Mississippi River Minneapolis Fishing Report Today

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River Minneapolis fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

We’re starting off this morning with a sunrise at 5:26 AM, and you’ve got daylight stretching all the way to sunset at 8:51 PM—plenty of time to get on the water and chase the bite. Weather’s looking cooperative, with temps in the mid-70s and light breezes making for a comfortable day to be out along the river. Water levels are holding steady after last year’s swings, but keep an eye out for exposed structure in shallow stretches.

Fish activity has been picking up big time all month. Pool 2, running from the Ford Dam down to Hastings Dam, is the go-to zone right now. Walleye and sauger are absolutely stacked along the drop-offs—catch-and-release only, but it’s consistent action, especially during those low-light periods at dawn and dusk, as reported by Outdoor News on June 18. If you’re after walleye, a jig paired with a minnow or half a crawler is still king, but don’t overlook trolling a shad-pattern crankbait through the deeper runs for bigger fish.

White bass are busting bait in the main channel and slack-water eddies, hitting hard on small spinners, swimbaits, and even simple twister tails. Catfish anglers are putting up solid numbers of both channels and flatheads. Channel cats are favoring deeper holes with a slow current—nightcrawlers and cut sucker have been the ticket. Flatheads are lurking around downed timber and heavy structure, and nothing beats a lively bullhead or green sunfish for bait.

Bass action is stellar right now, especially smallmouth. Work rocky shorelines, bridge pilings, and current seams with tubes and crayfish-pattern jigs. You’ll find plenty of eaters and some real slabs.

Folks up near the St. Cloud metro are reporting great mixed-species days from shore—anything from smallmouth and walleye to crappie and rock bass, according to the DNR. If you’re limited to bank fishing, target the eddies and pool edges where the current slows down. Nightcrawler under a slip bobber will catch nearly anything swimming.

Hot spots today include Hidden Falls Regional Park for easy city access and reliable walleye and catfish, and below the Coon Rapids Dam where the deep water and current breaks attract a mix of species all day long. Early risers along Boom Island are finding good numbers of bass and the odd northern pike.

Remember, muskie season is open, though they’re not thick in Minneapolis proper—the occasional follow’s possible near deeper pools and current seams if you toss a big bucktail or glide bait.

Tide fluctuations aren’t a factor on this stretch, but river current and water clarity are—if we catch rain, expect fish to slide closer to shore and into the side channels.

Thanks for tuning in to the local scoop right here on the Mississippi. If you want more tips, be sure to subscribe, and don’t miss tomorrow’s report.

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Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River Minneapolis fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

We’re starting off this morning with a sunrise at 5:26 AM, and you’ve got daylight stretching all the way to sunset at 8:51 PM—plenty of time to get on the water and chase the bite. Weather’s looking cooperative, with temps in the mid-70s and light breezes making for a comfortable day to be out along the river. Water levels are holding steady after last year’s swings, but keep an eye out for exposed structure in shallow stretches.

Fish activity has been picking up big time all month. Pool 2, running from the Ford Dam down to Hastings Dam, is the go-to zone right now. Walleye and sauger are absolutely stacked along the drop-offs—catch-and-release only, but it’s consistent action, especially during those low-light periods at dawn and dusk, as reported by Outdoor News on June 18. If you’re after walleye, a jig paired with a minnow or half a crawler is still king, but don’t overlook trolling a shad-pattern crankbait through the deeper runs for bigger fish.

White bass are busting bait in the main channel and slack-water eddies, hitting hard on small spinners, swimbaits, and even simple twister tails. Catfish anglers are putting up solid numbers of both channels and flatheads. Channel cats are favoring deeper holes with a slow current—nightcrawlers and cut sucker have been the ticket. Flatheads are lurking around downed timber and heavy structure, and nothing beats a lively bullhead or green sunfish for bait.

Bass action is stellar right now, especially smallmouth. Work rocky shorelines, bridge pilings, and current seams with tubes and crayfish-pattern jigs. You’ll find plenty of eaters and some real slabs.

Folks up near the St. Cloud metro are reporting great mixed-species days from shore—anything from smallmouth and walleye to crappie and rock bass, according to the DNR. If you’re limited to bank fishing, target the eddies and pool edges where the current slows down. Nightcrawler under a slip bobber will catch nearly anything swimming.

Hot spots today include Hidden Falls Regional Park for easy city access and reliable walleye and catfish, and below the Coon Rapids Dam where the deep water and current breaks attract a mix of species all day long. Early risers along Boom Island are finding good numbers of bass and the odd northern pike.

