Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 19, 2025. Spring is in the air, and the fish are starting to wake up from their winter slumber.

First off, let's talk weather. We're looking at partly cloudy skies today with highs around 52°F and lows dipping to 38°F overnight. Winds are light from the southeast at 5-10 mph. Sunrise is at 7:15 AM and sunset at 7:22 PM, so we've got plenty of daylight to work with.

Water temps are hovering around 45-48°F, which means the walleye and sauger are really starting to get active. We've been seeing some nice catches coming in from the tailwaters below the locks and dams. Jig and minnow combos have been the ticket, with chartreuse and orange being hot colors.

Speaking of walleye, the spring run is just kicking off. Anglers have been having good luck trolling crankbaits like Rapala Shad Raps or Flicker Shads in the main channel. If you're shore fishing, try casting jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait near current breaks.

Bass fishing has been picking up too. Smallmouth are starting to move into shallower water, especially on sunny days. Throw suspending jerkbaits or small swimbaits around rocky points and you might just hook into a chunky bronzeback.

For you catfish enthusiasts, channel cats are biting well on cut bait or stinkbaits fished in deeper holes. We've even heard reports of a few flatheads being caught by anglers using live bait in snaggy areas.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying the area around Boom Island Park or the stretch near the Stone Arch Bridge. The river structure there holds a lot of fish this time of year.

Remember, folks, the bite can be a bit finicky with these transitional temperatures, so don't be afraid to slow down your presentation and experiment with different retrieves.

That's all for now, anglers. Get out there and tight lines to ya!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 17, 2025. It's a chilly morning in Minneapolis, with temperatures hovering around 38°F and partly cloudy skies. The sun rose at 7:22 AM and will set at 7:24 PM, giving us plenty of daylight for fishing.

Now, let's talk about the river conditions. The Mississippi is running a bit high and fast due to recent snowmelt and rain. The water temperature is around 42°F, which is starting to wake up our fishy friends. There's no tidal report for the Mississippi since it's not affected by ocean tides, but keep an eye on those water levels as they can change quickly this time of year.

Walleye fishing has been picking up lately, especially near the lock and dam areas. Anglers have been having luck with jigs tipped with minnows or plastics in the deeper holes. Some nice-sized walleyes in the 18-24 inch range have been caught in the past week.

Smallmouth bass are also starting to become more active. They're hanging around rocky areas and current breaks. Throw some crankbaits or soft plastics their way, and you might just hook into a chunky bronzeback.

For you catfish enthusiasts, channel cats are biting well on cut bait or stinkbaits in the slower, deeper pools. A few flatheads have been reported, but they're still a bit sluggish with the cooler water temps.

As for lures, I'd recommend having a variety of jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics in your tackle box. Bright colors like chartreuse and orange have been working well in the slightly stained water. Don't forget some live bait options like minnows or nightcrawlers – they're always a solid choice this time of year.

If you're looking for some hot spots, try fishing near the Stone Arch Bridge or the area around Boom Island Park. The structure in these areas tends to hold fish, especially as they start moving into shallower water.

Remember, folks, the ice is off the river, but be cautious of floating debris and swift currents. Wear your life jackets and stay safe out there. Tight lines, everyone!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 16, 2025.

The weather's looking decent today in Minneapolis, with partly cloudy skies and highs around 45°F. Sunrise was at 7:23 AM and sunset will be at 7:18 PM. No tides to worry about on our mighty river, but water levels are running a bit high after some recent rains.

Fish activity has been picking up as we transition into spring. Walleye and sauger are still the main targets, with some nice catches reported below the dams. A few early season crappies are starting to show up in the backwaters too.

Last week, anglers were having good luck with walleye in the 15-20 inch range, along with some bonus sauger. Most folks are using jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics. For crappies, small jigs under a bobber have been the ticket.

As for lures, I'd recommend having some jigs in the 1/8 to 3/8 oz range, along with some crankbaits like Rapala Shad Raps or Flicker Shads. Don't forget some live bait - fathead minnows and nightcrawlers are always good options this time of year.

