Hey there, river rats! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for June 1st, 2025. It's a beauty out on the Mississippi around Minneapolis today!

## River Conditions & Weather

The water levels are looking pretty moderate this morning after last year's record flooding. We're seeing some abnormally dry conditions across central Minnesota, which means watch for those navigational hazards, especially in the shallower areas. Launch your boat carefully, folks!

Sunrise was at 5:28 AM, and we're expecting sunset around 8:49 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reel in some beauties. Perfect June weather to be out on the water!

## What's Biting

Pool 2 of the Mississippi (that's Ford Dam to Hastings Dam) has been absolutely on fire lately! The fishing season here is open year-round, and anglers have been reporting excellent catch-and-release action for walleye and sauger. The middle of the open water runs about 14 feet deep with nice drop-offs on either shoreline.

White bass have been hitting hard, and both channel and flathead catfish are active. If you're looking for something different, don't forget that muskellunge season officially opens next Saturday, June 7th.

## Hot Spots

If you're launching today, I'd recommend two prime locations:

First, hit Pool 2 near the dam where it's more shallow and flat. The structure there has been holding some nice walleye and smallmouth bass.

Second, don't overlook where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi at the confluence with Pool 3. This spot has been producing solid fishing for lake sturgeon, flathead catfish, and smallmouth bass. Some real prehistoric giants coming out of there!

## Best Lures & Techniques

Leave those live baits at home today! For walleye, I'm seeing great results with soft plastics on ¼ to ½ ounce jigheads. Work them slow along the drop-offs.

For smallmouth, try topwater early morning, then switch to crankbaits as the day heats up. Those bass have been aggressive!

Catfish anglers should go with cut bait or stink bait in the deeper holes. The flatheads have been particularly active in the backwater areas connected to Pool 2.

If you're after those monster sturgeon, heavy tackle is a must. These giants can stretch over 70 inches - the state record caught in the St. Croix back in 2019 measured a whopping 78 inches with a 29.25-inch girth!

Remember, for walleye and bass in Pool 2, it's catch and release only, so bring those cameras but leave the filet knives at home.

That's all for today's report! Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe for more weekly fishing insights from your local expert. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Hey folks, Artificial Lure coming to you with your Saturday, May 31st report for the Mississippi River right here in Minneapolis. Sunrise hit at 5:54 AM and you’ve got till 8:24 PM to chase bites under sunny, mild skies. The weather today is just about perfect—cool in the morning, warming up nicely by midday, and winds staying low. River levels remain a bit low after our dry winter and spring, so if you’re boating, keep an eye out for those sneaky rocks and sandbars. We don’t get ocean tides here, just current, but it’s been strong enough to keep the fish fired up.

Let’s talk fish activity: It’s been dynamite all week. Walleyes are thick in Pool 2, from Ford Dam on down toward Hastings, especially below the dams and along current breaks. They’re in post-spawn mode, hungry and aggressive, and the bites have been steady. Catch-and-release is the rule in Pool 2 for walleye, sauger, and bass—but don’t let that fool you. Numbers and size have stayed impressive, and local reports say evening bites have been especially hot just below the Ford Dam and around the confluence with Minnehaha Creek.

Besides walleye, sauger are mixed in heavily, hitting the same baits in the same spots. Catfish—channel, flathead, and the odd blue—are getting downright feisty in the evening. They’re holding to deeper holes and around sunken wood, particularly just below the dams and downstream of main channel bends. According to FishingBooker’s 2025 guide, nightcrawlers and cut bait are the ticket for catfish, while live suckers are drawing out those flatheads.

As for lures and bait, jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics in chartreuse or white have been top producers for walleye and sauger. Crankbaits and blade baits are also getting hit, especially on the drop-offs. For catfish, stick with chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or cut bait. And don’t overlook live bait for flatheads—if you can get a small sucker, toss it near structure.

Hot spots today include the stretch just downstream of the Ford Dam, with shore fishing picking up right off Hidden Falls Regional Park. Another favorite is the mouth of Minnehaha Creek; the current seams here have been stacked with feeding fish in the early morning and late evening.

