Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for the Mississippi River in and around Minneapolis, May 12, 2025. The weekend brought some fine fishing, and today's looking even better!

Sunrise this morning came at about 5:43 AM, and we'll see sunset around 8:29 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get after those fish. Weather's shaping up beautifully today with temps expected in the low 70s and a light breeze from the southwest – just enough to put a little ripple on the surface without messing with your casting.

Water levels remain a touch below normal due to our dry spring, but that's actually concentrating fish in predictable locations. Just watch for those exposed rocks and structure if you're running your boat shallow.

The walleye and sauger bite has been flat-out fantastic this past week! Pool 2 from the Ford Dam down to Hastings continues to be the hot ticket, especially around current breaks and eddies. Remember though, Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass – but the action makes it worthwhile. If you're looking to put some fish in the cooler, head down to Pool 3.

For walleye and sauger, jigs tipped with fathead minnows have been the top producer, especially in that 1/8 to 1/4 ounce range depending on current. Work those current seams and deeper holes. Early morning and evening have seen the best action, but folks have been catching fish throughout the day too.

The perch bite has also picked up considerably, with some nice eaters being caught in backwaters and slower eddies. Small jigs tipped with pieces of nightcrawler or crappie minnows are working well.

For you catfish enthusiasts, channel cats are starting to get active below the Brainerd Dam, Kiwanis Park, and French Rapids. Cut bait or chicken liver on a 1/0 octopus hook with a 1-ounce weight about 1-2 feet above has been the ticket. Look for those seams where slack water meets current.

Two hot spots you'll want to check out: The wing dams just south of downtown have been producing consistently, and the backwaters near Pike Island are giving up some nice crappies and perch for folks working brush piles with small jigs.

If you're heading out, don't forget your sunscreen – that spring sun will fool you! Stop by and show me your catch; I'll be down at the landing most evenings this week. Until next time, this is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and full livewells, friends!

Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for the Mississippi River in and around Minneapolis, May 11, 2025. Folks, we've got ourselves another gorgeous day on the water as we continue this stellar spring season.

Sunrise came at 5:44 AM this morning, and we'll see sunset around 8:28 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet. Weather's cooperating nicely today with temps expected to climb into the low 70s under mostly sunny skies – perfect fishing weather if you ask me.

The river remains a bit lower than normal after our dry spring, but nothing to worry too much about. Just keep your eyes peeled for some exposed structure, especially if you're navigating the shallows or pulling up to your favorite spots.

The walleye bite has been absolutely on fire this past week, particularly in Pools 2 and 3 south of downtown. Remember that Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye and sauger, but the action is worth it just for the fun. Those walleyes are taking jigs tipped with minnows in the current breaks, while crankbaits have been deadly during early morning and evening hours.

Sauger have been hitting well on live bait rigs, especially in deeper holes near structure. And don't overlook the perch and crappie action – they're stacked up in the backwaters and near brush piles in good numbers, making for some tasty fillets if you're looking to bring home dinner.

For hot spots, I'd point you toward the Ford Dam area where the current breaks have been holding some trophy-size walleyes. Another hot ticket has been just below the railroad trestle in Pool 2, where anglers have been limiting out on sauger in just a couple hours of fishing.

Bait-wise, fathead minnows are your best bet for walleye and sauger, though some folks have been doing well with leeches as the water warms up. For the panfish, small jigs tipped with waxies or small plastics in white or chartreuse have been getting it done.

There's no tidal movement on our stretch of the Mississippi, of course, but current flow has been moderate and steady – just how we like it for spring fishing.

If you're headed out today, get on the water early to catch that morning bite, or plan to be out there for the evening feeding frenzy. Either way, the fishing's been so good lately that you're bound to get into something worth bragging about.

This is Artificial Lure, signing off and wishing you tight lines and full livewells. I'll see you on the water!

Artificial Lure here with your Saturday fishing report for May 10, 2025, straight from the banks of the Mississippi River around Minneapolis.