Remember, muskie season is open, though they’re not thick in Minneapolis proper—the occasional follow’s possible near deeper pools and current seams if you toss a big bucktail or glide bait.

Tide fluctuations aren’t a factor on this stretch, but river current and water clarity are—if we catch rain, expect fish to slide closer to shore and into the side channels.

Thanks for tuning in to the local scoop right here on the Mississippi. If you want more tips, be sure to subscribe, and don’t miss tomorrow’s report.

This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here with your fresh Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Friday, June 20, 2025.

Sunrise lit up the water at 5:26 AM this morning and sunset is coming up at 8:51 PM, with a mellow mid-70s temp and a gentle breeze—ideal for all-day action. The river’s levels are moderate right now after last year’s wild fluctuations. Still, look out for submerged snags, especially in shallow runs and backwaters—those low water spots can creep up on you.

Fish are definitely active! According to recent Outdoor News and week-of reports, walleye and sauger have been hot all June, especially during those low-light morning and evening hours. Pool 2—from the Ford Dam down to Hastings—is producing consistent catch-and-release numbers, especially along those 14-foot mid-channel drops and close to shoreline breaks. If you want a shot at the bigger ‘eyes, hit the drop-offs with a jig and minnow setup or troll crankbaits along the edges; both have been yielding good numbers.

White bass are schooling up hard and smashing just about anything shiny you run through the faster water. Meanwhile, channel catfish are thick in the deeper holes with softer current and especially in side channels. For the whiskered monsters—flatheads—anchor up near sunken timber and run live baits like sucker minnows or bullheads. Channel cats are slamming cut bait, chicken liver, and stink baits, while blues are chowing nightcrawlers right in the main flow, according to Mississippi River fishing guides on FishingBooker.

If you’re a bass chaser, largemouth and smallmouth are both feeding tight along rocky points and current seams. Plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are working, especially if you match the forage—minnow- and craw-patterns are local favorites.

Crappie and sunfish are steady in the backwaters and sloughs. Try small jigs or crappie minnows around brush piles and shaded wood. Pike and the occasional muskie are being reported in the shallows, so if you’ve got heavy gear, throw some big flashy spoons or buzzbaits.

Hot spots right now:

- Hidden Falls Park stretch—spring-fed, rocky sections and deep holes just off the channel are holding good numbers of mixed species.

- The confluence of Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi is always worth a few casts, especially for smallmouth, walleye, and the odd gar.

No tidal swings in our stretch, just river flow, but fish are sure feeding strong in the early and late hours. For bait, bring nightcrawlers, live minnows, and some trusty soft plastics in natural colors. Don’t rule out a classic jig-and-twister—simple still takes the prize more often than not.

That’s your boots-on-the-bank report for Minneapolis and the mighty ’Sippi. Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to subscribe for daily updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Mississippi River Minneapolis Fishing Report – June 18, 2025

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your fresh Mississippi River report right out of Minneapolis.

Weather this morning is setting up for a classic June bite: we’re looking at partly cloudy skies, temps climbing to the low 80s, and a mild south breeze. Humidity is sticking around, so pack layered clothing and plenty of water. Sunrise hit at 5:26 AM, and sunset will stretch out to 9:02 PM, giving us a solid window for morning and evening action.

No tides to worry about in the Mississippi this far upriver, but the river’s got decent flow and water clarity is fair. The stable weather over the past few days has fish in a typical early summer pattern — active in the morning and evening, with a midday lull.

Recent catches have been all over the board. According to the Minnesota DNR’s Central Region Outlook, Pool 2 (from Ford Dam down to Hastings) is a year-round hotspot, offering catch-and-release fishing for walleye, sauger, both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Local anglers this week have been finding steady walleye (plenty under 18 inches), chunky smallmouth, and a decent mix of channel catfish and flathead catfish. There’s also reports of some surprise pike and largemouth showing up along the weedlines and backwaters, especially early and late in the day.

Best baits this week? A lot of folks are dragging jigs tipped with fathead minnows or plastics in 6 to 10 feet of water, especially near current seams and riprap. Crankbaits are also putting up numbers for walleye and smallies — shad patterns and natural craw colors are working best. For catfish, it’s tough to beat cut bait or stink bait fished on the bottom; reports have come in of some real brutes caught after dark.

If you’re chasing panfish, crappies and bluegills are still hanging near brush piles and fallen trees — small jigs with a minnow or waxie will do the trick.

Hot spots you’ll want to check include:

- The stretch below the Ford Dam (Lock and Dam No. 1), which always produces a mixed bag and some underrated shore action, especially for bass and walleyes.