Recent catches have been impressive—multiple reports of walleyes in the 20- to 25-inch range, saugers well into the teens, and channel cats pushing 10 pounds or more. Anglers working the evening bite have even picked up the occasional smallmouth bass along riprap banks.

That’s your local scoop for Minneapolis’ Mississippi River fishing this weekend. Thanks for tuning in to this report from Artificial Lure. Don’t forget to subscribe for your daily bite, and as always, tight lines!

This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Friday, May 30, 2025.

We kicked off the morning with sunrise at 5:54 AM and can expect sunset tonight at 8:24 PM, giving us a long window to chase everything the river has to offer. The weather’s been kind—cool, mostly clear, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s and only a modest breeze. River levels remain a bit low thanks to our dry winter and spring, so if you’re boating, keep an eye out for exposed rocks and snags. There aren’t any tides here in Minneapolis, but the steady current has the fish holding tight to structure and on the feed.

Fish activity is excellent right now. Walleyes are the main draw, and they’re really lighting up Pool 2, especially between the Ford Dam and Hastings. These post-spawn walleyes are stacked below dams and near current breaks, biting well on a mix of jigs tipped with minnows or plastics. Catch-and-release regulations are in place in Pool 2 for walleye, sauger, and bass, but don’t let that slow you down—the numbers and size have been impressive all week, with anglers boating multiple fish per outing, including some solid “trophy” class eyes pushing 28 inches, as reported on Fishrapper and by multiple local guides.

Aside from walleye, the river is full of active channel catfish, especially in deeper holes and along current seams. Cut bait and nightcrawlers are the go-to here—just toss a chunk near structure and hang on. There are also strong showings of smallmouth bass and black crappie. For smallies, cast crankbaits or soft plastics around riprap and submerged timber; for crappies, a small jig under a slip float is money right now, especially on the warming days.

Best lures today:
- 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs (chartreuse, orange, or white) tipped with fathead minnows or plastics for walleye
- Cut bait or nightcrawlers on circle hooks for channel cats
- Ned rigs, tubes, or small squarebill crankbaits for smallmouth bass
- 1/16 oz jig with a small minnow or micro-plastic for crappie

Hot spots this week include the tailwaters below the Ford Dam and the area just downstream of the Lock and Dam Number 1, both for walleye and catfish. The mouth of Minnehaha Creek has also produced some surprisingly good mixed-bag action.

In short: fish are on the move, and so should you be—cover water, work structure, and adjust as conditions shift throughout the day. This is a great time to fill your net, snap some pics, and get ready for summer on the river.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe for your next report. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out quietplease.ai.

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis on May 28th 2025. All signs point to another fantastic day on the water. Let us dive into the details.

First off there is no tidal action on this stretch of the river but the steady current right now is keeping fish active and moving. River levels are running a bit below normal thanks to a dry winter and spring so do watch out for shallow spots and the occasional snag. Sunrise this morning was at 530am with sunset coming at about 850pm giving us a long window for great fishing action.

Weatherwise we have a mild and crisp forecast today highs in the upper 60s and mostly clear skies with a light northwest breeze. That is comfortable for both anglers and fish. The water is clear but slightly lower than average so stealthy presentations have been working especially well.

Fish activity is excellent right now. Walleyes are biting hard throughout the Minneapolis stretch especially in the early morning and late afternoon. This past week has seen plenty of walleye coming out of Pool 2 from the Ford Dam down to Hastings Dam. Just a heads up this section is catch and release only for walleyes saugers and bass but the sheer numbers make it worth the outing. Sauger action is strong as well and if you are after a tug on your line the channel and flathead catfish are active and aggressive especially toward dusk. Some black crappie and the occasional northern pike are also showing up in the bag.

Best lures right now have been jig and minnow combos for the walleyes and saugers. A simple quarter ounce jig head tipped with a fathead minnow or a plastic paddle tail in white or chartreuse has been dynamite especially fished along current breaks and drop offs. For catfish try cut bait or stink baits anchored in the deeper holes closer to evening.

For those itching to try some hot spots check out the tailwaters right below the Ford Dam. The current seams and eddies here are loaded with feeding fish. Another good bet is the stretch near Hidden Falls Regional Park which has easy access and plenty of shoreline structure for walleyes and panfish.

