La Crosse/Might Mississippi late June

[jfergus7]

Bassmaster Elite series will be in La Crosse and decided to take the new boat up for the weekend to do some camping and watch the action.  Would like to take some time and fish way south out of all the pro's way.  I have never fish the Mississippi and have no clue where to even begin.  Anyone have any tips?


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[analfisherman]

Goose Island Camp Grounds.......3mi. from LaCrosse.
Wi-Fi, Showers, Boat Launch,.......some of the best scenery in WI.
Good Cell reception.
Good small dinners real close in Stoddard. MUST TRY TURTLE SOUP!!!!!!!
Can take the boat right up the River to LaCrosse.
Very friendly campers...helpfull,share information easily (many stay there year after year)
You will probably take the Interstate to (through) LaCrosse and you follow the River Road all the way to the Campground.
GREAT SUNSETS!
Good back water fishing...had a MLF challenge in the area.
Smallies, LGs, Sunnies, Walleye, Cats, PERCH......you name it.
Plenty of places to toss Frogs and top waters.

Check it out online for more information.
Maybe the best campground in WI.
Stop and have a sandwich and a coffe or BEER at one oif the Bars in Staddard....tell them your there to fish........half the bar will probably offer advice on where the bite is at.

[jfergus7]

That's where we are staying.  Already have my sight and was told that I can beach the boat right at the site since we are camping waterside!  Really looking forward to having the boat just feet from us and having catfish lines out when we are at the campsite hanging out and sitting by the fire!!!

[jfergus7]

If anyone else will be in town that weekend to watch the Elites be sure to let me know!  Would love to meet up. 

[jfergus7]

Any nicer dinner recommendations actually in downtown La Crosse? We were just discussing it and think that we might actually plan dinner out Saturday night somewhere kind of nice.

[analfisherman]

Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern     328 Front St S, 328 Front St
Very Spendy...on the River...call ahead and 'may be able to get a river view table.
On line menu

Freighthouse Restaurant 107 Vine St, La Crosse,
Been there for years.......Probably the place I'd take out of town guests too.
On line Menu.....just off the river.....Riverside Park close to there.

Best Prime Rib and Crab Legs in TOWN. Big dollar BUT big PORTIONS too.
One of you get the Prime and one get the Crab legs and SHARE.......MAYBE the best Surf and Turf YOU'LL EVER HAVE

Piggy's.....501 Front St S, La Crosse,
MY BUDDY OWNS IT.....He likes to make the rounds on the Dinning floor and ask customers about their meals......ask to meet Chef

Best Ribs in town....More PRICE friendly. Great FOOD!
On line menu

***** IF DINNING AT ANY OF THE ABOVE RESTURANTS......BESURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS......LIKE AS SOON AS YOU CAN, MAYBE BEFORE LEAVING HOME....CONFIRM RESERVATIONS ONCE AT CAMPGROUNDS......WEEKENDS ARE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IF YOU WAIT!!!!!!********

If your going into town.....be sure to take a trip UP GRANDADS BLUFF!
Easy to get to......have a look out point where you can see SEE ALL THE WAY TO IOWA......can view the Orchards over in MN.

And if you really have time....but not far...Lacrescent Apple Orchards are cool......a road takes you up in the hills AND ANOTHER ROAD that you can see a GREAT VIEW of the Mississippi......ask anywhere...they will tell you where. It's called 'The Great River Road' I believe.
designated by AAA as one of the most scenic areas in America!

PLUS the Dresbach Dam is like 3miles from there and a GREAT PLACE TO WATCH THE PROS go through the Locks......look down directly into their boats......many visit with the folks while waiting for the locks to fill or empty.

If your driving in to visit the launch site......all the above are easily accessible and to get to.

Last, check out Pettibone Park......great shore fishing.......have a Marina Resturant/Bar to catch lunch at.On the way back or to Lacrescent.