We woke up to another picture-perfect spring morning, with sunrise at 5:54 AM and sunset at 8:24 PM. The weather’s mild, with comfortable temps and only a slight breeze, perfect for a full day on the water. No tidal swings on this stretch, but river flows are steady and the water’s still a bit low after our dry winter and spring, so watch out for exposed rocks and snags if you’re boating or wading. Low water hasn’t slowed down the fish one bit.

The bite is hot right now, especially for walleye, sauger, and perch. Pool 2—especially from the Ford Dam down to Hastings—is the place to be. Just remember, Pool 2 is catch-and-release for walleye, sauger, and bass, but numbers and quality have been excellent lately, and you’ll stay busy[2]. Anglers are also reporting great action on pools 4, 5, 5A, and 6, with fish stacked up in current breaks and just below the dams[4].

Jigs tipped with fathead minnows or plastic tails are the top producers for both walleye and sauger. Crankbaits in the early mornings and evenings have also been putting numbers in the boat. For perch, small jigs or live bait like worms close to submerged structure are a solid bet. Bass are starting to wake up on shallow flats and along riprap banks—try soft plastics or small spinnerbaits.

Recent catches have been steady, with plenty of walleye in the 16 to 22 inch range, sauger running a bit smaller, and chunky perch showing up in the mix. Reports of smallmouth bass are trickling in too, especially near rocky shoreline. Crappie have been caught in backwaters and slower-moving side channels.

Hot spots to hit today
- Below the Ford Dam: Walleye and sauger are stacked up in the current
- Hidden Falls Regional Park: Great bank access and mixed catches
- South St. Paul launch area: Perch and occasional bonus pike

With conditions this good, expect a busy opener weekend. Bring your patience, your best jigs and crankbaits, and keep an eye out for low water hazards. Fish are active and hungry—get out there and make the most of it. Good luck from Artificial Lure, and stay safe on the river[1][2][4].

Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing report for the Mississippi River in and around Minneapolis, May 9, 2025.

Conditions on the river are shaping up for a solid day out. We are rolling into the heart of spring, and the bite has been heating up right along with the weather. Sunrise this morning came at 5:46 AM, and we’ll see sunset at 8:26 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get your lines wet. The weather today is shaping up beautifully, with calm winds, moderate temps expected in the upper 60s, and partly sunny skies drawing more anglers to the riverbanks. Water levels are slightly lower than historical averages due to a dry spring, but navigation is still good—just be a little careful at the launches and keep an eye out for exposed structure near the banks[1][5].

Fish activity is strong and consistent with the season. Recent reports have walleyes, sauger, and perch all showing up in good numbers, especially early in the morning and towards dusk. The walleye bite in particular has been hot, with anglers finding success pitching jigs and minnows along current breaks and eddies. Pools 2 and 3 just south of downtown have been the main event, with some nice eater-size fish being boated, along with the occasional trophy. Sauger are taking live bait rigs, while perch and crappie are holding near brush piles and slower backwaters[2][4].

As for lures, the best options right now are chartreuse or firetiger jigs tipped with fatheads or plastics for walleyes, and smaller hair jigs or gulp minnows for sauger and perch. If you’re targeting smallmouth, hard baits like square-billed crankbaits in craw patterns or tube jigs in darker colors are a safe bet. For live bait, you can’t beat fathead minnows, nightcrawlers, or a simple rig with a slip bobber and leech, especially around the bridges and inlets.

Hot spots to hit today are the confluence area below the Ford Dam, known as Lock and Dam No. 1, and the stretch of river downstream from the Hennepin Avenue Bridge. Both spots are holding fish thanks to good current and structure, and they’ve been especially productive according to recent daily reports[2][4].

Word from the boats and banks is that several limits of walleye and sauger have been taken over the past couple of days. Most keeper walleyes are running 15 to 20 inches, with a few bonus fish pushing 24 inches or more. The perch are fat and feisty, with some nice 10-inchers showing up in the mix.

