What the Winona stretch of the Mississippi offers

The Mississippi River near Winona is a working river—barge traffic, wing dams, and lock-and-dam structures shape how fish live here—but it holds walleye, catfish, and sauger in numbers that make the trip worthwhile. The river here runs through a narrow valley with high bluffs, and the current, depth changes, and structure created by the dam system concentrate fish in predictable spots. You are fishing a river that has been managed for navigation for over a century, and understanding that changes where you fish and when.

The Winona area sits between Lock and Dam 5 (at Winona) and Lock and Dam 6 (near Trempealeau, Wisconsin). This pool—roughly 20 miles of river—is deeper and slower than the stretches above it, which makes it hold different fish and require different tactics than the faster water upstream. The bottom is mostly sand and silt, with scattered rock and wood structure. Barge traffic runs year-round, and the wakes and current shifts matter to your boat handling and your choice of where to anchor or drift.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing is best from April through June and again in September and October, when fish move shallow to feed along the dam structure and wing dams.
  • The lock and dam at Winona creates a deep pool that holds catfish year-round, especially in the tailrace below the dam and along the deeper channel edges.
  • Wing dams—rock structures built perpendicular to the shore—are the most reliable walleye spots because they create current breaks and hold baitfish.
  • Barge traffic is constant, so fish the edges of the navigation channel and stay alert; the wakes can move your boat and spook fish.
  • Summer (July and August) is slower for walleye but good for catfish and carp; many anglers fish at night or focus on deeper holes.

Walleye patterns by season

Spring walleye (April through May) move into shallow water as the river warms. The tailrace below Lock and Dam 5 at Winona is a classic spring spot—walleye stack up in the current break just below the dam, feeding on shad and shiners. Fish jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics in 6 to 12 feet of water. Early morning and evening are most productive, but walleye here will bite through the day if the light is low or the water is cloudy.

Early summer (June) is a transition month. Walleye move away from the dam structure as the water warms and the current slows. Wing dams become the primary target—fish the downstream side where the current creates a pocket of slower water. Jigs work, but so do live-bait rigs drifted along the wing dam edge. By late June, walleye move deeper into the main channel, and you may need to fish 15 to 25 feet to find them consistently.

Fall (September and October) brings another shallow bite. Walleye return to the dam structure and wing dams as water temperature drops and baitfish concentrate. This is often the most reliable walleye fishing of the year near Winona. Jigs, crankbaits, and live-bait rigs all work. The bite can be fast in low light, and many anglers fish dawn and dusk or night.

Catfish and summer fishing

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are present year-round in the Winona pool, but summer is when most anglers target them. The deep holes along the main channel and the slack water behind wing dams hold catfish, especially at night. Cut bait—shad, herring, or skipjack—is the standard. Fish on the bottom in 15 to 30 feet of water, and be patient; catfish bites can be slow to develop but often run hard once they commit.

The tailrace below the dam is also a catfish spot, particularly in summer when the dam is releasing water. The current and oxygenation attract catfish, and you can fish from the bank or from a boat anchored in the slack water to the side of the main current. Night fishing is more productive than day, and many catfish anglers fish from dusk through midnight.

Flathead catfish, which are larger and more aggressive than channel cats, have become more common in the Winona pool over the past decade. They prefer live bait—live bluegill or shiners—and are almost exclusively a night bite. Fish the deeper holes and the edges of the main channel, and expect to wait several hours between bites.

Wing dams and structure

Wing dams are the backbone of Mississippi River fishing near Winona. These rock structures extend from the shore into the river at an angle, built to direct current and maintain the navigation channel. For fish, they create current breaks, trap baitfish, and provide shelter. The downstream side of a wing dam is almost always worth fishing—the current slows there, and walleye, sauger, and catfish all use that pocket.