To sum up conditions are prime for a great day of fishing on the river. Remember your catch and release rules in Pool 2 and bring an extra net the bite is hot. Tight lines and see you on the river. This is Artificial Lure signing off.

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis on this fine May 26, 2025.

Sunrise was at 5:54 AM with sunset rolling in around 8:24 PM, giving us that sweet, long spring day to put in some hours casting and trolling. The weather’s been mild and steady, perfect for a day on the river. We’re looking at comfortable temps, no major rain in sight, but keep that windbreaker handy just in case.

River levels are still running a little low thanks to a dry winter and spring, so watch out for rocks and the odd snag if you’re boating. There’s no real tidal movement here, but the steady current has the fish active and on the move[4].

Fish activity is excellent right now. Walleyes are on fire, especially in Pool 2, which stretches from Ford Dam down to Hastings. These fish are in a post-spawn transition, stacking up below dams and around current breaks. The bite’s been steady all week, and anglers are reporting plenty of action. Remember, Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass, but don’t let that fool you—the numbers and average size have been impressive lately[3][4].

The best action has come on jigs tipped with live minnows or fatheads. If you’re working the edges during low light, try a soft plastic or throw some crankbaits early and late in the day. Crankbaits are getting hit hard in faster water. Catfish are also biting well—there’s a solid population of channel cats here if you want a tug on your line, with cut bait or stink bait being the top producers[4][5].

Recent catches include good numbers of walleye pulled from just below the Ford Dam, and sauger mixed in, especially on the downstream side of island breaks. Catfish are coming from deeper holes near river bends, and there’s been a few nice crappies and pike reported from backwater areas on small plastics and minnows[4][5].

Hot spots today: focus your efforts below Ford Dam and in the stretch down to the mouth of Minnehaha Creek. Don’t overlook the current seams near Pike Island either—these spots have been consistent for both walleye and catfish lately.

To sum it up: it’s a great time to be on the water around Minneapolis if you’re after walleye, sauger, or catfish. Grab your jigs, minnows, and crankbaits, and fish around structure and current breaks—there’s plenty of action to go around. Good luck out there and see you on the river!

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the May 25, 2025, fishing report for the Mississippi River around Minneapolis.

We’re sitting in prime late spring conditions after a relatively dry winter and spring, so river levels are running a bit lower than average. That’s made for some clearer water and stacked up fish in some classic spots, but do watch out for the unexpected sandbars and structure if you’re boating or wading.

The weather today is comfortable, with the sun coming up at 5:34 AM and setting at 8:44 PM, giving you a long, bright window to chase bites. Expect temps to reach the upper 60s to low 70s, with a light breeze—just about perfect to be on the river.

The walleye bite is absolutely hot right now. Anglers in the Minneapolis stretch, especially in Pool 2 (from Ford Dam to Hastings), have been reporting excellent numbers. Most are running under the catch-and-release requirement for walleye, sauger, and bass in Pool 2, but the action is nonstop, with multiple fish landed on most outings. Tailwater zones below the dams are especially productive—try jigging with chartreuse, white, or firetiger plastics tipped with a minnow or Gulp! Alive. Trolling crankbaits in deeper holes has also turned up some chunky sauger and bonus white bass as their action picks up in current seams[3][4][5].

Catfish are staging for heavy summer feeding—both channel and flatheads are eating well throughout the area. Cut bait and large live minnows are your best bet, especially in deeper holes and along riprap near the confluence of tributaries[5].

The panfish bite has been above average all spring. Bluegill and crappie are plentiful and showing good size thanks to light ice fishing this past winter. Target shallow backwater bays and slack water off the main channel using small jigs or slip bobbers with waxworms or small plastics.

If you’re after pike, now’s the time as well. Low water has concentrated them in the backwaters and connected lakes—cast flashy spoons or spinnerbaits near weed edges and submerged timber.

Lure-wise, walleye can’t resist bright jigs or small Rapalas. Catfish go for fresh cut bait, and panfish want tiny tubes or live bait under a float. Pike are crushing silver spoons and swimbaits.

For hot spots, try below the Ford Dam and the deep channel bends just upstream of Minnehaha Creek for walleye and sauger. Boom Island and the north end of Nicollet Island are producing strong panfish and the occasional pike.

