As of December 28, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite unique given the winter conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather is cold, with overnight temperatures in the teens, which is typical for this time of year. The Mississippi River in this area does not have tides, as it is a freshwater river. However, the water levels are influenced by the navigation locks and dams. Currently, the navigation season has ended, and the river is in its winter shutdown phase, with maintenance projects underway at various locks and dams[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:53 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:34 PM.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold weather, the fish activity remains robust. Walleye and Sauger are still biting well, especially in the northern parts of Pool 4, including areas around Lake Pepin and northwards. Vertical jigging, pitching, and dragging jigs are effective methods. Berkley plastics such as curly bones, bonefish, ribworm, and ripple shads in colors like white ice, greens, and purples have been performing well[1].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good number of Walleye and Sauger caught, with many quality fish up to 21 inches. Panfish like Perch, Bluegills, and Crappies are also active, particularly in areas with current seams and small flats towards the dam area. Small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow are effective for Perch[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleye and Sauger, plastics are the go-to choice this time of year. Berkley Powerbait curly bones, bonefish, ribworm, and ripple shads are highly recommended. For Panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler work well. Live bait is not necessary for Walleye and Sauger, but it can be effective for Panfish[1].

### Hot Spots
Focus your efforts on the northern part of Pool 4, particularly from the upper part of Lake Pepin and northwards. Wabasha still has a strong Walleye bite, and areas around the dam in Pool 5 are good for Perch and scattered Walleye. Rock shorelines, wing dams, and wood structures are also productive spots[1].

Overall, the fishing on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis remains exciting even in the cold winter months, with the right techniques and lures. Stay warm and enjoy the catch

As of December 27, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is quite promising despite the cold winter weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and River Conditions
The weather today is partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year. The river levels, after the significant flooding earlier in the year, have returned to more normal levels. This stabilization has helped maintain a healthy fish population.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, fish activity remains decent. Walleye and Sauger are still the main targets, and the bite has been consistent. Yesterday saw a good number of quality fish, including eater-sized walleyes and saugers, as well as some trophy fish.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Channel Catfish, Freshwater Drum, and Walleye are among the most common catches in this stretch of the Mississippi River. The recent flooding did not significantly impact the fish populations, thanks to the river's diverse and resilient fishery.

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleye and Sauger, using jigs tipped with minnows or fatheads is highly effective. Crankbaits and spinner rigs also work well, especially in the deeper pools. For Channel Catfish, nightcrawlers and stink baits are reliable choices.

### Tidal Report
Since the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is far from the ocean, tidal effects are negligible here. You don’t need to worry about tides affecting your fishing.

### Hot Spots
Focus your efforts on Pool 4 and Lake Pepin areas. The upper part of Lake Pepin and the northern section of Pool 4 have been producing good numbers of Walleye and Sauger. Additionally, the area around Wabasha still has a strong Walleye bite.

In summary, with stable river levels, consistent fish activity, and the right lures and bait, you're set for a productive day of fishing on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Just remember to dress warmly and enjoy the partly cloudy skies.

As of December 26, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite unique given the current conditions.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is cold, with temperatures in the teens, which is typical for this time of year. The recent flooding in the summer has subsided, but the water levels are still higher than usual due to the heavy rainfall earlier in the year[2].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:34 PM.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold weather, the fish are still active. The Walleye and Sauger bite remains strong, especially in the northern parts of Pool 4 and around Lake Pepin. These fish are scattered throughout the channel due to the low current flow, so using side imaging to locate schools is crucial[1].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good number of Walleyes and Saugers caught, with most fish ranging from 15 to 21 inches. Panfish such as Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch are also active, particularly in the backwater lakes and sloughs[1][3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleyes and Saugers, vertical jigging with Berkley plastics like curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms has been highly effective. Colors such as white ice, greens, and purples are working well depending on the cloud cover. For panfish, small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow are recommended[1].

### Hot Spots
- The upper part of Lake Pepin and the northern section of Pool 4 are hot spots for Walleyes and Saugers.
- The area around the dam in Pool 5 is good for Perch and scattered Walleyes.
- Backwater lakes and sloughs in Pool 2, such as those near the Ford Dam to Hastings Dam, are excellent for a variety of fish species including Walleyes, Saugers, and panfish[1][5].

Overall, it's a great time to get out on the Mississippi River, despite the cold, as the fish are hungry and active. Just make sure to bundle up and use the right gear to locate and catch them.

As of December 22, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite dynamic, despite the cold winter conditions.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather today is expected to be chilly, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to mid-twenties Fahrenheit. The water temperature is around 38-40 degrees, which is typical for this time of year. The water levels, although previously at record highs due to flooding earlier in the year, have stabilized, but the river is still experiencing low current flow due to the lack of recent rainfall[2][5].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset is expected at approximately 4:30 PM, giving anglers a decent window to get out on the water.

