River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DATA
Mississippi River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Mississippi River
Trace the Mississippi River mainstem from the Lake Itasca headwaters through the Upper and Lower Mississippi to the Louisiana delta and Gulf of Mexico.
Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
The Mississippi supports an enormous range of fishing opportunities, from northern reaches and backwaters to the broad pools of the Upper Mississippi and the warm waters of the lower river. Species and regulations change considerably by state and reach.
Fish you may encounter
Walleye
Sauger
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Blue Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Crappie
Bluegill
Yellow Perch
Paddlefish
Freshwater Drum
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Upper Mississippi River Refuge ↗The refuge supports year-round fishing for walleye, sauger, bass, perch, catfish, crappie and sunfish across backwaters, sloughs, channels and areas below dams.
FISHING AREA
Navigation pools and tailwaters ↗Current seams, wing dams, backwaters and areas below locks and dams create varied habitat throughout the Upper Mississippi.
FISHING AREA
Backwaters and island channels ↗Backwaters, sloughs and side channels provide important fishing habitat and can offer water away from the strongest main-channel current.
FISHING AREA
Lower Mississippi River ↗Farther south, the river becomes a massive warmwater system where catfish, bass, drum and other large-river species dominate many fisheries.
Before you fish
- Fishing regulations vary by state and sometimes by individual river reach.
- Anglers should verify current licenses, seasons, harvest limits and special regulations before fishing.
- Current, commercial navigation and rapidly changing river levels require extra caution when fishing from boats.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
Boating on the Mississippi ranges from quiet canoe and kayak trips near the headwaters to paddling among islands and backwaters and operating beside commercial tow traffic on the navigation channel. Conditions and hazards change dramatically along the river.
Mississippi National Water Trail ↗
More than 70 river miles through the Twin Cities corridor offer paddling for a wide range of skill levels, including day trips, island camping and urban river experiences.
Kayaking Canoeing Camping Wildlife Viewing
Crow River to Coon Rapids Dam ↗
A recommended NPS paddle includes Class I water, islands and opportunities for an overnight trip in a comparatively natural river setting.
Kayaking Canoeing Camping
Twin Cities and St. Paul reaches ↗
Urban sections combine river scenery with bridges, parks, locks and active navigation. Paddlers must understand dams, portages and lock procedures.
Kayaking Canoeing Motorboating
Upper Mississippi navigation pools ↗
The pooled river through Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri supports boating, fishing and camping but also carries large commercial tow traffic.
Motorboating Fishing Kayaking Canoeing
Know before you go
- Wear an appropriate personal flotation device and check current river conditions before launching.
- Give commercial towboats and barges a very wide berth; large vessels have limited maneuverability and may require a long distance to stop.
- Stay clear of restricted areas around dams and understand lock procedures before entering a navigation pool.
- High water can produce powerful currents, floating debris and flooded timber; low water can expose wing dams, rocks and stump fields.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
Upper Mississippi River Refuge landings ↗
The refuge maintains more than 20 fee-free boat landings, while more than 220 additional non-refuge landings provide access along the refuge corridor.
Mississippi National Water Trail access ↗
NPS water-trail resources identify river access, paddle routes, hazards, portages and trip-planning information through the Twin Cities corridor.
USACE Mississippi River Project ramps ↗
The Rock Island District manages numerous public recreation areas and boat ramps along 314 miles of the Upper Mississippi between Wisconsin and Missouri.
Clark's Ferry ↗
USACE recreation area with public river access and a boat ramp in the Upper Mississippi corridor.
Shady Creek ↗
USACE recreation site with campground and boat-ramp access to the Mississippi.
Lock and Dam 22 Boat Ramp ↗
Public USACE boat access on the Mississippi River navigation system.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area ↗
National Park Service corridor protecting and interpreting 72 miles of the Mississippi through the Minneapolis–St. Paul region.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge ↗
A major river refuge protecting islands, backwaters, floodplain habitat and recreation opportunities along the Upper Mississippi.
Mississippi River Project ↗
USACE recreation and natural-resource system encompassing 314 river miles from Potosi, Wisconsin, to Saverton, Missouri.