A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled along the Upper Mississippi River, Pool 10 is a prime destination for anglers seeking to tangle with some of the mightiest freshwater fish in North America: catfish. Stretching from Lock and Dam 9 near Lynxville, Wisconsin, to Lock and Dam 10 at Guttenberg, Iowa, this 32.8-mile stretch of river is renowned for its diverse fishery, scenic beauty, and abundant populations of channel, blue, and flathead catfish. With its mix of deep channels, shallow backwaters, and complex river structures, Pool 10 offers a unique and rewarding catfishing experience. In this article, we’ll explore the techniques for locating catfish in Pool 10, discuss effective bait and rig setups with external references, and provide tips to maximize your success on this iconic waterway.

Understanding Pool 10 and Its Catfish

Pool 10 of the Mississippi River spans parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, encompassing a dynamic ecosystem shaped by the river’s flow, locks, and dams. The pool features a main channel with strong currents, side channels, backwaters, and sloughs that provide diverse habitats for catfish. The three primary catfish species in Pool 10 are:

• Channel Catfish: These are the most common, typically weighing 2–15 pounds, though larger specimens (up to 30 pounds) are possible. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including riffles, pools, and areas with moderate cover.
• Blue Catfish: Known for their size (20–100+ pounds), blue catfish prefer deeper waters with strong currents, such as main channels and scour holes near dams.
• Flathead Catfish: These ambush predators, often weighing 20–50 pounds, favor areas with structure like sunken logs, rock piles, and deep pools.

Each species has distinct habitat preferences and feeding behaviors, making it essential to understand Pool 10’s structure to locate them effectively.

Locating Catfish in Pool 10

Finding catfish in Pool 10 requires knowledge of the river’s topography, seasonal patterns, and the behavior of each species. Here are key strategies for pinpointing their locations:

1. Target Key River Structures

Catfish are structure-oriented fish, often congregating around features that provide cover, food, or breaks from current. In Pool 10, focus on:

• Wing Dams and Rock Piles: Wing dams, man-made rock structures extending from the shore, create eddies and scour holes where catfish rest and feed. Cast near the downstream side of wing dams, where current breaks form calm pockets. Rock piles in side channels or near shorelines are also hotspots, especially for channel catfish.
• Scour Holes and Deep Pools: Scour holes, formed by fast-moving water eroding the riverbed, are magnets for blue catfish. These are often found below dams, near dike tips, or along outside river bends. Use a depth finder to locate holes 30–100 feet deep, and anchor upstream to drift baits into the hole’s edges.
• Submerged Timber and Snags: Flathead catfish love woody cover, such as fallen trees, stumps, or sunken logs in backwaters or side channels. These areas provide ambush points for flatheads targeting baitfish. Look for timber-strewn pools out of strong currents, especially in 6–20 feet of water.
• Current Seams and Eddies: Current seams, where fast and slow water meet, attract all catfish species. These are common below Lock and Dam 10 or near channel edges. Position your boat to cast into the seam, allowing baits to settle where catfish hold.

2. Seasonal Patterns

Catfish behavior in Pool 10 varies with seasons, influenced by water temperature, flow, and spawning cycles:

• Spring (March–May): In early spring (50–60°F water), blue catfish congregate in lock and dam tailwaters, feeding aggressively on baitfish like skipjack herring. Channel catfish move into riffles and shallows at night. Flatheads become active in shallow backwaters (6–8 feet) as they prepare to spawn. Anchor near tailwaters or cast into shallow flats with live bait.
• Summer (June–August): As water warms (mid-60s to 80s°F), blue catfish shift downstream to deep scour holes or main channels. Drift fishing in the main channel becomes effective for blues. Channel catfish roam flats and backwaters, while flatheads hold near deep cover. Fish at night for channel cats in riffles or use heavy rigs in deep holes for blues.
• Fall (September–November): Cooling water concentrates catfish in deeper holes and near baitfish schools. Channel and blue catfish feed heavily before winter, often near grain elevators or river bends where shad gather. Flatheads remain near cover but are less active.
• Winter (December–February): Catfish seek deep, slow pools or areas with warmer water, such as near power plants or tailwaters. Blue catfish are less active but can be enticed with cut bait in 30–60-foot holes. Use heavy sinkers to keep baits on the bottom in sluggish currents.

3. Use Technology and Observation

Modern fish finders and depth finders are invaluable for locating catfish in Pool 10’s vast waters. Scan for depth changes, such as ledges or holes, and mark baitfish schools, as catfish often follow shad or skipjack herring. Watch for visual cues like swirling water behind wing dams or baitfish jumping near rock piles, indicating catfish activity.

