Contacts
Info
"Mississippi River, Minneapolis Daily Fishing Report" brings you the latest news, tips, and insights for anglers on the iconic waterway. Stay updated with daily reports on fishing conditions, weather, and...
show more
"Mississippi River, Minneapolis Daily Fishing Report" brings you the latest news, tips, and insights for anglers on the iconic waterway. Stay updated with daily reports on fishing conditions, weather, and seasonal trends. Perfect for both novice and expert fishermen looking to make the most of their time on the Mississippi River, this podcast is your go-to source for everything fishing in Minneapolis. Tune in and reel in the big catch!
For more info go to https://www.quietperiodplease....
Get all your gear befoe you leave the dock https://amzn.to/3zF8GXk
show less
For more info go to https://www.quietperiodplease....
Get all your gear befoe you leave the dock https://amzn.to/3zF8GXk
Mississippi River Minneapolis Daily Fishing Report
Mississippi River Minneapolis Daily Fishing Report
QP - DailyEpisodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
20 APR 2025 · Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your April 20, 2025 fishing report for the Mississippi River around Minneapolis.
After recent rains, the river level has come up quite a bit, bringing a fair amount of debris downstream. The water temperature cooled off down to around 40 degrees last week but is steadily warming back toward 45 as we see more sunshine. With days getting longer, sunrise today was at 6:18 AM and sunset will be at 8:06 PM, giving you a good stretch of daylight to get after it.
Walleyes are spawning right now, especially with the river levels stabilizing and water warming. Most of the male walleyes are milting, which means they’re eager and likely to bite. There are plenty of fish holding tight to rocky-rubble bottoms and the slack water edges, typically where slow and fast currents meet. Focus on depths less than 12 feet, and don’t be surprised to find them even shallower, especially early or late in the day. With the spawn going hot and heavy, expect the action to stay good through this week, especially with the full moon coming soon, which tends to ramp up the night bite as well. Be extra cautious of floating logs or debris if you’re motoring upstream, as the high water can bring some nasty stuff just under the surface[1].
Recent catches in the area include good numbers of walleyes, many in the 20 to 24 inch range, with some reports of anglers landing up to 17 eyes in half a day of fishing, about half of them over 20 inches. There are also sauger and a few nice crappies moving in from downstream, so variety is on the menu[2][5].
Best baits right now are still plastics—try purple firecracker Moxie plastics or B-Fish-N Tackle B-3 blades for pitching and snap jigging, especially around current seams and riprap. For catfish, nightcrawlers, cut bait, or sucker minnows on a 1/0 octopus hook in the deeper holes and slower eddies are getting bit. Shore anglers are also having luck with nightcrawlers under a bobber for trout and channel cats in the right spots[1][4].
Your go-to hot spots include the Ford Dam tailwaters (also known as Lock and Dam No. 1), which are always reliable for walleyes and sauger right now, as well as below the Coon Rapids Dam. Both are holding fish where the current breaks and there’s some rocky structure. Don’t overlook the mouths of Minnehaha Creek and Bassett Creek for active fish in the slack water.
With stable river levels and rising temps, this week should see the bite pick up even more. Just be sure to dress for chilly mornings and keep a close eye on river debris.
Tight lines, be safe, and I hope to see you on the water!
Transcribed
19 APR 2025 · Artificial Lure here with your April 19, 2025, Mississippi River Minneapolis fishing report.
Sunrise this morning came right around 6:15 AM and sunset will settle down at about 8:05 PM. No tides to worry about this far up river, but water levels have been bouncing a bit from recent spring rains. Expect the river just above action stage, carrying a bit of current and color from runoff. Water temps this week started near 40 but are warming, trending toward upper 40s by midweek. That’s classic early walleye action territory.
