Pool 9 water level is less than two feet above historic low River levels recorded in the Dust Bowl years of the 1930’s as we fish through the last week of July.

Today’s upper Mississippi is a much different River than when 33 massive lock & dam systems were placed 90 years ago.

I grew up on Pool 13. When i first started seriously fishing the river 60 years ago it was possible to navigate from backwaters north of Savanna to the mainstem thru a half-dozen different routes at normal summer pool levels.

in 2026 access to most areas i fished as a kid are either impossible or limited to travel thru dredge cuts which have to be re-done every few years.

Twenty-five years ago I started working on Pool 9, some 170 River miles upstream. compared to 13 this water was pristine. Travel was possible thru all seven cuts between the mainstem and Minnesota slough at the north end of the pool at summer pool levels. In 2026 this navigation is only possible at ‘action stage’–just a little bit below minor flood stage.

My Lund Alaskan draws about 16 inches with three clients aboard. With river level where it’s at today I wouldn’t try to run ANY of these shortcuts.

When siltation is factored into the navigation equation there is actually LESS water away from the Congress mandated nine-foot channel than there was in 1934!

We’re just smiling through five days of near perfect summer weather. One week ago surface water temp in running sloughs was a scorching 87 degrees. It has since dropped backdown to 78 which allows a little more oxygen carrying capacity back in quiet waters.

But current carries more oxygen, and pretty much the only place you can find current now is on the River mainstem.

Further, the active bite window for all species is just a couple hours around dawn & dusk. This is primarily due to an abundance of forage base in the system now.

There are other issues, like water clarity. This morning I tied floro leaders on a dozen different rods used in feeding presentations like throwing jigs, ned rigs & senkos . 10-foot crappie rods are still 30 lb. braid cuz the bite back in heavy wood is essentially a reflex bite.

I’ve gone to 4 lb. floro for ‘gills & perch. both species are relating to deep weed edges, but i’ve found perch in open pockets barely deep enough to float the boat . To get after ’em i have to use my 14 foot flatbottom, which i won’t use for guiding.

In about 10 days heavy morning fog will be a major factor more often than not. A month from now heavy grass coming down the mainstem will be an issue, especially if the River return to typical pool level.

Not concerned about that now. Consistent success on the River means fishing for the moment. It takes me at least an hour every single day to figure out where and how to start.

dynamics of this pursuit can change several times in just a few hours, often driven by subtle things like a change in wind direction/velocity, cloud cover or even the passage of a towboat.

We are getting to that time of year when I actually look at the electronics when underway. Find a ball of baitfish and you can bet the ranch that predators will be just a cast away. There are a gazillion shad in the pool right now. Maybe 3 gazillion pin minnows.

I have multiple openings for guide service over the next few weeks. Don’t even think of calling if you’re looking for a big pile of fish. but if you want insight in regard to why they haven’t been cooperating for you and seriously want to learn how to start deciphering the way fish move in this enigmatic wonder of nature I might be your Huckleberry.