Chilly Fishing on the Mississippi: Tips for Winter Anglers Near Minneapolis

As of January 23, 2025, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite promising, despite the cold winter conditions. ### Weather and Water Conditions The weather is expected to be chilly, with highs just above freezing. This time of year, the water levels and flow on the Mississippi River are typically a bit above normal due to the winter snowmelt and rainfall from previous months, although the current is generally cold and clear[4,. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:55 PM, giving anglers a decent window to get out on the water. ### Fish Activity During this time, fish activity is slower due to the cold water, but species like walleye, sauger, and crappies are still active. Anglers reported catching these species yesterday, particularly in areas with some current and structure. ### Types of Fish and Catch Amounts Yesterday, anglers caught a mix of walleyes, saugers, and crappies. The catch was moderate, with some anglers reporting several fish per trip. The cold water means the fish are more sluggish, but they can still be enticed with the right lures and bait. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes and saugers, using jigs tipped with minnows or fatheads is highly effective. Crappies can be caught using small jigs or tiny spoons with a slow presentation. Live bait such as minnows and crickets can also work well for these species. ### Hot Spots Two hot spots to consider are the areas around Lock and Dam No. 1, where the current creates a favorable environment for walleyes and saugers. Another spot is near the Ford Dam, where the structure and current confluence attract a variety of fish species. Overall, it's a good time to bundle up and hit the Mississippi River for some winter fishing. Be cautious of the cold and ice conditions, and make sure to follow all local fishing regulations. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.