How Many Types of Fish Live in the Mississippi River?

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: July 18, 2023
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Mississippi River infographic
The Mississippi River is home to at least 260 species of fish.

The Mississippi River is 2,350 miles long, according to the EPA and the National Park Service. This massive river forms a broad, convoluted line that divides the United States of America almost in half as it flows southward from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to Plaquemines Parish, New Orleans in Louisiana.

It should come as no surprise that many people are curious about the variety of fish that inhabit a river this size, particularly devoted fishermen! We’ll look at the variety of fish that inhabit the Mississippi River in this post. We’ll also talk about where the most common species can thrive.

How Many Types of Fish Live in the Mississippi River?

Mississippi River Big Fish

There are over 2,000 miles separating the mouth of the Mississippi River from its start.

©Alexey Savchuk/Shutterstock.com

The Mississippi River is home to at least 260 species of fish or one-quarter of all fish species throughout North America. More species can be found in the Upper Mississippi River, where there are 119 total species.

Favorite Sport Fish Along the Mississippi River

Catfish, Fish, Mississippi River, Underwater, USA

Channel

catfish

are just one type out of many popular fish to catch along the Mississippi River.

©iStock.com/stammphoto

Walleye perch, sauger, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill, and crappies are some of the popular sport fish in the Mississippi. Along the riverine, you can find species like catfish, blue suckers, shorthead redhorses, and bigmouth buffalo. The list of species also contains some ancient fish like paddlefish, lake sturgeons, and shovelnose sturgeons.

The Mississippi River offers fantastic opportunities for both bank fishing and float trips. While lake fishing is less successful in the summer, smallmouth bass fishing frequently gets better at this time. In one fishing trip, it is not unusual for fishermen to catch up to 30 smallmouths!

Do You Need a Boat to Fish Along the Mississippi River?

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

In certain spots, you can fish along the banks of the Mississippi River or take a fishing boat on the water.

©NPS/Gordon Dietzman / Public Domain – License

No! To go fishing along the Mississippi River, you don’t need a boat. Some people fish from a small boat, while others just cast a line along the banks. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to always abide by the local fishing laws and regulations.

What Are the Requirements to Fish Along the Mississippi River?

Aerial shot of a road along the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is home to at least 260 species of fish, with 119 of them residing in the Upper Mississippi alone.

©iStock.com/Willard

It is acceptable to say that fishing rules change as frequently as state borders because the Mississippi river runs through ten states. What you need to know greatly depends on which state you’re fishing in because different sections of the river have varied lengths and weight limits on the same species. Additionally, because of the river’s dynamic ecosystem, laws are often modified, so it’s important to stay informed.

Hiring a local guide is the best solution for this. They will inform you of your rights and obligations while fishing on the water. By doing it this way, you can have fun without accidentally breaking any rules. Remember that a fishing license must be purchased, typically, if you are between the ages of 16 and 64. As long as it’s a freshwater species, the Mississippi has no catch restrictions. Every state has a favorite catch, therefore there are different places to go based on what species you want to snag!

Best Spots to Fish Along the Mississippi River

Shark fisherman

Sharks are no strangers to the Mississippi River.

©Sebastian Castelier/Shutterstock.com

Given that the Mississippi River flows through so many states, it is reasonable to suggest that you might spend a lifetime discovering the hidden gems in this 10-state region. Here is a brief overview of each state to assist you in finding the greatest fish supply nearby:

  • Arkansas
    • The confluence of Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers
    • The confluence of the Mississippi and St. Francis Rivers
  • Illinois
    • Fort Kaskaskia
    • The Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
  • Iowa
    • Dubuque
  • Kentucky
    • Columbus-Belmont State Park
    • Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site
  • Louisiana
    • The confluence of the Mississippi and Red River
    • St. Francisville Area
  • Minnesota
    • Lock and Dam Number Two
    • Coon Rapids Dam
  • Mississippi
    • Tunica Lake
  • Missouri
    • Sulfur Springs
  • Tennessee
    • Memphis Area
  • Wisconsin
    • Pool 8
    • Pool 10
lake itasca 2

Lake Itasca in Northwestern Minnesota is regarded as the main source of the Mississippi River

©Tomaz Kunst/Shutterstock.com

In Conclusion

No river on this continent is as massive as the Mississippi. This magnificent (although murky) body of water, which stretches from Lake Itasca to the northern marshes of Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, has over 260 different species of fish and is a freshwater angler’s paradise!

The Mississippi offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including walleye, bass, crappie, catfish, ice fishing, and wetlands exploration. Dubbed “The Father of Waters,” it offers more than enough fishing possibilities, breathtaking scenery, and history to keep you returning time and time again!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © RaksyBH/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Fishing Booker, Available here: https://fishingbooker.com/blog/ultimate-fishing-guide-mississippi-river/
  2. NPS, Available here: https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/fish.htm
  3. Research Gate, Available here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306248587_Fishes_of_the_Mississippi_River