I'd be SHOT if I didn't mention......Traditions Resturant in Onalaska.
Chef and current owner left the Radission Hotel Fine Dinning resturant when they went a different direction in dinning.

They remodeled an OLD BANK into a resturant. Quaint, romantic get away for A LOT of couples.
Change menu monthly with a different 'Nightly Special' daily.
Get ingredients basically fresh daily.

Owners another FRIEND....she's great!!!!!!!She also will come out to meet you...if you ask.....sometimes does anyway.
https://www.allmenus.com/wi/onalaska/377205-traditions-restaurant/menu/

This is a sample menu....it changes monthly...I believe?
When you call for reservations...ANOTHER MUST......ask where to go 'On Line' to view current menu....think she has a 'Website'.

Last but not least....covers seeing the river, dinning...my favorite is Sunday Brunch and site seeing.
http://www.lacrossequeen.com/Sight%20Cruise.htm

OK, I filled one day for you........be sure to have your poles with 'just incase' the URGE hits....you'll almost always be by water.

Have fun and feel free to ask me questions......have many friends still living there......I'll try to get you your answers.

Have FUN!

[Lipripper]

Bassmaster Elite series will be in La Crosse and decided to take the new boat up for the weekend to do some camping and watch the action.  Would like to take some time and fish way south out of all the pro's way.  I have never fish the Mississippi and have no clue where to even begin.  Anyone have any tips?


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Anal I was just going to suggest the same place also. We use to have a NAFC meet up there every year that was a great place to came and fish.

[jfergus7]

Well I guess that answers that question!!! Thanks for all the incredible info! With the Bassmasters in town that weekend I hope we can still get reservations! Maybe we will end up at the same restaurant as some of the Pros! Lol


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[analfisherman]

I'll tell you something else,

The schedule for the Series.


If you take note.....Wed. they have a Pre meeting and Social at the Americinn Hotel.
And Moxies is located in the hotel.
And here's the Menu.
https://www.moxieslax.com/menu

They have a huge Bar.......just a hunch....there will be Pros in there......probably even staying there cause it's like 10-15 minutes from the Launch Site....Rose St. intersects with Clinton St.
And that's the Harbor they are launching from.
Moxies is on Rose Street probably 5 Mins. top from Launch site.
Last two LaCrosse Elite events....almost no one came out to watch first day Launch......Clinton Street has a Bridge on it.....BASICALLY OVER LOOKING THE LAUNCH MARINA.

Here's the Pools maps.
https://www.umesc.usgs.gov/rivers/upper_mississippi/reach_1/sel_a_pool_r1.html

The Campground is SMACK in the MIDDLE OF POOL Number 8!
Great place for Frogging and TOP WATER.....tons of back water......and the PROS LOVE....at least at the last two events.

On above Map/Site
Click it.
Click Pool 8
Click 'Ariel Photos'
Click Stoddard
ZQ15-ZQ18 AND AW19-AW22......IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CAMPGROUNDS!!!!!!! (click the red dots for ariel view of that spot)....PLUS check the chart below for more ariel views.

Genoa Dam has GREAT Walleye and Perch fishing......spawn will be over for Perch but they get 12"-16" Perch around that Dam and surrounding backwaters......closer to Campground then Dresbach Dam......not sure BUT they probably have a standing walkway over the Locks too, just like Dresbach Dam.

Again, simply 'Google' Dresbach and Genoas dams....sure they have photos......I'm just to LAZY to check thier sites on 'Google'.....I can.....but you have to ask.......AND PROMISE A REPORT WITH PICTURES AND/OR A GOPRO VIDEOS.....like the one you made when you got your boat!!!!!!!

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to make your trip fun and rewarding.

Side note.........my Son's Mom has a Boat House actually right at the launch site.......have to get a special pass to get THROUGH the launch site parking to get to the BH. 


AGAIN....HAVE FUN....BE SAFE......AND BE SURE TO GIVE US A REPORT! 