Stay safe, keep it clean, and tight lines out there!

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for this beautiful Saturday morning, May 24th, 2025.

The Mississippi River is absolutely on fire right now for walleye anglers in the Minneapolis area! These fish are in a transitional period, and they're really biting despite some challenging weather we've had lately with wind and cold conditions[1][2].

Water levels are running a bit lower than normal due to our relatively dry winter and spring. This creates some great fishing opportunities, but keep your eyes peeled for navigational hazards when you're out boating.

For today, we're looking at a decent day to be on the water. The walleye and sauger action has been particularly strong in Pool 2 from Ford Dam to Hastings Dam. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass in Pool 2, but the action is well worth it[5].

The post-spawn walleye are still hanging around in the Rainy River, and fishing reports have been very good this past week[4]. If you're heading out today, focus on the tailwater habitats below the locks and dams where the bite has been most consistent[5].

Channel and flathead catfish numbers are excellent throughout the pools, and they're becoming more active as water temperatures climb. White bass action is picking up nicely too[5].

For you pike anglers, the lower water levels have concentrated these predators, making for some productive fishing. You'll find quality pike in the backwaters and connected lakes[5].

Don't sleep on the panfish either! Bluegill, crappie, and bass populations are showing good numbers with quality-sized fish. With the reduced ice fishing pressure this past winter, the open water angling has been exceptional[5].

For hot spots, I'd recommend trying below the Ford Dam early morning, where walleyes have been hitting jigs tipped with minnows. Another productive area has been near the confluence with the Minnesota River, where the mixing waters create a prime feeding zone.

Lure-wise, jigs in the 1/8 to 1/4 oz range tipped with fathead minnows or plastics have been producing well. For those targeting catfish, cut bait and stinkbaits are your best bet in the deeper holes.

The panfish have been responding well to small jigs tipped with waxworms or tiny crappie minnows.

Get out there while the bite is hot! This is Artificial Lure signing off, and remember – the worst day fishing still beats the best day working!

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Friday, May 23, 2025.

We kicked off the morning with sunrise at 5:54 AM and we’ll see sunset around 8:24 PM, so there’s a solid stretch of daylight for you to get after it. The weather’s cooperating nicely, with mild spring temps and stable conditions. River levels remain a touch lower than average thanks to another dry spring, so boaters and waders should keep an eye out for exposed rocks and snags, especially around shallow runs. No tides to worry about on the river, but you’ll find steady flows and classic late May patterns holding up.

Pool 2—from the Ford Dam down to Hastings—is still the spot for active fish. Word is the walleye and sauger bite is really rolling. Most anglers are running jigs tipped with fathead minnows or plastics, and those working crankbaits in the early mornings and evenings have reported solid hits. Crankbaits in shad or firetiger patterns are productive. Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass, but the numbers of quality fish make it a fun zone for anyone looking to do some CPR fishing. Just below the dams and near current breaks have been especially hot for these species lately[2][5][1].

Catfish crews are seeing good numbers of both channel and flathead cats. Cut bait, nightcrawlers, and stinkbaits have all been getting bit, especially as water temps nudge upward. Try anchoring just upstream of deeper holes or along riprap for your best shot at a whiskered heavyweight[5].

Pike are concentrated in the backwaters and connecting lakes due to low river levels, so don’t skip the sloughs. Spinnerbaits and large swimbaits are turning up nice fish. Meanwhile, the white bass bite is picking up with small spoons and twister tails—you’ll find them chasing baitfish near sandbars and mouths of feeder creeks[5].

For panfish, stick to shoreline cover and backwater bays; waxworms and small jigs have worked well.

Hot spots worth checking include the tailwaters below the Ford Dam, the confluence around Minnehaha Creek, and the deeper bends near Hidden Falls Park. All have been producing this week, especially for multi-species action.

That’s the river report for today. Be safe out there, keep an eye on the water levels, and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure reporting from the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis for May 21, 2025.