- The mouth of Minnehaha Creek, where moving water draws in catfish, pike, and the occasional trophy bass.

- Downtown’s Boom Island Park for easy access and a shot at everything from crappie to catfish.

Remember, Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for gamefish like walleye, sauger, and bass, so bring a camera — not a stringer.

That’s the river update for June 18th. Thanks for tuning in to your local angling report with Artificial Lure. Don’t forget to subscribe for your daily fix of river intelligence. This has been a Quiet Please production — for more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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Hey, river rats! This is Artificial Lure bringing you the latest from the banks of the Mississippi right here in Minneapolis. If you woke up thinking about fishing, you picked a perfect day to wet a line.

It’s early June and the river is back to its regular, moderate flows after last year’s flooding. We’ve got abnormally dry conditions across central Minnesota, so keep an eye out for shallow water and the odd snag—launch your boat with care. We kicked off sunrise at 5:28 AM this morning, and you’ve got daylight all the way until sunset at 8:49 PM. The weather’s prime: think pleasant temps, little wind, and just enough cloud cover to keep the bite on.

Pool 2, stretching from Ford Dam down to Hastings, is the local hotbed right now. This stretch is open for catch-and-release walleye and sauger action year-round, and I’ve been hearing from anglers that the bite is absolutely on fire. Fish are holding in that 14-foot mark, right off the drop-offs; both shore and boat anglers are catching solid numbers. White bass are in high spirits, schooling up and smashing small crankbaits and blade baits. If cats are your game, you’re in luck—both channel and flathead catfish are prowling, with cut bait and live suckers doing most of the damage. And hey, don’t forget, muskie season opens tomorrow—so rig up those big swimbaits and bucktails, and be ready for some June teeth.

For lures, bring an arsenal. Jigging Raps and paddle-tail plastics in chartreuse or firetiger have been top producers for walleye and sauger. Catfish fans: circle hooks and cut shad or live bullheads have been hot, especially in the slower, deeper eddies. Those after white bass can’t go wrong with a white twister or small silver spoon.

Recent catches in the area report plenty of eater-size walleye (mostly 15 to 18 inches), a mix of sauger, and enough channel cats in the 5–10 pound range to keep arms sore. A few flatheads over 20 pounds have been logged near the confluence with Minnehaha Creek, and white bass runs are at their peak near the mouth of Minnehaha and below the Ford Dam.

Hotspots? Start your day at the Ford Dam tailwaters—great structure, current seams, and always active fish. If you want less boat traffic, try the backwaters and side channels around Hidden Falls or above the Lake Street bridge. Plenty of fish, less hustle, and some surprise pike or largemouth, too.

That’s your Mississippi River report for today, June 6th, 2025. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more river wisdom!

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

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, river rats! Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday morning fishing report for June 4th, 2025.

It's another beauty out on the Mississippi around Minneapolis today! Temperature's climbing into the mid-70s with just a light breeze – perfect conditions for a day on the water.

Sunrise was at 5:26 AM this morning, and we're looking at sunset around 8:51 PM, giving you anglers plenty of daylight to work with. Water levels remain moderate after recovering from last year's flooding, but those abnormally dry conditions we've been seeing across central Minnesota mean you should still watch for those navigational hazards, especially in the shallower areas.

Pool 2 of the Mississippi (that's Ford Dam to Hastings Dam) continues to be absolutely on fire! Walleye and sauger are still providing excellent catch-and-release action. Remember, the middle of the open water runs about 14 feet deep with nice drop-offs on either shoreline – that's where you'll find the bigger ones.

White bass have been hitting hard all week, and both channel and flathead catfish are very active right now. For you catfish hunters, Channel Cats are hanging in the deeper sections with slower current, especially in the side channels. Try nightcrawlers for those Blues in the main channel current. If you're targeting Flatheads, stick with live bait around sunken logs and underwater structures.

For those looking for something different, mark your calendars – muskellunge season officially opens this Saturday, June 7th! Get those big lures ready.

Hot spots this week? I'm hearing great reports from the Snake River system, particularly Cross and Pokegama lakes, where anglers are pulling in not just walleye and pike, but some impressive crappies and sunfish too. Channel cats and white bass are also showing up in good numbers there.

For you downtown anglers, that stretch below the Ford Dam has been producing consistently. The fishing season here is open year-round, so it's a reliable bet when you've only got a few hours to spare.

Remember folks, with the water warming up, those fish are getting more active. Early mornings and late evenings are your prime time. Keep your lines tight and your stories tighter!

This has been Artificial Lure with your Mississippi River fishing report. Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe for more updates from the water. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

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.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence 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.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence 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.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence 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.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.