For hot spots, I'd suggest trying below the Ford Dam or around the pilings of the Stone Arch Bridge. The mouth of Minnehaha Creek has been producing some nice walleye too.

Remember to bundle up and be safe out there. The water's still mighty cold if you take an unexpected swim. Tight lines, everyone!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 15, 2025. Let me tell you, the fishing is really starting to heat up around Minneapolis as we head into spring.

First off, we've got a beautiful day ahead of us. Sunrise was at 7:23 AM and sunset will be at 7:18 PM. Temps are looking to hit the mid-50s with partly cloudy skies and light winds out of the southwest. Water temps are hovering around 45 degrees.

Now for the good stuff - the fish are biting! We're seeing a nice uptick in walleye and sauger activity as they start their pre-spawn feeding frenzy. Anglers have been having luck jigging with minnows or plastics in 15-20 feet of water, especially around current breaks and wing dams. Some real nice eaters in the 15-18 inch range being caught.

Bass fishing is also picking up, with smallmouth starting to move into shallower water. Crankbaits and jerkbaits have been producing well, especially in rocky areas. A few largemouth are being caught on spinnerbaits around wood cover too.

For bait, can't go wrong with minnows right now. Fathead minnows for walleye and shiners for bass. As for lures, I'd recommend having some jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics on hand. Chartreuse and white have been hot colors.

A couple hot spots to check out - the area below Lock and Dam 1 has been producing some nice walleye, and the rocky shorelines around Nicollet Island are holding some good smallmouth.

Remember to grab your 2025 fishing license if you haven't already. Tight lines everyone, and I'll catch you next time!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 14, 2025. Let me tell you, it's shaping up to be a decent day on the water around Minneapolis.

First off, we've got partly cloudy skies with temps climbing to the mid-50s by afternoon. Sunrise was at 7:23 AM and sunset will be at 7:15 PM, so we've got plenty of daylight to work with. The river level is running about normal for this time of year, with a slow current.

Now for the good stuff - the fish have been biting! Walleye action has really picked up this past week as they start moving into their pre-spawn patterns. Anglers have been having luck jigging with minnows or plastics in 8-12 feet of water, especially near current breaks and wing dams. Some nice 20-inchers have been coming in.

The smallmouth bass bite is also heating up. They're hitting crankbaits and jigs around rocky areas. A few reports of 3-4 pounders caught and released. Northern pike are active too - try spinnerbaits or live suckers in the backwaters and side channels.

For bait, can't go wrong with fathead minnows or nightcrawlers this time of year. As for artificial lures, I'd stock up on jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits in natural baitfish colors. The Rapala Shad Rap has been money lately.

If you're looking for some hotspots, I'd recommend trying the area just below Lock and Dam 1 or around Pig's Eye Lake. The Mississippi River Gorge stretch has also been producing well.

Remember to bundle up - it's still chilly out there! Tight lines, everyone!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 12, 2025. Let me tell ya, spring is in the air and the fish are startin' to wake up!

Weather-wise, we're lookin' at partly cloudy skies with highs around 52°F and lows dipping to 38°F overnight. Winds are light from the southeast at 5-10 mph. Sunrise is at 6:32 AM and sunset at 6:15 PM, so we've got plenty of daylight to work with.

Now, onto the fishing! Water temps are hovering around 45-48°F, which means the walleye and sauger are really starting to get active. We've been seeing some nice catches coming in from the tailwaters below the locks and dams. Jig and minnow combos have been the ticket, with chartreuse and orange being hot colors.

Speaking of walleye, the spring run is just kicking off. Anglers have been having good luck trolling crankbaits like Rapala Shad Raps or Flicker Shads in the main channel. If you're shore fishing, try casting jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait near current breaks.

Bass fishing has been picking up too. Smallmouth are starting to move into shallower water, especially on sunny days. Throw suspending jerkbaits or small swimbaits around rocky points and you might just hook into a chunky bronzeback.

