. Live USGS flow and water temperature at Clinton read the river.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Channel Catfish — Great day to fish for Channel Catfish.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Mississippi River (Clinton).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Mississippi River (Clinton)
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Channel Catfish Great day to fish for Channel Catfish. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 85°F water — inside channel catfish's active range
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 8
Iowa: 8 channel catfish/day.
Source: Iowa non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 52/100
What's helping
- Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- 85°F water — above walleye's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Iowa: 3 walleye/day. Mississippi River pools carry a 15" minimum and release of all fish 20–27" (1 over 27"); the Iowa Great Lakes use a 19–25" protected slot.
Source: Iowa non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#3 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 44/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- 85°F water — above smallmouth bass's active range (55–78°f) — fish move deep
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 3
Iowa public lakes: 3 black bass/day, 15" minimum (6 in possession).
Source: Iowa non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#4 Crappie Marginal conditions for Crappie. In season 38/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 85°F water — above crappie's active range (50–80°f) — fish move deep
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 25
Iowa: 25 crappie/day (Mississippi River and most waters).
Source: Iowa non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Iowa non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Mississippi pools: walleye 15" minimum, release 20–27" (1 over 27"). Tailwater below the dam is the spring hot spot.
Local reports & rules for Mississippi River (Clinton): Iowa DNR fishing report → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Mississippi River (Clinton)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Mississippi River (Clinton) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Mississippi River (Clinton)?
Mississippi River (Clinton) is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Mississippi River (Clinton)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Mississippi River (Clinton) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Mississippi River (Clinton) have?
Mississippi River (Clinton) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Mississippi pools: walleye 15" minimum, release 20–27" (1 over 27"). Tailwater below the dam is the spring hot spot.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Mississippi River (Clinton)?
state agency regulations apply at Mississippi River (Clinton). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Mississippi River (Clinton) tidal water?
No. Mississippi River (Clinton) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.