We are enjoying a stretch of classic late spring weather today, with sunrise coming right around 5:54 AM and sunset expected at 8:24 PM. It is a mild morning out here, with steady conditions and no rain in the forecast. Winds are light, so you can expect easy casting and manageable drifts all day long. River flows are typical for this time of year, running a bit lower than average due to a dry winter and spring, so keep an eye out for submerged rocks and new snags if you’re navigating by boat or wading. There’s no tidal action to worry about here in Minneapolis, but the steady current should keep fish on the move and looking to feed[3][4].

The main story right now is Pool 2, from the Ford Dam downstream to Hastings. This stretch is producing strong numbers of walleye and sauger, especially below the dams and along current breaks. Remember, it’s catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass in Pool 2, but the sheer numbers and size make it worth the trip. Most folks are finding good success with jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics, but don’t overlook crankbaits, especially in the low-light hours of early morning and late evening[3][4].

The catfish bite is heating up too, with both channel and flathead catfish turning active as water temps rise. Nightcrawlers and cut bait fished on the bottom around deeper holes and current seams are getting quick results. If you’re after white bass, their action is picking up around the mouths of creeks and at the base of dams, especially when using small crankbaits or curly tail grubs cast into the current[4].

Pike fishing has been productive in the backwaters and connected lakes, thanks to the lower water levels concentrating these fish. Try spinnerbaits and spoons near weed edges for your best shot at a trophy. Panfish anglers are finding above average numbers of bluegill and crappie in the slack water and near submerged wood—small jigs and live waxworms are local favorites right now[4].

Hot spots to target today include the tailwaters below the Ford Dam for walleye and sauger action, and the backwater channels near Hidden Falls and Minneapolis Rowing Club for pike, panfish, and the occasional big catfish.

All signs point to an outstanding day on the river, so grab your jig box and a bucket of minnows and enjoy the bite. As always, keep an eye out for shifting sandbars and respect the catch-and-release regs in Pool 2. Tight lines, and see you on the water[3][4].

Artificial Lure here with your fishing report for the Mississippi River around Minneapolis for May 19, 2025.

Today’s conditions are looking good for an enjoyable day on the water. Sunrise was at 5:54 AM with sunset expected around 8:24 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight for fishing. The weather is mild and stable, typical springtime with comfortable temperatures, making it perfect to spend time along the riverbanks or in a boat. The river levels remain a bit lower than usual due to a dry winter and spring, so watch out for rocks and snags if you’re navigating the river[3][4].

There’s no tidal movement on the Mississippi as it’s a large river system, but water flow is steady and consistent, which helps keep fish active. Overall fish activity is high right now, especially for walleye and sauger, as they are in a transitional period and moving into prime bite zones. The walleye and sauger fishing is especially productive in Pool 2, which runs from Ford Dam down to Hastings. Here, the bite is steady below the dams and near current breaks. Anglers are finding success using jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics. Crankbaits are also a top choice during early mornings and evenings. Remember, Pool 2 is catch-and-release for walleye, sauger, and bass, but the numbers and quality of fish make it well worth fishing there[1][3][4].

Channel and flathead catfish are also showing good numbers this time of year, and they tend to get more active as water temperatures climb. White bass action is picking up nicely too. For panfish fans, bluegill, crappie, and bass are all biting well this season, with good population sizes and quality fish available after a winter with less ice fishing pressure[4][5].

If you're looking for hotspots, I recommend:

- Just below Ford Dam in Pool 2: Current breaks here concentrate walleye and sauger.
- Backwaters and connected lakes in Pool 2: These are great for pike and catfish, especially where lower water levels have concentrated fish[3][4].

In terms of the best bait and lures to use, jigs tipped with minnows are top-notch for walleye and sauger. Soft plastics that imitate small baitfish also work well. Crankbaits in natural colors are a solid choice when fishing early or late in the day. For catfish, try stinkbaits or cut bait along the bottom near structure and deeper holes. Panfish will respond well to small jigs and live worms or crickets.

In sum, this is a fantastic time to be fishing the Mississippi River around Minneapolis. With good weather, steady flow, and active fish, your chances of landing walleye, sauger, catfish, pike, and panfish are high. Just be mindful of the lower water levels when boating or wading. Get out there and enjoy the bite! Artificial Lure signing off[1][3][4][5].