Oh......you really need to be EXTREMELY cautious when boating the main channel.....IT'S LOADED WITH WINGDAMS.......you can't actually see them BUT both sides of the River have them to control water flow for the Barges.....usually marked with 'Bouys'........but look into what the Bouy colors mean.....do your homework or your new boat will be coming home without it's 'Lower Unit'........HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TO EVEN RIVER RATS WHO KNOW ALL ABOUT THEM......but hit one that isn't marked.
Oh......and SMALLIES LOVE TO HANG AT THE WING DAMS......to ambush baitfish getting washed over and around......actually the BEST fishing spots on the Main Channel.

OK, I'm done boring you....I like to keep my POSTS short.

[jfergus7]

The last thing I would say is your boring me.  This info is absolutely awesome!  Can't thank you enough.


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[jfergus7]

That BH is prime viewing it sounds like.  Cool that she is right at the launch


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[jfergus7]

I was trying to figure out when we go to watch the weigh in if I can take the boat up to it but I don't think I can park it anywhere so will have to take the truck I'm guessing. 


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[analfisherman]

OK, right acrosse the River from the launch is Copeland Park.
This is like a 2 block river channel......so you can't miss it.
If you wish....you can easily get off the Interstate at Rose Street exit on way into town.......drive right by the park and take a quick drive through to get a quick look over......with GPS you can easily get to Campgrounds after checking it out......if you wish.

See I believe the launch is actually Black River.....BUT maybe Black River is 'technically on one side of bridge and Mississippi is the launch, park side.

Lacrosse is known as a town where three rivers meet...Black, Mississippi and LaCrosse Rivers.
I guess....this may be the spot they actually meet?

We really don't pay attention to whats what......one river actually runs into another.....you can't even tell which river your in unless someone with more knowledge than ME told you.

I tried to get a Satellitew View Loaded for you.......but I'm not really having luck.

So if you use Google Earth or what ever you wish....Simply put in Copeland Park, Lacrosse, WI.
You'll see the launch
Park is huge.
Has semi pro Ball Diamond in it.......so plenty of parking.

Plus Black River Beach is like a block away...or less.....obviously has plenty of parking.

Here's a basic Pic/Map.



The launch is right at the Clinton Street on the Veterans Freedom Park side.
You also see where the rivers meet.....left side is considered Mississippi River.....Right side, Black River....but again.....maybe technically the Black doesn't start till you go under Clinton St. bridge.....who knows.......and basically.......who cares .......FISH certainly don't! 

OK, back to FOOD ...

you should stop and check out the 'Maid-Rite Cafe' it's right there well like 6 blocks away.
They have what they call...'Loose Meat Hamburgers'



A LaCrosse STAPLE....and pretty tastee and unique!!!!!!

Here's how you get there.


1119 Caledonia St
La Crosse, WI 54603
(608) 782-0155


OK, back to FISHING.
Seeing your right there.......you might as well stop and check out Leathal Weapons Lure Company.
It's on the launch side of the bridge/river at
Bob's Bait and Tackle
129 Clinton St
La Crosse, WI 54603
  Phone number (608) 782-5552
https://www.customlures.net/contactus.php

http://lacrossetribune.com/sports/la-crosse-s-lethal-weapon-lure-co-building-a-better/article_f6b3ef90-b31d-11df-8d41-001cc4c03286.html

Check out the 'Lethal Experience 5'.....Stick Baits......very unique 'Wacky Worm'.
Find him on Facebook or just 'Google' Leathal Weapons Lure Company.
Has some VERY UNIQUE BAITS.

AND BE SURE TO ASK WHOEVER IS WORKING......WHERE THE FISH ARE BITING AND HOW TO GET THERE!


COME ON.........you GOT TO BE BORED NOW!
At least regreting you asked and I answered your original question!

