Chilly Minnesota Fishing: Reeling in Walleye, Sauger, and Panfish on the Icy Mississippi

As of January 24, 2025, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is looking promising despite the chilly winter conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the ice. ### Water Conditions The water levels at the Lower St. Anthony Falls are stable, with a pool elevation of 720.00 feet and a tailwater elevation of 725.14 feet. The flow-out is at 3240 cubic feet per second, and there has been no significant precipitation in the last 24 hours[1]. ### Weather The weather is cold, typical for late January, with temperatures expected to be around the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. No significant precipitation is forecasted for today[1]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at approximately 7:53 AM, and sunset will be around 4:43 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the ice[1]. ### Fish Activity Winter fishing on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is known for its walleye, sauger, and panfish activity. Anglers have been reporting decent catches of these species, especially in areas with structural elements like drop-offs and near submerged logs. The fish are generally more active during the late morning and early afternoon[1]. ### Catches Yesterday, anglers reported catching several walleyes in the 15-20 inch range, along with some saugers and panfish like crappies and sunfish. These catches were primarily from areas with good structural cover[1]. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes and saugers, using jigs tipped with minnows or fatheads is highly effective. Panfish can be caught using small jigs with waxworms or tiny spoons. The key is to present your bait slowly and near the bottom where these species tend to congregate[3]. ### Hot Spots Two hot spots to consider are the areas around the Lower St. Anthony Falls and the stretch near Lake Pepin. These areas offer good structural elements and have been producing consistent catches. Look for drop-offs, submerged logs, and any other underwater features that could attract fish[1][3]. Overall, the conditions are favorable for a productive day of ice fishing on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Dress warmly, be patient, and focus on those structural elements to increase your chances of landing some nice fish. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.