### Fish Activity
The Walleye and Sauger bite has been consistent, especially in the upper pool areas of the Mississippi River. These fish are girthy from their fall weight gain and are actively feeding on large shad schools present throughout Pool 4. Panfishing for Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch remains good, particularly in areas like rock shorelines, wing dams, and weed beds[1].

### Catch Reports
Yesterday saw a good number of Walleyes and Saugers caught, mainly using vertical jigging, dragging jigs, and Miller rigs with plastic lures such as Berkley's curly bones, bonefish, and ribworm. Crankbaits on leadcore or longline trolling also produced results. For panfish, small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow were effective[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleyes and Saugers, plastics are the go-to choice this time of year, with colors like white ice, greens, and purples working well depending on the cloud cover. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler are recommended. Live bait is less effective for Walleyes and Saugers during this period[1].

### Hot Spots
- Pool 4, particularly the upper pool area, is a hot spot for Walleyes and Saugers.
- The dam area in Pool 5 is excellent for Perch and scattered Walleyes.
- Rock shorelines, wing dams, and weed beds are good for panfish like Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch[1].

Overall, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis offers some great fishing opportunities even in the cold winter months, with the right lures and knowledge of the best spots.

As of December 21, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite promising, despite the chilly winter conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. There is no significant tidal activity on the Mississippi River, as it is a freshwater river and not influenced by tides.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM, giving you a good window for fishing.

### Fish Activity
The fish activity has been steady, particularly for Walleye and Sauger. These species are active in the colder water, with water temperatures around 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Vertical jigging, dragging jigs, and using Dubuque rigs have been highly effective.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good number of Walleye and Sauger caught, with most fish ranging from 18 to 21 inches. There were also some Perch caught, especially in the areas near the dam.

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleye and Sauger, plastics have been the go-to choice. Berkley plastics, such as curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms, in colors like white ice, greens, and purples, have been performing well. For Perch, small jigs and drop shot rigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow are recommended.

### Hot Spots
Focus your efforts on the northern part of Pool 4, particularly from the upper part of Lake Pepin and northwards. Wabasha is also a strong spot for Walleye. For Perch, the area up towards the dam in Pool 5 has been producing good numbers.

Overall, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is offering some great winter fishing opportunities, so bundle up and get out there to enjoy the bite.

For December 20, 2024, on the Mississippi River around the Minneapolis area, here’s what you can expect:

First off, the Mississippi River in this region does not experience significant tidal changes, as the tidal influence is negligible this far upstream[3].

Weather-wise, it's been quite cold, with overnight temperatures in the teens, but the days have been relatively calm and clear. This kind of weather keeps the water temperatures around 38-40 degrees, which is typical for this time of year[1].

Sunrise today is at about 7:48 AM, and sunset will be around 4:30 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

The Walleye and Sauger bite has been excellent in Pool 4, particularly in the upper part of Lake Pepin and northwards. You can expect to catch a lot of quality fish up to 21 inches, though not many over 22 inches. Vertical jigging, dragging jigs, and Miller rigs have been very effective. I recommend using Berkley plastics like curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms in colors such as white ice, greens, and purples, depending on the cloud cover[1].

For Perch, Pool 5 near the dam area has been producing good numbers. Use small jigs and drop shot rigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow, focusing on current seams and small flats.

Panfishing for Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch remains good, especially on rock shorelines, wing dams, wood, and weed beds. Small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler work well.

Hot spots include the upper part of Lake Pepin, the Northern part of Pool 4, and the dam area in Pool 5. Wabasha is also known for a strong Walleye bite.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the Mississippi River, with plenty of hungry fish waiting to be caught. Just make sure to bundle up against the cold.

As of December 19, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River around Minneapolis is quite dynamic, though it's important to note that the Mississippi River does not have tides like coastal areas, so tidal reports are not applicable here.

### Weather and River Conditions
The weather has been cold, with overnight temperatures in the teens, which is typical for this time of year. The river levels are stable, but there has been recent flooding in the area, particularly in the summer, which can affect fish behavior and habitat. Currently, the water temperature is around 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for certain species[1].

### Fish Activity
The Walleye and Sauger bite has been strong, especially in the upper parts of Pool 4 and around Lake Pepin. These fish are active and hungry, with vertical jigging, dragging jigs, and Dubuque rigs being highly effective. Berkley plastics, such as curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms, in colors like white ice, greens, and purples, have been the go-to lures[1].

### Panfishing
Perch fishing has also been excellent, particularly in Pool 5 towards the dam area. Small jigs and drop shot rigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow are working well. Bluegills, Crappies, and other panfish are also active, with small jigs and plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler being effective[1].

### Hot Spots
- **Upper part of Lake Pepin and North**: This area has been producing good numbers of Walleye and Sauger.
- **Pool 5 towards the dam area**: This spot is great for Perch and scattered Walleye.
- **Wing dams and rock shorelines**: These areas continue to produce good numbers of panfish like Bluegills and Crappies[1].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Today, sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:30 PM.