[jfergus7]

Gonna show the girlfriend all this tomorrow night so sure she will have some more questions but thanks again for all the info


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[analfisherman]

OK, they don't call me ANAL for nothing........so a couple of other MUST KNOWS. 

The Tackle shop I mentioned is actually in an area called French Island.
If you take your boat to the launch......here's some 'boat landings' on French Island.
It's 'technically' in what they call 'Town of Campbell'........is basically in laCrosse but when you cross Clinton Street bridge it turns into Town of Campbell.

Top two landings will allow you to get on Lake Onalaska.........which is huge and I believe they still claim it to be the 'Sunfish Capital of Wisconsin'.......but it also has GREAT BASS fishing too.
The lake was made when they made Dresbach Dam.
I old timmer got arrested last year for having possession of over 3000 sunnies........he was hauling them to Chicago and selling them for like 20-30 years.
Check google for an article....oh hell, here you go...


http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/onalaska-angler-caught-with-panfish-pleads-no-contest/article_23ea8f79-16c2-5fb4-b3e0-57675254cf53.html

This one has his name and address.......seeing they took his boat and Licsense....and he no longer can catch fish to sell in Chicago......he's probably willing 'for a small fee' to let you in on the 'HOT SPOTS TO FISH'.
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/onalaska-fisherman-faces-steep-fine-after-dnr-sting/article_4036ed9b-9649-5388-82f6-53316465c920.html

SO....you go to the morning Launch......after, go and fish Lake Onalaska all day......then go back for the wiegh in (note supplied Tourny Schedule...only first two days wiegh ins are at the launch site...last two are at Valley View Mall).......then head to the campground....clean and grill some perch and sunnies on an open fire for a 'Shore Lunch' ......toss in your catfish rigs at night......have catfish filets for breakfast!

There are just SO MANY places to fish in the LaCrosse area........you just may have to .
turn trip into more of a 'Extended Vacation'

OH HECK.......just start a new YEARLY FAMILY TRADITION........go back every year.
Then you can tell ME where to fish. 

[jfergus7]

Good small dinners real close in Stoddard. MUST TRY TURTLE SOUP!!!!!!!

Can't thank you enough for all the great info.  Girlfriend is really interested in the Turtle Soup.  Where is your recommendation for that?


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[Lipripper]

Like Anal said there are all kinds of places to fish in the LaCrosse area and I know for a fact that in the area around Goose Island camp grounds you can catch some nice catfish  Here's a little flathead I caught up there from a good friend of my Larry who lives up there and worked at the post office.


Next time I can get into my photo bucket account I will get the picture of a 30 lb flat head we caught up there also.

[jfergus7]

Totally planning on having catfish lines out the entire time we are at the campground.  Loving the idea of camping just feet off the river.  Might even have to rig some alarms or bells and leave the lines out overnight!


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[analfisherman]

You got my PM on the Turtle Soup right?

[Lipripper]

Totally planning on having catfish lines out the entire time we are at the campground.  Loving the idea of camping just feet off the river.  Might even have to rig some alarms or bells and leave the lines out overnight!


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This one was caught in the waters around Goose Island on a live Blue Gill that we caught from around there.

[jfergus7]

You got my PM on the Turtle Soup right?

I did sorry meant to message you back but got sidetracked


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[Lipripper]

I did sorry meant to message you back but got sidetracked


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Your to young to be getting sidetracked 

[analfisherman]

Live Blue Gill are maybe the best Wisconsin/Lacrosse well kept secret to catching big Cats.

Side benefit.......big Bass love them too!
jfergus7, you know your Sunnies....so bring an ultra-light/light action rod along....or whatever your go to Sunnie rod is.
The waters around Goose are LOADED with the perfect size small Gills....3-4" seem to be the target size.

You can either put them under a bobber or use a simple 1 OZ. slip sinker with the gill rigged to like a 1-2 foot lead....after the sinker.

Definitly use a Circle Hook.........Northerns LOVE this set up too.

