The Mark Twain refuge is located on the Mississppi river just north of Keithsburg IL. It is a wildlife refuge, but is open to fishing most of the year. Closed during the fall to accomidate the duck and geese migration. It is leveed off from the Mississippi and not accessible from the river, but does have a boat ramp at the south end, shallow water conditions and full of carp, buffalo, gar, and dogfish. Water clarity can be a factor though following heavy rains. A very nice riverside camp ground is in Keithsburg, although with the recent flooding, you may want to check on that first. Big River state park is about five miles to the south. It has riverside camping or camping up on the bluff, well above the river, and a boat ramp. Just down river from there is a lot of islands and backwaters that can be very productive for rough fish, especially when the spawn is on. River stages and clarity definately effect you success. A good spot in this island complex is called burnt pocket and marked on most river navigation maps and accessable from the channel side of the river. River stages are still currently high, but on the fall and barring any big rainfalls should continue to fall. The biggest challenge with the Mississippi is definately water clarity.