That’s the pulse on the water here in Minneapolis. Get out there today, stay safe, and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

We are off to a beautiful spring morning on the river, with mild temperatures and stable conditions that are just about perfect for getting a line wet. Sunrise hit at 5:54 AM this morning, and sunset will be around 8:24 PM, giving us a solid window for action.

River levels are still running a bit lower than usual after a dry winter and spring, so keep an eye out for rocks and snags if you are boating or wading. There’s no tidal movement here, but water flows are steady, offering classic springtime conditions for our local fish.

Pool 2, stretching from the Ford Dam down to Hastings, is the hot ticket. The walleye and sauger bite has been strong – especially just below the dams and around current breaks. Remember, Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass, but the quality and numbers make it well worth your effort. Anglers are reporting steady catches with jigs tipped with minnows or plastics, and crankbaits have also been producing, especially in the evenings and early mornings[5].

Channel and flathead catfish are making a good showing all through the local pools, and their activity will only ramp up as those water temps inch higher. Cut bait and stink bait are both solid choices, with some nice fish coming from deeper current seams.

Panfish—bluegills, crappies, and white bass—are out in force this week. Look for them along the slower backwaters and side channels. Small jigs and crappie minnows are tough to beat right now. Northern pike are also being caught in the backwater lakes and sloughs, where the lower water has concentrated them nicely[5]. Spinnerbaits and flashy spoons are my picks for aggressive spring pike.

Best bait this week: for walleyes and sauger, go with a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jighead with a fathead minnow. For panfish, try a tiny tube or hair jig under a float, or a crappie minnow on a plain hook.

If you are looking for hot spots, consider the Ford Dam tailwaters, the stretch below the 3rd Avenue Bridge, and the backwater bays near Minnehaha Creek. These areas are all seeing good numbers, and the action should stay strong with this weather pattern[5][1].

Fishing is on fire right now, so grab your gear and enjoy what the river has to offer. Tight lines and good luck out there!

Artificial Lure here with your boots-on-the-bank fishing report for the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Monday, May 5, 2025.

Sunrise came at 5:54 AM and sunset will be just after 8:27 PM. We’re sitting pretty in that magic spring window, and the weather’s shaping up mild and stable, with partly cloudy skies and temps ranging from mid-40s at dawn to the upper 60s by afternoon. Light breezes are predicted, which should help keep the bugs in check and surface disturbance to a minimum for those topwater moments. There’s been little rain lately, so water levels are a bit low, especially in side channels—watch out for new sandbars and shallow snags if you’re running a boat.

Fishing action is simply hot right now. Pools 2 through 6 on the Mississippi have been consistent producers, and Pool 2, from the Ford Dam down to Hastings Dam, is on fire. Walleye and sauger are hitting well below the locks and dams, especially in tailwater areas. Remember, in Pool 2, it’s catch-and-release for walleye, sauger, and bass, but the numbers make it worthwhile. Jigging with plastics or a jig-and-minnow combo is getting plenty of hits. Bright chartreuse and white have outperformed plain colors the last few days.

Catfish anglers are reporting a lot of channel and flathead cats. They’re really waking up with the warmer water. Cut bait like sucker or even a chunk of shad works well, and don’t overlook nightcrawlers if you want to keep it simple. Best bite is in deeper holes near current seams.

White bass are getting more active, especially at creek mouths and where there’s some fresh inflow. Small spinners, twister tails, or even a minnow under a bobber are producing fish.

For pike, the low water is your friend—they’re stacked in backwaters and connecting lakes. Toss flashy spoons or larger swimbaits along weedy edges. You might even get surprised by a muskie.

Panfish are going strong, with bluegill and crappie up shallow and feeding heavily after an easy winter. Small jigs tipped with waxies or tiny plastics are a sure bet.

Top hot spots today to check out: the tailwaters below the Ford Dam for walleye and sauger, and the backwaters near Boom Island and North Mississippi Regional Park for panfish and pike. The mouth of Minnehaha Creek is also producing white bass and the occasional surprise catch.

That’s the word today from Artificial Lure—get out there, stay safe, and keep your drag set just right. The bite’s on and the river’s ready.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure checking in with your Mississippi River fishing report for Sunday, May 4, 2025, straight from the Twin Cities.