For you catfish enthusiasts, channel cats are biting well on cut bait or stinkbaits fished in deeper holes. We've even heard reports of a few flatheads being caught by anglers using live bait in snaggy areas.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying the area around Boom Island Park or the stretch near the Stone Arch Bridge. The river structure there holds a lot of fish this time of year.

Remember, folks, the bite can be a bit finicky with these transitional temperatures, so don't be afraid to slow down your presentation and experiment with different retrieves.

That's all for now, anglers. Get out there and tight lines to ya!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for March 11, 2025.

The weather's been a bit unpredictable lately, but today we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of 48°F and a low of 32°F. Sunrise was at 6:32 AM, and sunset will be at 6:13 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with.

Water levels on the Mississippi are running a bit high due to recent rains and snowmelt, but clarity is improving. The current is swift in the main channel, so focus on eddies and backwaters for the best action.

Walleye fishing has been heating up as we approach the spring spawn. Anglers have been having success with jigs tipped with minnows or plastics, especially in deeper holes and along current seams. A few reports of 20-inch-plus fish have come in from the area around the Stone Arch Bridge.

Smallmouth bass are starting to become more active as water temps slowly rise. Throw crankbaits or soft plastics around rocky areas and submerged structure. The stretch near Boom Island Park has been producing some nice bronzebacks.

Northern pike are always a possibility this time of year. Try spoons or large minnow-imitating lures in backwater areas. A few reports of pike over 30 inches have come from the sloughs near Fort Snelling State Park.

For panfish, crappies and bluegills are starting to move into shallower water. Small jigs tipped with waxworms or plastics have been effective. The lagoons around Pike Island are always a good bet for panfish action.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the area around Hidden Falls Regional Park. The mix of current breaks and structure holds a variety of species. Another good option is the stretch near Minnehaha Falls, where the creek enters the Mississippi. The confluence area can be dynamite for walleye and smallmouth.

Remember, fishing from shore can be just as productive as from a boat this time of year. Just be careful of slippery banks and fast currents.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time.

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Mississippi River in Minneapolis as of February 12, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of around 38°F and a low of 24°F. This cooler weather is exactly what we need to get those fish active. Sunrise was at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 5:27 PM, giving us a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

Since the Mississippi River is a freshwater system, there are no tidal changes to worry about. However, water levels can be influenced by rainfall and human-controlled dams. Currently, the water levels are slightly above normal but stabilizing, which is ideal for fishing.

Fish activity has been strong, particularly for walleyes and saugers. These species are really active as the water temperatures drop, currently ranging from around 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Anglers have been catching a decent number of walleyes and saugers, with some reaching up to 23 inches in length. These fish are putting on their winter weight, making them quite girthy.

Other species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish such as bluegills, crappies, and yellow perch are also active. For northern pike, medium to large bright glowing jigs tipped with minnows have been working well, especially on large mud flats in depths of 25 to 30 feet.

For walleyes and saugers, jigs and soft plastics are your best bet. A sexy shad-colored ½-ounce vibrating jig or a 3/8-ounce black and blue swim jig with a craw trailer have been producing excellent results. If you're targeting panfish, small jigs tipped with waxworms or minnows are the way to go.

Now, let's talk about some hot spots. One of the best areas to fish is near the wing dams on the south end of Pool 8. Here, you can throw a blueberry-colored Zoom Z Craw on a half-ounce swing head or a homemade ½-ounce vibrating jig in black and blue. Another great spot is the flooded backwater grass lines and trees, where a 3/8-ounce Zorro Booza Bug jig tipped with a Zoom Z Craw Jr. can be very effective.

In summary, the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now. With the cooler weather and stabilizing water levels, it's a great time to get out there and catch some walleyes, saugers, and other species. Remember to use the right lures and bait, and don't hesitate to try out those wing dams and backwater areas.

Happy fishing, and see you on the water

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Mississippi River near Minneapolis as of February 10, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. Given the time of year, it's no surprise that it's quite chilly, with temperatures hovering around the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. While this might not be the most comfortable fishing weather, it can actually be quite favorable for certain species.

Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:30 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water. However, the recent flooding in the area, as reported just last summer, has left its mark, and water levels are still a bit higher than usual[2].

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The Mississippi River is known for its robust populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. According to recent electrofishing data, smallmouth bass are quite abundant in this stretch of the river. For instance, at the Otsego station, catch rates for smallmouth bass were as high as 109.7 fish per hour, with average lengths around 9.2 inches and a maximum length of 20 inches[1].

Given the cold weather, the fish are likely to be a bit sluggish, but they can still be coaxed into biting with the right lures. For smallmouth bass, I recommend using jigs and soft plastics. A sexy shad-colored ½-ounce vibrating jig or a 3/8-ounce black and blue swim jig with a craw trailer can be very effective, as seen in past tournaments on this river[3].

For walleye, which are less active in cold water, try using jigs tipped with minnows or leeches in deeper areas, typically between 10 to 16 feet of water. Walleye fishing has been improving in recent weeks, and these depths have been producing quality catches[4].

Channel catfish are also present and can be caught using nightcrawlers or stink baits. Look for areas with structure like rocks, weed beds, or sunken logs.

As for hot spots, I highly recommend the Otsego and Elk River areas. The Otsego station has shown exceptional smallmouth bass activity, and the Elk River upstream section has produced impressive numbers of smallmouth bass as well, with catch rates of up to 140 fish per hour[1].

Another good spot is near the Xcel plant, where smallmouth bass and channel catfish are plentiful. Just be aware of any current restrictions due to flooding and lock closures[2].

In summary, while the weather is cold, the fishing can still be excellent. Use the right lures, target the right spots, and you'll be hauling in some great catches from the Mississippi River near Minneapolis. Stay warm and tight lines

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Mississippi River in the Minneapolis area as of today, February 9, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. Since the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is a freshwater system, we don't have to worry about tidal reports like you would in coastal areas. However, water levels can be crucial, and you can check the latest river forecasts through services like the National Water Prediction Service[5].

The weather today is expected to be quite chilly, typical for this time of year, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to mid-twenties Fahrenheit. Sunrise is at around 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:20 PM.

Now, onto the fish activity. The Mississippi River around Minneapolis is renowned for its diverse fishery, offering a wide range of species. Recently, anglers have been catching a healthy mix of channel catfish, freshwater drum, walleye, and sauger. If you're lucky, you might even land a trophy-sized flathead catfish or encounter some unique riverine species like buffalo, gar, or sturgeon[1].

For walleye and sauger, the best times to fish are typically during the spring and fall. However, during the winter months, ice fishing can be very productive. Anglers have been finding success in depths of 26 to 32 feet using jigging spoons like rippin raps, pink charmers, and leech flutter spoons, often tipped with a minnow head or tail. Deadsticking a live minnow on a plain hook or small jig has also been effective, especially during morning and evening hours[4].

If you're targeting catfish, the stretch of the Mississippi River from Granite Falls Dam to Mankato is particularly promising. Here, you can catch channel catfish and flathead catfish, with the latter often found near log jams and current breaks, especially at night. Use nightcrawlers or stink baits for the best results[1].

For those looking to try their luck in the open water, the area downstream of Granite Falls Dam and around Renville County Parks offers great shore fishing opportunities. The lower 17 miles of the Minnesota River downstream of the Highway 169 bridge are also navigable by larger boats, but be cautious of barge traffic[1].

In terms of specific hot spots, consider fishing below Lac qui Parle Dam and below Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge Dam for some excellent channel catfish, freshwater drum, and walleye action. Another spot is the area around the Granite Falls Dam, where you can find a mix of species including walleye, sauger, and flathead catfish[1].

In summary, the Mississippi River around Minneapolis is a fisherman's paradise, offering a variety of species and fishing opportunities. With the right lures and baits, and an understanding of the current conditions, you're set for a great day on the water. Stay warm, and tight lines