Fish the wing dam edge with jigs, live-bait rigs, or crankbaits. Cast upstream and let your lure drift down the edge, or anchor slightly downstream and cast up into the current break. In spring and fall, walleye will be in 6 to 15 feet of water along the wing dam. In summer, they move deeper, but catfish and sauger stay shallower year-round.

The main channel between wing dams is also productive, especially in summer and winter. The deeper water (20 to 40 feet) holds walleye during the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Vertical jigging or live-bait rigs fished on the bottom work well. The current here is stronger, so use heavier jigs and be ready to adjust your boat position as the current and barge wakes push you.

Barge traffic and boat safety

Barge tows move through the Winona pool regularly, and they change the water level and current as they lock through. A tow approaching from upstream will create a wave and a current surge; a tow locking through the dam will lower the water level slightly. These changes can move your boat, spook fish, and create hazardous conditions if you are not paying attention.

Fish the edges of the navigation channel, not the center. Stay out of the main channel when a tow is approaching, and be ready to move if the current surge is stronger than expected. Many anglers fish the slack water behind wing dams or along the shore specifically to avoid barge traffic. If you are anchored, use a good anchor and watch for tows; if you are drifting, keep your motor running and be ready to move.

The lock and dam itself is off-limits to fishing—you cannot fish within a certain distance of the dam structure, and the current and turbulence there are dangerous. The tailrace below the dam is open to fishing, but stay alert for water level changes and current shifts as the dam operators adjust the gates.

Access points and launch locations

Winona has several public boat launches. The Winona City Boat Launch on the north side of town provides access to the pool below Lock and Dam 5. There is also access at Levee Park, which is closer to the dam. Both launches have parking and are maintained by the city. The ramps can get crowded on weekends, especially in spring and fall.

If you want to fish the upper part of the pool (closer to Lock and Dam 6), you can launch from Trempealeau, Wisconsin, which is about 15 miles downstream. The Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge has a boat launch, and the area offers good walleye and catfish fishing, particularly in spring and fall.

Bank fishing is possible along the shore near Winona, particularly along the levee and at the parks. You can fish from the bank for catfish and sauger, especially at night. The wing dams are accessible by wading in some places, but water levels and current vary, so be cautious.

Licenses and regulations

You need a Minnesota fishing license to fish the Winona area of the Mississippi. A daily license is available if you do not want to buy an annual one. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sets the regulations for walleye, catfish, and sauger—bag limits, size limits, and season dates. Check the current regulations before you fish; they can change year to year.

The Mississippi River is a shared resource, and Wisconsin also has jurisdiction over parts of it. If you fish the Wisconsin side (which includes some of the wing dams and the area near Trempealeau), you need a Wisconsin license. Many anglers buy both licenses if they plan to fish both sides of the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish for walleye near Winona?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most reliable. Walleye move shallow to feed, and the bite is often fast in low light. Summer is slower for walleye but good for catfish. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice-fishing techniques and access to the ice.

Can I fish from the bank near Winona?

Yes, bank fishing is possible along the levee and at city parks. You can also wade into some of the wing dams, but be cautious of current and water-level changes. Night fishing from the bank is good for catfish. Always check local regulations and access rules before you fish.

Do I need a boat to fish the Winona pool?

A boat gives you access to more water and structure, especially the wing dams and deeper holes. But you can catch walleye and catfish from the bank or by wading. Many anglers fish the tailrace below the dam from the shore or from a small boat anchored in the slack water.

What should I do if a barge tow is approaching?

Move out of the main navigation channel and into slack water or along the shore. If you are anchored, check your anchor and be ready to move. The current surge from a tow can be strong, and the wake can swamp a small boat. Stay alert and keep your motor running if you are drifting.

Are flathead catfish common in the Winona pool?

Flatheads have become more common over the past decade. They are larger and more aggressive than channel catfish and prefer live bait. They are almost exclusively a night bite and are found in the deeper holes and main channel edges. If you want to target them, fish live bluegill or shiners after dark.