Fish are moving in shallower, with walleye and sauger activity firing up as the sun gets high and waters warm through the day. The walleye spawn is wrapping up, so those males are hungry and cruising at rocky spots along the current breaks, typically in 4 to 12 feet of water. Recent reports show anglers catching steady numbers of male walleyes, plus an occasional big post-spawn female, particularly at shore spots below dams and around riprap edges between the Ford Dam and the confluence with the Minnesota River. Pool 2 and Pool 4 are both producing, with Pool 2 shore fishing especially solid right now.
Best lures for this bite are purple or firecracker paddle-tail plastics pitched on a jig, like a B-Fish-N Moxie, or snap jigging blades in the current seams. Nightcrawlers under a float are starting to nab bonus sauger and an odd channel cat in slower pockets. If fishing from shore, try a crawler under a bobber about 5-10 feet down, especially as evening falls. Crankbaits and shad raps are heating up for both walleye and smallmouth as the water clears up.
In terms of catch, anglers are mostly reporting numbers of eater-sized male walleyes between 15 and 20 inches, a few larger females, good mixed-bag sauger, and reports of active perch and pike in side channels and backwaters when targeting with small cranks or live bait.
For hot spots, hit the current breaks along the Minneapolis side below the Ford Dam, and the stretch near Hidden Falls Regional Park. Upriver, try the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park edges, especially near those old rock piles that break up the flow.
This weekend, bring your patience—high water can mean more debris in the river, so keep an eye out for logs. But with warming water and hungry spring fish, it’s a great time to get out. Good luck and tight lines!
Transcribed
18 APR 2025 · Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your sunrise update for the Mississippi River here in Minneapolis on Friday, April 18, 2025. It is shaping up to be another good day to get out on the water, so here is the latest scoop straight from the banks.
We kicked off the day with sunrise at 6:25 a.m. and can expect sunset around 8:04 p.m. Weather is mild for April—temps will creep from the low 40s into the 60s by afternoon, with a gentle south wind, partly cloudy skies, and no big storms on the radar. River levels are stable, thanks to a slow snowmelt and below-normal rains upstream; that means typical spring flows and good clarity in the pools and side channels for this time of year[6][9].
Fish activity is running high in these conditions. Walleye and sauger continue to headline the catch reports, especially near the dams and current seams. Shore fishing has been heating up since March and is staying strong now mid-April—anglers are pulling solid numbers from spots all the way from the Ford Dam down to the confluence. The momentum is carrying over from a strong March bite, with both eater-sized and larger walleyes showing up, plus nice perch mixed in for those working the slower, sandier stretches[1][2][5].
Smallmouth bass are starting to stir as the water warms, congregating around rocky stretches, wing dams, and eddies. The best lures for the day are bright chartreuse or gold blade spinnerbaits, soft plastics like tubes or craw imitations in green pumpkin, and 3–4 inch crankbaits with a stop-and-go retrieve. As always in the spring, a jig tipped with a fathead minnow or a leech is money for walleye and sauger. For perch, small jigs with a piece of worm or waxworm will do the trick[7][10].
Don’t overlook the catfish, either—cut bait or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom in deeper holes below the dams or at creek mouths can produce good channel cats, especially as the sun warms the water[4].
Hot spots this week include the area just below the Ford Dam for walleye and sauger, and the rock piles and wing dams within Pool 2 for an early smallmouth bite. The mouth of Minnehaha Creek and the deep runs near Hidden Falls Park are also turning up a mixed bag for shore casters[2][5][7].
Overall, the fish are active, the water is in great shape, and today’s mild weather should provide excellent conditions through the evening. Bring a good mix of jigs, plastics, and live bait, and don’t be surprised if you run into some heavy action. Tight lines, and see you on the river!
Transcribed
16 APR 2025 · Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The river’s still running high after recent spring rains and snowmelt, so flows are faster than usual. Water temps are warming up, pushing fish into shallower, slower spots, especially along shorelines and behind current breaks.
