upper mississippi river national wildlife refuge

The Mississippi River south of Lake Pepin has surprisingly good water quality with numerous islands and back channels with lots of sandy beaches. We've been going to this area for a few years now and always have found our own private beach to spend a few days. Fishing can be excellent depending on the time of year and water levels. This year the water was low which limited access to some of the more remote backwater areas. Fishing was best for sunfish and crappies.