Mississippi River Pool 8 level questions

[jimmybass2]

The last time I fished pool 8 (mid-1990's), I left a skeg on a wing dam. Those were the days of navigating with a hand held Garmin black and white with NO maps. I plan on not repeating, since I have Navionics and Lakemaster chips. But I am suffering from river-phobia.

So the water is currently at 5.4' Is that low, high, scary, good, great???

Also, this is an early October trip out of Stoddard. Should I look mostly at main river stuff for smallies or Largemouth, or more backwater focused?

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated.

Jimmy

[eatmywake]

It's really low! Could change in a hurry but if it's still at 5' when you come over, remember it's low. Smallmouth should be on the main river, largemouth, who knows.

[3dees]

I was there last week. caught lots of largemouth and pike in the back waters. couldn't find any smallies. talked to a few locals and they said fishing has been really slow for a while.

[jimmybass2]

Thanks for your help!

[Rips LEGEND]

There are river navigational charts the COE puts out. They show all wing dams and stump fields, other areas to watch out for. Upper Mississippi River Navigational Charts, pick a section of river and make a copy.

[emerson biggens]

Upper Black River, they are there..

[jimmybass2]

Upper Black River, they are there..

[Iowa Bass Hunter]

Not low! Normal! Late summer lows are about 5'. I've even fished it at 4.7'. Stay inside the buoys in the main channel and you won't hit any wing dams. There is a closing dam on the top and bottom side of the west channel in LAX. There are holes in the closing dam that you had better go through if you take that route. The fish should be in migration. Goose Island area and Black River area will be really good. I wouldn't get too far away from current or deep water anyways. Remember, anytime you are unsure of the area you should be idling. That will help keep you from bashing stuff with the boat.

[3dees]

whats going on in La Crosse this weekend? tried to get a motel room. nothing within 40 miles.

[erico]

Probably Oktoberfest

[eatmywake]

Probably Oktoberfest

Nailed it!