Weather for today is a cool start in the upper 30s at sunrise, which was at 6:28 a.m., warming up to the low 50s by afternoon with mostly cloudy skies and light winds. Sunset comes at 7:55 p.m. Expect a pretty stable barometer, but riverside conditions could get muddy if another round of rain passes through. No tides to worry about, but rising water has limited some bank access. Still, there’s good action if you pick your spots.
Walleye fishing is on fire right now. In recent days, local anglers have been catching strong numbers of walleyes and sauger, mostly in the 15 to 22-inch range, mainly below the dams and anywhere current breaks ease up. Live bait rigs with fathead minnows or nightcrawlers have performed best, but jigging with a ⅛ to ¼-ounce jig in chartreuse, white, or orange is pulling bites, too. Early morning and late evening are prime times as fish move up to feed[3][4].
Smallmouth bass are starting to turn on. Try soft plastics like tube jigs, Ned rigs, or small swimbaits bounced near riprap, wing dams, or rocky points. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits with a bit of flash are getting reaction strikes, especially when the water’s a little dingy[7][10]. If the river gets murky, upsize to something with more vibration and color, like a black and blue swim jig or a bladed jig. Pairing these with a craw trailer can make a big difference in stained water.
Catfish and perch are active, especially in deeper holes and off current seams. For catfish, cut bait or stink bait dropped below a slip sinker is the ticket. Perch are hitting on small minnows or worms under a float along slower shorelines.
A couple of hot spots right now: check out below Ford Dam (Lock and Dam No. 1) for walleyes and sauger, and the confluence with Minnehaha Creek. Pool 2, especially near the airport and up by Hidden Falls Regional Park, is another solid bet with both shore and boat access[4]. These areas are producing a good mix of species and have some protected current breaks.
As always, make sure you know the latest regulations and stay safe around those fast waters. Good luck out there—tight lines!
Transcribed
14 APR 2025 · Good morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for the Mississippi River near Minneapolis on Monday, April 14, 2025. Conditions are shaping up to offer a productive day on the water, so let’s dive in.
The weather today features clear skies with a daytime high of 52°F, making it a perfect spring day to wet a line. Sunrise was at 6:38 AM, and sunset will be at 7:55 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to chase your favorite species. Recent snowmelt and rains have caused the water level to rise slightly, adding some current but also improving fish activity in specific areas. Water temperatures hover around 42-44°F.
Fish activity has been picking up with the spring season. Walleyes are transitioning into post-spawn behaviors, making them a prime target. Smallmouth bass are also starting to become more active as water temperatures slowly rise. For catfish enthusiasts, the Mississippi remains a premier spot for channel and flathead catfish.
**What’s being caught:**
Walleyes and saugers have been biting well in pools 2 and 4. Anglers have reported catches of eater-sized walleyes along with some trophies. A few smallmouth bass are being caught near rocky structures. Catfish action is consistent, especially on channel cats, with some flatheads reported around deeper snags.
**Best baits and lures:**
- Walleyes: Use ⅜-ounce jigs tipped with minnows or plastics in purple, black, or chartreuse. Blade baits like SteelShads, as well as vibrating jigs, work great in current breaks and deeper runs.
- Smallmouth Bass: Try soft plastics like tubes in green pumpkin or crawfish patterns near rocky areas.
- Catfish: Nightcrawlers, cut bait, or chicken liver fished on heavy rigs in deep holes or areas where slack water meets current are producing results.
**Hot spots:**
1. **Pool 2 (near Hidden Falls):** Target current seams and deeper runs for walleye using jigs or live bait rigs.
2. **Lock and Dam No. 1 (Ford Dam):** Fish the eddies below the dam for catfish and saugers.
3. **Pool 4 near Lake Pepin:** A favorite spot for walleyes and saugers, especially trolling crankbaits along breaklines.
Please use caution as the river is still carrying some debris from the recent rise in water levels. Keep an eye out for logs and other hazards.
Tight lines to everyone heading out today—don't forget your camera for those brag-worthy catches! Stay safe out there and enjoy the spring bite.
