Mississippi River Minneapolis Fishing Report Today

As of January 2, 2025, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite unique given the winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

### Weather and Conditions

The weather is cold, with temperatures in the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. Ice cover is significant, but there are still some open areas, particularly around the dams and areas with strong current.

### Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset is expected at about 4:45 PM.

### Fish Activity

Despite the cold, winter walleye, sauger, and panfish are active. Anglers have been reporting decent catches of walleye and sauger, especially in the deeper holes and near structure.

### Catches

Yesterday, anglers reported catching several walleyes in the 18-22 inch range, along with some saugers up to 4 pounds. Panfish, including crappies and sunfish, were also plentiful.

### Best Lures and Bait

For walleye and sauger, using live bait such as minnows, chubs, or willow cats on a jig or 3-way rig is highly effective. Trolling or casting these rigs in the upper channels, especially around areas like Katrina’s Cut on Lake Pepin (a bit downstream but relevant for similar fish behavior), can yield good results. For panfish, small jigs tipped with waxworms or tiny minnows work well.

### Hot Spots

- **Ford Dam**: This area is known for its strong current, which keeps the water open and attracts fish.

- **Lock and Dam No. 1**: The structure here creates a habitat for walleye and sauger, making it a prime spot for winter fishing.

### Additional Tips

Be cautious of ice conditions, as they can change quickly. Always check the ice thickness before venturing out, and consider using a portable ice shelter to stay warm. The Mississippi River in Minneapolis offers excellent winter fishing opportunities, but safety should always be the top priority.

Stay warm and tight lines

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

For anglers heading out to the Mississippi River in Minneapolis today, December 29, 2024, here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

First off, there’s no need to worry about tides here, as the Mississippi River is a freshwater river and does not experience significant tidal changes this far upstream.

The weather is typical for this time of year, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit. 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.

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. These species are active in the colder water, with water temperatures around 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

For effective fishing, vertical jigging, dragging jigs, and using Dubuque rigs have been highly effective. The northern parts of Pool 4 and around Lake Pepin are hot spots, especially with the low current flow, so using side imaging to locate schools of fish is crucial.

Given the stable river levels after the summer flooding, the fish population has remained healthy. Look for areas with structural elements like drop-offs and weed beds, as these tend to hold more fish.

In summary, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is offering some great winter fishing opportunities. Bundle up, head out early, and be prepared to use the right lures and techniques to catch those walleyes and saugers. Happy fishing

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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