We have come off a mild winter and a dry early spring, so water levels on the Mississippi around Minneapolis are running a bit lower than usual. This means you might notice more exposed structure and a few navigational hazards so watch your footing and your propeller when cruising shallow stretches. Weather today is mild and comfortable, with a gentle breeze most of the day and temperatures rising into the low 60s by afternoon. Sunrise came in at 5:57 AM and sunset will be around 8:23 PM. Tides do not apply to this stretch of the river, but expect steady current, especially near the dams and confluences.

Fishing these last few days has been nothing short of hot, especially on pools 2, 4, and above. Pool 2, which runs from Ford Dam to Hastings Dam, is seeing especially good action with walleye and sauger locked into their spring patterns. Remember, Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass but the steady bites are well worth the trip. Catfish anglers are also reporting a banner start to the year, with solid numbers of channel and flathead cats throughout the main river and side channels. White bass and panfish, particularly bluegill and crappie, are piling up in the backwaters and creeks, getting ready to spawn and feeding aggressively.

Lures and baits that have been getting the job done include jigs tipped with minnows or plastics for walleye and sauger, particularly in the tailwaters and along current seams. For catfish, cut sucker bait, chicken liver, or stink baits fished on the bottom in deeper holes are bringing in both numbers and size. Pike are getting concentrated in the shallow backwaters thanks to lower water, and flashy spoons or large soft plastics are putting trophy fish in the net.

Hot spots to check today include the confluence of Minnehaha Creek for panfish, the tailwater below Ford Dam for gamefish action, and the deep bends near Hidden Falls Park for catfish and the occasional oversized pike. The locks and dam areas, when accessible, are always worth a cast, especially in these lower water conditions.

In summary, fish are active, river conditions are prime, and now is the time to hit the water. Best of luck out there and remember to play it safe around those low water obstacles. Tight lines from Artificial Lure.

[2][3][1]

Good morning from the banks of the Mississippi River here in Minneapolis. Artificial Lure reporting in with your Saturday, May 3, 2025, fishing report. Sunrise came in bright at 5:56 AM, and we are looking at a sunset around 8:27 PM, giving us a long window for some serious casting and catching. The weather’s mild, sitting in the mid-50s early and rising into the upper 60s by afternoon. Winds are light out of the southeast, skies partly cloudy, and there’s no sign of rain, so it’s prime time for a day afloat or on the bank.

Tides are a non-factor on the Mississippi River up here, but recent dry conditions have kept water levels a bit low. This makes navigation a touch trickier but draws fish into known holes and along deeper current seams. Remember, the official walleye opener is still a week away, but catch and release is in play for walleyes and bass in Pool 2, from the Ford Dam downstream to Hastings Dam.

As far as fish activity, it’s looking good. Channel cats are biting well, especially near deeper holes and current edges. Some anglers are reporting cats running in the four to six pound range, with a few bigger ones mixed in. Cut bait and stink baits are top choices for catfishing right now. Panfish activity has picked up around the backwaters and marinas, with bluegills and crappies hitting small jigs or waxworms under floats.

If you’re out for walleyes on catch-and-release, try plastics like paddle tails or ringworms in chartreuse or white, worked slow along current breaks near the dam and deeper runs. Saugers have been active on similar baits. For the panfish crowd, a tiny tube jig or a crappie minnow under a slip bobber is bringing in nice slabs, especially in the North Minneapolis backwaters and Lilydale Pool.

The hot spots I’d recommend today are Boom Island Park for shore and kayak anglers targeting panfish and catfish, and the area just below the Ford Dam for a shot at multiple species, including walleye, sauger, white bass, and channel cats. These spots have been producing steadily for shore anglers and boaters alike.

So pack your favorite medium setup, a supply of plastics, crawlers, and cut bait, and get on the water. The fish are active, the weather’s fine, and the river is ready to show off.

Tight lines and good luck out there from your pal, Artificial Lure.

