Striped Bass

While not as widely known as some other Kentucky fisheries, the Mississippi River near Bardwell can provide surprisingly good striped bass fishing. These fish migrate up the river system, particularly during the spring spawning run. Focus your efforts on areas with current breaks, such as wing dams, bridge pilings, and the mouths of tributary creeks. The best time to target stripers here is during the spring, from March through May, and again in the fall as water temperatures cool. Use large swimbaits, crankbaits, or live bait like shad to entice these powerful fish. Be prepared for strong currents and challenging conditions, as the Mississippi River can be unforgiving. Local access can be found near Wickliffe, with a public boat ramp offering access to the river. The striped bass population here is sustained through stocking efforts, so catch and release is encouraged to maintain the fishery.