Given the cold water temperatures and the recent fishing reports, it's clear that the Mississippi River around Minneapolis is offering some great fishing opportunities, especially for those targeting Walleye, Sauger, and panfish. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the winter fishing experience.

As of December 14, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising despite the chilly winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. Sunrise was at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. The weather is stable, with no significant precipitation forecasted, which should keep the water conditions clear.

### Tidal Report
Since the Mississippi River does not experience significant tidal changes this far upstream, tidal reports are not a factor in your fishing plans. The river's flow and levels are more influenced by dam operations and runoff.

### Fish Activity
The Walleye and Sauger bite has been strong in the recent weeks. Yesterday saw a good number of quality fish up to 21 inches being caught. The fish are scattered throughout the river but tend to congregate around structural elements like wing dams, rock shorelines, and wood.

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleye and Sauger, vertical jigging, dragging jigs, and using Dubuque rigs have been highly effective. Berkley plastics, particularly curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms, are top choices. Colors such as white ice, greens, and purples have been performing well, depending on the cloud cover. No live bait is recommended this time of year; plastics have been working exceptionally well.

### Hot Spots
Focus your efforts on the northern part of Pool 4, especially from the upper part of Lake Pepin and northwards. Wabasha is also a strong spot for Walleye. For Panfish, including Perch, the area up towards the dam in Pool 5 has been producing good numbers. Use small jigs and drop shots for the Perch, fished vertically.

### Additional Tips
Water temperatures are around 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit, with 2-3 feet of clarity. The pool level is low, resulting in reduced flow, so the fish can be found scattered throughout the channel. Use your electronics, such as Lowrance side imaging, to locate schools of fish.

Overall, it's a great time to be out on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis, with plenty of active fish and clear water conditions. Dress warm and enjoy the day

As of December 13, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in the Minneapolis area is wrapping up for the season, but there are still some opportunities for those eager to get out on the water.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is cold, with temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year. The river levels are low, and with the navigation season having ended on December 1, the water is quieter than usual[5].

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is around 7:30 AM, and sunset is approximately 4:30 PM, giving you a relatively short window for daylight fishing.

### Fish Activity
Despite the cold, fish are still active, particularly in areas with some current and structure. Walleye and Sauger are the primary targets this time of year. They tend to congregate around wing dams, rock shorelines, and small flats near the dam areas. Panfish like Bluegills and Crappies are also active, especially in backwater channel areas and small river flats[1].

### Fish Caught
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a few Walleyes and Saugers using vertical jigging and dragging jigs. Panfish were also plentiful, with Bluegills and Crappies biting on small jigs tipped with plastics or a chunk of crawler[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleye and Sauger, plastics like Berkley's curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms have been effective. Crankbaits on leadcore or longline trolling can also produce good results. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a piece of crawler are recommended. Hair jigs and crankbaits have been better than live bait for Walleyes in these conditions[1].

### Hot Spots
- **Wing Dams**: These structures in the river sections of Pool 3 and 4 are great for catching Walleyes, Bass, and Bluegills.
- **Small River Flats and Backwater Channel Areas**: These spots are ideal for panfish and can yield good catches of Walleyes and Saugers as well[1].

Given the cold weather and low river levels, it's crucial to dress warmly and be prepared for the conditions. The fish are spread out due to the little current flow, so patience and a good understanding of the river's structure are key to a successful day of fishing.

As of December 12, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite promising, despite the chilly winter conditions.

### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit. Sunrise was at around 7:30 AM, and sunset is expected at about 4:30 PM. The river levels are relatively stable, with no significant changes in the water flow or pool elevations, similar to the reports from earlier in the year[2][5].

### Fish Activity
The Walleye and Sauger bite has been strong, especially in the Pool 4 area. Despite the low water levels and minimal current flow, these fish are still active. Vertical jigging and using Dubuque rigs have been highly effective. The fish are girthy, having put on their fall weight, and sizes up to 23 inches for Saugers have been reported[1].

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Yesterday saw a good number of Walleyes and Saugers caught, along with some Perch and other panfish. The Walleye and Sauger fishing has been consistent, with daily catches showing these fish are still in the upper pool areas and not yet migrated out of Lake Pepin. Panfishing, particularly for Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch, remains good, filling in the gaps when the Walleyes are not biting[1].

### Best Lures and Bait
For Walleyes and Saugers, plastics such as Berkley curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms are working well. Colors like white ice, greens, and purples have been effective, depending on the cloud cover. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler or minnow are recommended. Hair jigs and crankbaits have also been successful, especially when casting near wing dams[1].

### Hot Spots
- **Pool 4 and Lake Pepin**: These areas continue to produce good numbers of Walleyes and Saugers. Focus on the upper pool areas and the basin of Lake Pepin.
- **Wing Dams and Rock Shorelines**: These spots are producing well for Walleyes and panfish. The current seams and small flats towards the dam area in Pool 5 are also worth exploring[1].

Overall, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis offers a great winter fishing experience, with the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots. Dress warm and enjoy the day on the river