It's a watch and let run  before the set type technique.
Northerns will play and often simply naw the Gill....tail first when eating the Gills.
Then pick up and run....but they don't just swallow bait....kind of run just holding the bait in thier mouths......often letting go on set.

It's almost like a HB Frog set........tighten the line and set once you feel the tug.

Cats on the other hand 'usually' will grab....swim a very short distance and then swallow.
Some like to cut the dorsal off making the Gill swim around less....some cut tail off....what we call...using a 'cut bait'.

Can't transport Gills from one BOW to another......and use as bait.

Fact, incase you aren't aware (which I'm sure you are) you can't even transport ANY FISH in water........must dump water from bucket BEFORE transporting......this is a favorite Warden Ticket in WI.

[jfergus7]

Trip is finally here!  Truck and boat are all loaded up and hitting the road first thing Friday morning!!


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[analfisherman]

 

HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU CATCH!!

CAN'T REMEMBER.....but if I didn't mention.......

Be sure to find out how to get to Dresbach Dam.
I believe you were going to head in to the Tourney a day without the boat.
Dresbach Dam has an overlook that you can stand on and look down into the boats going through the locks.

Great place to get a shot of the anglers going through AND it takes sometimes like twenty mins. to get through.....so you can actual maybe even talk to an angler or two.

NOW the dam has a wall that you can walk down and actually fish from.
Soooooo....when your headed down across the parking lot to the wall......you'll see like a 'hill' loaded with rock/boulders.
You want to take a squarebill(any color is fine but crawfish color never hurts)  and toss it right along the rocks....parallel to the bank.
Smallie heaven along the rocks....now remember...the rocks go well into the water with a gradual decline.......so you probably want a Square that swims 3-5 feet deep so you can toss close and work it out like 10-15' along the shore and still hit rock.....or at least be right above them.
Don't be afraid to cast straight out either.....square allows you to cover a lot of water in a short period of time.
(side note.....when you go down the steps to the wall....RIGHT WHERE THE STEPS MEET THE ROCK BANK I mentioned....look down in that little corner pocket...if the crayfish are still breeding.....THAT CORNER WILL BE LOADED WITH SMALL CRAYFISH and even some big ones 'getting it on'  ...another reason the rocks are so 'deadly'...they are LOADED with crayfish! )

Your WI. License is good from track to track....railroad tracks run along EACH side of the Miss. River, both WI. side and MN. side.
It's a reciprical fish law....as long as your inbetween tracks your legal with either states license.

Now if you decide to take the boat.......when you turn off the Highway going into or towards the Dam....you'll see a huge  like 'waystation' or 'Rest Stop'.
Go towards it and as your headed towards it 'VERE LEFT'.....it's a single two lane road.....take it like a half mile or so and it leads right to a boat ramp.
It's a little back bay that has like boat houses and a few docks you can pitch to with a jig....good pan and Crappie in there and of course Cats and Walleye too.

Now you'll see how that bay heads to the main river.....go to the west end, leave the bay and turn left on river (this is in your boat now....just incase I've COMPLETLY CONFUSED YOU!  )

See if barges and such are going through and the anglers are too....Barges take precedent and usuall there will be 3-6 Pros fishing the banks waiting to get into the lock.
The year I was there for the Elites.....ABSOLUTLY NO ONE WAS IN BOATS VIEWING THE ANGLERS!
You can actually see them from the dam wall I mentioned earlier.

Google Earth the area and it will be very clear what I'm explaining!

Now last precautionary tip.........DO NOT FORGET THERE ARE WING DAMS ALL OVER THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER....SO BE VERY CAUTIOUS BURNING UP AND DOWN THE SHORELINES OF THE MAIN RIVER!!!!!!!!!!
Most are marked with 'bouys' BUT you can't be to cautious.
Rivers high so the backwaters are going to be easily accessible too......this will be handy fish down by the Campgrounds.

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE......AND TAKE PICTURES TO POST!