4. Hotspots in Pool 10

Specific areas in Pool 10 are known for producing catfish:

• Lock and Dam 10 Tailwaters (Guttenberg): A prime spot for blue catfish in spring, with deep scour holes and strong currents. Anchor within casting distance of the dam and fish current seams.
• Bussey Lake and Backwaters: These shallow, timber-filled areas near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, are ideal for flatheads and channel catfish, especially at night.
• Marquette-Prairie du Chien Area: The main channel and side channels near these towns hold blue and channel catfish, with wing dams and rock piles offering reliable structure.
• Yellow River Slough: A backwater area with slow currents and submerged cover, perfect for channel catfish using stink baits or worms.

Bait and Rig Setups

Choosing the right bait and rig is critical for success. Below are recommended setups for Pool 10, with external links for detailed rig instructions.

Bait Choices

• Skipjack Herring: The top bait for blue and flathead catfish, especially when cut or used live. Catch skipjacks near wing dams using Sabiki rigs or small flies.
• Shad (Threadfin or Gizzard): Fresh-cut shad is excellent for all species, abundant in Pool 10. Use a cast net near bridge pilings or spillways to harvest shad.
• Nightcrawlers and Stink Baits: Ideal for channel catfish, especially in backwaters. Thread worms on a hook or use pool noodle pieces dipped in stink bait.
• Live Bait (Bream, Perch): Flatheads prefer live fish, hooked through the back or tail to keep them swimming naturally.
• Chicken Liver or Dough Bait: Effective for channel catfish when rigged with treble hooks.

Rig Setups

Here are three effective rigs for Pool 10, with external links for setup guides:

1. Slip Sinker Rig (Carolina Rig):
   • Use: Ideal for tight-line fishing in deep holes or current for blue and channel catfish.
   • Setup: Thread a 3–8 oz egg or no-roll sinker on the main line (30–80 lb braided), followed by a swivel. Attach an 18-inch leader (50 lb mono) with a 6/0–8/0 circle hook. Use cut skipjack or shad.
   • Link: Whisker Seeker Tackle – Slip Sinker Rig
   • Tip: Adjust sinker weight to hold bottom in current without dragging.
2. Three-Way Rig:
   • Use: Effective for drift fishing in the main channel or deep reservoirs for blue catfish.
   • Setup: Tie a three-way swivel to the main line. Attach a 6–30-inch dropper line with a 12–24 oz bell sinker and a 30-inch leader with two 8/0–12/0 circle hooks spaced 18 inches apart. Bait with cut shad or live bait.
   • Link: Wired2Fish – Three-Way Rig
   • Tip: Keep the line vertical while drifting at 1 mph to avoid snags.
3. Slip Bobber Rig:
   • Use: Great for channel catfish in backwaters or slow-moving side channels.
   • Setup: Attach a bobber stop to the main line, followed by a bead and slip bobber. Tie a 4/0–6/0 J-style hook and add split shot 3–4 inches above. Bait with nightcrawlers or stink bait.
   • Link: In-Fisherman – Slip Bobber Rig
   • Tip: Set the bobber to keep bait just off the bottom, drifting near cover.

Tips for Success in Pool 10

• Boat Positioning: Anchor upstream of holes or wing dams to cast baits into target zones. Use trolling motors with Spot-Lock for precise positioning in current.
• Tackle: Use 7–10 ft medium-heavy rods with baitcasting or spinning reels spooled with 30–80 lb braided line for blues and flatheads. Downsize to 15–20 lb mono for channel cats.
• Timing: Fish at night for channel catfish in shallows or riffles. Target blues during early morning or evening low-water periods for best results.
• Regulations: Check Iowa, Wisconsin, or Minnesota fishing regulations for bag limits, size restrictions, and licensing. Pool 10 crosses state lines, so ensure compliance.
• Safety: The Mississippi’s currents and barge traffic demand caution. Wear life jackets, avoid small boats in high water, and monitor river gauges (e.g., Guttenberg gauge).

Conservation and Community

Catfish populations in Pool 10 are robust, but ethical angling preserves the fishery. Release trophy-sized fish to maintain breeding stock, and adhere to local regulations. Join online forums or local fishing clubs, like those in Guttenberg or Prairie du Chien, to share knowledge and stay updated on river conditions. Tournaments in the region offer opportunities to connect with fellow anglers and test your skills.

Conclusion

Catfishing in Pool 10 of the Mississippi River is an adventure that combines skill, strategy, and the thrill of battling powerful fish in a stunning natural setting. By targeting key structures like wing dams, scour holes, and timber, adjusting for seasonal patterns, and using proven rigs like the slip sinker, three-way, or slip bobber, anglers can unlock the river’s potential. With the right bait—skipjack, shad, or stink bait—and a solid understanding of Pool 10’s dynamics, you’re well-equipped to land channel, blue, or flathead catfish. So, gear up, launch your boat from Guttenberg or Harpers Ferry, and experience the rush of catfishing on one of America’s greatest rivers.