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for this fine Friday morning, May 2nd, 2025.

The river is calling all you anglers out there! We've had a relatively dry winter and spring in our area, which means water levels are running a bit lower than normal. This creates some interesting opportunities, but watch for navigational hazards when you're boating.

Pool 2 of the Mississippi (from Ford Dam to Hastings Dam) is absolutely on fire right now. The walleye and sauger bite has been solid, especially in the tailwater habitat below the locks and dams. Remember, it's catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass in Pool 2, but the action makes it worth it.

Channel and flathead catfish numbers are excellent throughout the pools, and they'll be increasingly active as water temperatures continue to climb. White bass action is picking up nicely too.

For those targeting pike, the low water levels have concentrated them, making for some productive fishing. You'll find quality pike in the backwaters and connected lakes.

The panfish bite is above average this year—bluegill, crappie, and bass populations are all showing good numbers with quality-sized fish. With reduced ice fishing pressure this past winter due to poor conditions, expect the open water angling to be exceptional.

Lure selection: For walleye, I've had success with jigs tipped with minnows or plastics worked along current seams. Crankbaits in brighter colors have been effective during cloudy conditions. For catfish, cut bait or prepared stinkbaits are your best bet. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits and soft plastics worked along vegetation edges.

Hot spots: The area just below Lock and Dam #1 has been particularly productive for walleye and sauger. For a mixed bag including panfish, try the backwaters near Pig's Eye Lake. The deeper holes in the main channel near the Hastings Bridge have been giving up some nice catfish.

The low precipitation we've had might lead to increased vegetation and potential algal blooms in backwater habitats as we move into summer, so get out there now while conditions are prime.

Sunrise today was at 5:57 AM and sunset will be at 8:19 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get your lines wet.

Remember to check your regulations before heading out, and be mindful of special harvest rules on certain waters.

This is Artificial Lure signing off—tight lines, everyone, and I'll see you on the water!

Artificial Lure here, bringing you the latest fishing report for the Mississippi River in and around Minneapolis on April 30, 2025.

We’re seeing classic spring conditions this week. Sunrise hit at 6:36 a.m. and sunset will be at 7:51 p.m., giving anglers that long, golden window when the fish are most active. Early mornings and evenings are still the ticket for the best bite, especially with warmer afternoons following some light overnight showers recently. Temps are sitting comfortably in the low 60s, and the river is rising with water temps hovering around 44 degrees in the main flow. Some of the shallower, backwater spots with darker bottoms are already pushing closer to 60, so fish activity is peaking as we move into prime spawning season for many species.

Walleye and sauger are the big story right now, with reports of steady action in 8 to 16 feet, especially near rocky and gravelly patches. The females are softening up, which means the spawn is right around the corner. Anglers are pulling in good numbers on jigs—hair jigs, blade baits, and soft plastics like B-Fish-N Tackle Pulse-R paired with a 3/16 or 5/16 ounce jighead. If you want to match the hot lure, purple has been getting the most bites lately. Look for subtle current breaks, the mouths of feeder creeks, and points downstream of islands for the most action.

Perch and a few bonus pike are making cameos in the same areas. Plenty of folks are still working channel catfish, too, with cut bait and stinkbait producing well after sunset.

For live bait, minnows and fathead rigs are still working when things are slow on artificials. If you’re hoping to mix things up, slip-bobber rigs fished near submerged timber or brush can surprise you, especially when fished with half a crawler.

As for hot spots, the stretch just below the Ford Dam down past Minnehaha Creek is buzzing, especially around the drop-offs and current seams. The backwaters up near Boom Island Park have also been steady, with warmer water drawing in perch and crappie.

The catch numbers are looking solid—multiple boats reporting easy limits of walleyes and sauger, with quite a few in the 17 to 22 inch range, and some lucky anglers landing a couple of 25-inchers. Catfish in the 5 to 10 pound range are showing up after dark.

In short, it’s shaping up to be a classic spring bite on the Mississippi in Minneapolis. Now is the time to get out there. Good luck and tight lines.