Transcribed
12 APR 2025 · Today, April 12, 2025, fishing conditions on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis look promising for dedicated anglers, despite some challenges. Let’s dive into the details.
The weather for today expects mild temperatures with partly cloudy skies, providing favorable conditions for a day on the water. Sunrise was at 6:34 AM and sunset will be at 7:53 PM, giving plenty of daylight to make the most of the angling opportunities. Water levels remain slightly elevated due to recent snowmelt and rainfall upstream, but conditions are stabilizing, with temperatures hovering in the low-to-mid 40s. The phase of the full moon tonight may add a bit of excitement, as fish activity tends to increase during these times.
In recent days, anglers have reported success catching walleye, sauger, and bass in this stretch of the river. The walleye, in particular, are in their spawning phase and are stacking up near rocky areas with slower currents, typically in 4 to 12 feet of water. Male walleyes are active and eager to bite, while females are still preparing to spawn. Smallmouth bass are another highlight, preferring rocky structures and wing dams, where the current slows down, making these spots prime for targeting them.
For tackling these species, jigging techniques have been effective. Many anglers recommend jig heads tipped with soft plastics in colors like purple and blue or using spinnerbaits for their vibration and flash. For live bait enthusiasts, minnows and nightcrawlers continue to perform well. Snap jigging with blade baits or pitching soft plastics to eddies and shoreline structures has produced steady results.
Catfish are also worth noting, with channel catfish and flatheads being caught in deeper sections or near submerged logs. For catfish, using cut bait or live shad can yield great results.
The hotspots for today include Pool 2, particularly the areas around the Ford Dam and Hidden Falls, which are teeming with walleye and sauger. Another great location is Pool 3 near the confluence with the St. Croix River. Here, anglers can explore wing dams and backwater areas for a mix of species, including smallmouth bass. Be mindful of the water clarity and floating debris from recent weather changes when navigating these areas.
In summary, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis offers exciting opportunities for walleye, bass, and catfish today. Stick to rocky structures, eddies, and slack water near the currents, and use a mix of soft plastics, spinnerbaits, or live bait for the best chances of success. Tight lines!
Transcribed
11 APR 2025 · Today on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, conditions are shaping up nicely for spring fishing. Here’s the latest report as of April 11, 2025:
The weather today is cool and mostly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to low 50s. Winds are light, which offers good casting conditions. Sunrise was at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 7:51 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to fish comfortably.
The river level remains stable but slightly elevated due to upstream snowmelt, which has increased water flow and created some minor murkiness. This means fish are likely sheltering in slack water areas or along structure such as wing dams, eddies, and submerged vegetation.
Recent catches have been promising. Anglers are reporting good numbers of smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Smallmouth bass activity has been strong near rocky areas and wing dams, with fish ranging from 1 to 3 pounds. Walleye are showing up in deeper holes and current breaks, with catches between 16 to 22 inches. Northern pike are active along shallow grassy banks, with some larger fish exceeding 30 inches.
For lures, success has been noted with soft plastics like paddle tails or craw imitations in natural colors for smallmouth bass. Spinnerbaits and jerkbaits also remain top choices. For walleye, anglers are finding success with 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with minnows or plastics, particularly in chartreuse or purple colors. For northern pike, larger swim jigs or spoons in bright colors have been productive.
If you’re using live bait, minnows and nightcrawlers have been effective for walleye, while sucker minnows are recommended for targeting northern pike.
A couple of hot spots to try include the stretch near Lock and Dam No. 1 (Ford Dam) and the backwater areas near Minnehaha Creek. The rocky structures and eddies in these areas are ideal for bass and walleye, while the shallower, grassy sections closer to shore are great for northern pike.
Remember to stay safe and dress warmly, as river conditions can be unpredictable this time of year. Tight lines and good luck out there!
