Fishing the Mississippi
Walleye, sauger, bass, catfish, crappie, perch and sunfish are among the river’s species. Access varies by location and water conditions.
USFWS fishing guidanceGUTTENBERG, IOWA · THE UPPER MISSISSIPPIFollow the river.
Follow the river.
Find your outdoors.
From sunrise fishing to fall bird flights, the Mississippi offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer. Make Guttenberg your home base, and plan your time outdoors with trusted local and public-land resources.
Independent field guide · Landscape imagery is conceptual, not location-verified photographyMade for days on the river.
Guttenberg sits along a remarkable corridor of backwaters, bluffs, islands and river towns. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge protects more than 240,000 acres along 261 river miles, with designated areas for public recreation. Access, closures and regulations change with the season.
261River miles in the refuge
240k+Acres of protected floodplain
Four seasonsMany ways to explore
CHOOSE YOUR KIND OF DAYA little adventure.
A little adventure.
A good place to return to.
Boating & navigation
Explore designated landings and backwaters. Check river levels, no-wake areas, weather and boating rules before heading out.
Refuge access mapsBirding & wildlife
Look for bald eagles, migratory waterfowl and quiet floodplain habitat. Observe at respectful distances and honor sanctuary closures.
Explore the refugeHunting by the season
Deer, turkey, waterfowl and small-game opportunities depend on specific seasons, permits, land designation and regulations.
Current Iowa DNR seasonsBEFORE YOU HEAD OUTGood plans begin
Good plans begin
with a good map.
Use the official USFWS refuge pool maps to identify designated recreation areas, refuge boundaries, closed waters and other access requirements. Water levels and public-land rules may change quickly.
Refuge maps & regulationsCheck pool-specific access and closures
Verify current Iowa DNR seasons and licensing
Check river conditions before boating
Respect wildlife, local communities and other visitors
Hunting, fishing and boating are subject to state and federal regulations. 115 Schiller does not issue permits, supply equipment or operate guide services.
Gear up nearby.
Independent businesses around Guttenberg offer fishing supplies, marine services and outdoor gear. These are informational starting points, not paid placements or endorsements. Confirm offerings, hours and availability directly.
Murray’s Outdoor Store
Bait, fishing supplies and outdoor essentials. Call to confirm current inventory.
Local tourism listingJ & L Marine
Boating, marine parts and service. Verify availability before visiting.
Business websiteWinegar Works Marine Outfitter
Marine outfitting and parts for boaters in the region.
Map listingGuttenberg Powersports & Marine
Marine sales, service and powersports repairs.
Business websiteCabela’s Prairie du Chien
Regional hunting, fishing, camping and boating retailer.
Official store informationYOUR HOME BASE · 115 SCHILLEROut early.
Out early.
Home when you're ready.
Enjoy a comfortable, furnished downtown apartment after your day in the river valley. Check each listing for its actual amenities, guest capacity and reservation terms before making plans.
Check before you go.
For current seasons, refuge maps, licenses, closures and rules, use Iowa DNR hunting seasons, Iowa DNR fishing, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife refuge rules. For out-of-state activity, verify that state's requirements separately. This independent lodging guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by those agencies.