Top River Destinations – A free-flowing tour of major river fisheries throughout the Upper Midwest, highlighting trophy fisheries for walleyes, bass, catfish, muskies, trout, salmon and more.
Top River Destinations
Rivers offer some of the best fishing opportunities, and there are several destinations across the United States that are known for their abundance of fish. In this article, we will explore some of the top river destinations that every angler should consider visiting. From the Missouri River to the smaller rivers flowing into Lake Michigan, these rivers offer a variety of fish species and incredible angling experiences.
Missouri River
The Missouri River, as it winds its way across the Dakotas, is home to several large reservoirs that are known for their excellent fishing. Walleyes are considered the king of these waters, with big northern pike, smallmouth bass, and an exploding crappie fishery also present. However, what may surprise you is the number of big walleyes exceeding 10 pounds that can be found here. The Missouri River is a must-visit destination for any angler looking for a thrilling fishing experience.
Red River
Stretching from Fargo, North Dakota, all the way up to Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, the Red River is renowned for being the world’s finest channel catfish fishery. Its murky waters are home to huge numbers of cats in the 20 to 30 pound range. But that’s not all – the Red River also offers fantastic angling for walleyes. Many big walleyes exceeding 10 pounds can be found here, making it a hidden gem for walleye enthusiasts.
St. Louis River
Located at Duluth-Superior along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Louis River is an estuary that offers a great spring and fall walleye fishery. It is also known for its good numbers of bass and fish big bike and trophy muskies all year long. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities in the St. Louis River, making it a versatile destination for anglers of all preferences.
Upper Mississippi River
The Upper Mississippi River, flowing from northern Minnesota down along the Wisconsin border, offers a diverse fishing experience. It starts as a small rocky river that supports trophy smallmouth bass, and as it progresses, it transforms into a large river and reservoir environment. Here, anglers can find strong populations of big walleyes, ponderous catfish, giant bike largemouth and smallmouth, and some of the best panfish fishing in the area. The Upper Mississippi River is a must-visit destination for anglers looking for a variety of fish species and fishing environments.
Wisconsin River
The Wisconsin River, stretching from the northern end of the Badger State down to its junction with the Mississippi, is a hotbed of fishing activity. It offers excellent opportunities for walleye, smallmouth, and musky fishing. Anglers can also find big cats and even paddlefish in these waters. The Wisconsin River is a hidden gem that deserves more angling attention and respect throughout the year.
Michigan Rivers ————— Michigan is home to several rivers that are known for their incredible fishing opportunities. The Saginaw, St. Clair, and Detroit rivers are best known for their seasonal runs of huge Great Lakes walleyes. Anglers from all over the Upper Midwest flock to these rivers to try their luck at catching these massive walleyes. However, there are also many smaller rivers in Michigan, particularly those flowing into Lake Michigan, that are home to huge walleyes as well. These rivers also offer seasonal runs of Great Lakes steelhead and salmon, making them a popular destination for anglers looking for a variety of fish species.
Small Rivers and Big Rivers
In general, both small rivers and big rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities. Small rivers often feed into larger rivers, and both types of rivers have their own unique characteristics and fish populations. Small rivers are typically rocky and support trophy smallmouth bass. They are also known for their excellent panfish fishing. On the other hand, big rivers and reservoir environments are home to a wide range of fish species, including big walleyes, catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and even muskies. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences depending on the type of river they choose to fish.
Give Them a Try
These river destinations deserve more angling attention and respect throughout the year. They offer incredible fishing opportunities for a variety of fish species and provide anglers with thrilling angling experiences. Whether you’re looking to catch big walleyes, catfish, bass, or panfish, these rivers have it all. So, if you’re on the lookout for new water to explore, consider visiting one of these top river destinations. You won’t be disappointed.