Transcribed
9 APR 2025 · April 9, 2025, brought a solid day for anglers on and around the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Here’s your daily fishing report from a local perspective.
The weather cooperated with milder temperatures reaching the low 60s. Morning and overnight brought light showers, but the afternoon brightened with intermittent sunshine and gentle southern winds at around 5-10 mph. The river level is on the rise, with water temperatures hovering near 44°F in most areas, though some backwaters with darker bottoms are touching 60°F. This temperature shift contributes to increasing fish activity as species like walleyes, perch, and pike enter their prime pre-spawning and spawning phases.
Sunrise today was at 6:36 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:51 p.m., offering an extended window for anglers to hit prime bite times around dawn and dusk. Early morning and evening proved especially productive.
Walleye and sauger are the stars of the show right now. Anglers are reporting good catches of these species in depths of 8 to 16 feet, particularly near rocky or gravelly areas. Female walleyes are beginning to soften, signaling that the spawn is imminent. Jigging with hair jigs, blade baits, or soft plastics like B-Fish-N Tackle Pulse-R paired with 3/16 or 5/16 jigheads has been effective. Purple color patterns are top performers.
Smallmouth bass are becoming active as well, with many moving to areas with consistent current and rocky structure, such as wing dams. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics are working well, particularly in areas with moderate flows. Focus on eddies and calmer waters where bass can conserve energy between feeding frenzies.
Catfish enthusiasts found success too, particularly with channel cats congregating in deeper holes of side channels. Fresh cut bait and nightcrawlers have been the go-to options. Flathead catfish were found near submerged logs and structures. Live bait, like bluegills or bullheads, worked well for those targeting these brutes.
Crappie activity is on the rise, though it’s not yet in full swing. Anglers targeting oxbow lakes and offshoots of the main channel had the most luck, especially in clearer waters for black crappie.
Two hot spots emerged today. First, Pool 2 near the Ford Dam saw solid action for walleyes and sauger. The structure near the dam provides ideal conditions for these species. Second, the backwaters near Hidden Falls Regional Park are heating up for both panfish and predator species like pike.
For bait and lures, consider using:
- **Walleyes**: Purple plastic swimbaits, blade baits, or live minnows.
- **Smallmouth bass**: Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics fished near rocky structures.
- **Catfish**: Fresh cut bait, nightcrawlers, or live bait.
- **Crappie**: Small jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics in vibrant colors for murkier water.
With the river rising and fish activity increasing, now is a prime time to head out. Tight lines and good luck!
Transcribed
4 APR 2025 · Fishing Report for Mississippi River, Minneapolis – April 4, 2025
The Mississippi River around Minneapolis is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities as spring takes hold. Today started with clear skies, light winds, and mild temperatures in the upper 40s, climbing into the mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:42 AM, and sunset is expected at 7:42 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to hit the water.
**Water and Fishing Conditions**
The river is running at a stable level, though slightly low, which is common this time of year. Water clarity has improved, making it easier to target fish in their pre-spawn movements. Walleye, sauger, and a few perch have been actively moving into the river from Lake Pepin, especially in Pools 2 and 4. These conditions are prime for anglers looking to test their skills.
**Fish Activity and Recent Catches**
The walleye bite has been steady, with anglers reporting catches ranging from smaller eating-sized fish to occasional trophies over 25 inches. Sauger action is similar, with good numbers being caught. Some crappies are also showing up in oxbow-like backwaters and slackwater areas. Catfish—mainly channel and flathead—have been slightly less active this early in the season but remain a solid target in deeper holes.
Recent local outings have yielded consistent success on Pool 4, particularly near Red Wing, with fish being caught along wing dams and current seams. Reports indicate that using live bait rigs with minnows has been highly effective, along with jig and plastic combos.
**Best Lures and Baits**
For walleye and sauger, a 3/8-ounce jig tipped with either a fathead minnow or plastic paddletail in chartreuse, white, or blue is hard to beat. If you’re targeting crappies, small tube jigs or curly tail grubs in bright colors like pink or white are performing well. For those trying their hand at catfish, fresh cut bait or live suckers are your best bets for a hook-up.
