As of October 24, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking fantastic, especially with the fall season in full swing. First, it's important to note that the Mississippi River is a non-tidal river, so water levels are influenced by rainfall and human management rather than tides. Currently, the water levels are slightly above normal but stabilizing, which is ideal for fishing.

The weather today is partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 6:15 PM, giving anglers a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

Yesterday saw strong fish activity, particularly for walleyes and saugers. Anglers reported catching walleyes and saugers, with some walleyes reaching up to 28 inches and saugers up to 23 inches in length. The cooling water temperatures, currently ranging from 46 to 47 degrees, are invigorating the fish and making them quite active.

For the best results, focus on areas with less bait, as the fish tend to be more aggressive in these spots. Hot spots include the areas around Lake Pepin and the river sections near Wabasha and Red Wing. The backwater areas and main river sections with wood, weedlines, and wing dams are particularly productive.

When it comes to lures and bait, walleyes and saugers are biting well on jigging with live or frozen minnows, pulling spinners, and trolling crankbaits. Using these methods in depths ranging from 2 to 16 feet has been highly effective.

If you're looking for specific locations, consider the areas around Lake Pepin and the river sections near Wabasha and Red Wing. These spots offer a mix of backwater areas and main river sections that are rich in structure, making them ideal for catching a variety of fish species.

Overall, the fall fishing on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is shaping up to be excellent, with plenty of opportunities to catch quality walleyes, saugers, and other species. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and take advantage of these ideal fishing conditions.