**Hot Spots**
Two excellent fishing locations to target today are:
1. *Red Wing (Pool 4)*: Focus on areas near the dam, as well as the backwaters and main channel breaks. Look for walleye and sauger along the edges of current seams.
2. *Hidden Falls Regional Park*: This spot near Minneapolis offers calmer water and is great for targeting a mix of species, including crappie, perch, and catfish.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend warrior, today promises a productive day on the water. Keep it simple, stay patient, and let the river deliver its rewards. Tight lines!
Transcribed
4 APR 2025 · Fishing Report for Mississippi River, Minneapolis - April 4, 2025
The Mississippi River around Minneapolis offers an exciting angling experience today, with promising conditions for both seasoned fishers and beginners. Here's the latest:
**Weather and River Conditions**
Today's sunrise was at 6:43 AM, with sunset expected at 7:45 PM. The weather is mild with clear skies, making for perfect fishing conditions. Temperatures are hovering around the mid-50s to low 60s, with light winds from the west. Water levels in the river are stable but relatively low compared to average, aligning with patterns from previous years. This has shifted some fish activity closer to deeper channels and structures such as submerged trees and rock piles.
**Fish Activity and Recent Catches**
Reports indicate strong activity from walleyes, sauger, and perch in particular. Schools of walleye and sauger have migrated upstream from Lake Pepin into the river, frequently found in Pools 3 and 4. Walleyes in the 18–22-inch range and healthy-sized saugers are being caught consistently. Some anglers have also reported catching perch along the edges of weed beds and deeper holes in the main channel.
**Best Baits and Lures**
1. Jigs tipped with live minnows or plastics: Chartreuse, purple, and natural colors are working wonders.
2. Blade baits: Effective in these pre-spawn conditions when used near current seams or drop-offs.
3. Crankbaits and vibrating jigs: Natural shad and blue-black combinations have been a hit for deeper runs.
For catfish, using live bait, such as nightcrawlers or cut bait, is highly effective, especially in deep pools with moderate current.
**Hot Spots**
1. **Lock and Dam No. 1 (Ford Dam)**: A prime location for walleyes and sauger, especially using vertical jigging techniques.
2. **Lake Pepin's Channel Edges**: Transition areas between Lake Pepin and the river have been active with perch and the occasional trophy-sized walleye.
3. **Hidden Falls Regional Park**: A great spot for shore anglers targeting channel catfish and smaller gamefish.
**Tips for Success**
Keep it simple. Focus on the current seams and areas with structure like wing dams, submerged logs, or rock piles. Fish are holding near these features due to low water levels and pre-spawn behavior. Using a slow and deliberate presentation will help entice bites.
Enjoy the day out on the water, and happy fishing!
"Mississippi River, Minneapolis Daily Fishing Report" brings you the latest news, tips, and insights for anglers on the iconic waterway. Stay updated with daily reports on fishing conditions, weather, and...
show more
"Mississippi River, Minneapolis Daily Fishing Report" brings you the latest news, tips, and insights for anglers on the iconic waterway. Stay updated with daily reports on fishing conditions, weather, and seasonal trends. Perfect for both novice and expert fishermen looking to make the most of their time on the Mississippi River, this podcast is your go-to source for everything fishing in Minneapolis. Tune in and reel in the big catch!
For more info go to https://www.quietperiodplease....
Get all your gear befoe you leave the dock https://amzn.to/3zF8GXk
show less
For more info go to https://www.quietperiodplease....
Get all your gear befoe you leave the dock https://amzn.to/3zF8GXk
Information
| Author | QP - Daily |
| Organization | William Corbin |
| Categories | Places & Travel , Daily News , Sports |
| Website | - |
| corboo@mac.com |
Copyright 2025 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
