Chilly Mississippi Fishing: Smallmouth, Walleye & Catfish Bite in Minneapolis Area

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Mississippi River near Minneapolis as of February 10, 2025. First off, let's talk about the weather. Given the time of year, it's no surprise that it's quite chilly, with temperatures hovering around the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. While this might not be the most comfortable fishing weather, it can actually be quite favorable for certain species. Sunrise today is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:30 PM, giving us a decent window to get out on the water. However, the recent flooding in the area, as reported just last summer, has left its mark, and water levels are still a bit higher than usual[2]. Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The Mississippi River is known for its robust populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. According to recent electrofishing data, smallmouth bass are quite abundant in this stretch of the river. For instance, at the Otsego station, catch rates for smallmouth bass were as high as 109.7 fish per hour, with average lengths around 9.2 inches and a maximum length of 20 inches[1]. Given the cold weather, the fish are likely to be a bit sluggish, but they can still be coaxed into biting with the right lures. For smallmouth bass, I recommend using jigs and soft plastics. A sexy shad-colored ½-ounce vibrating jig or a 3/8-ounce black and blue swim jig with a craw trailer can be very effective, as seen in past tournaments on this river[3]. For walleye, which are less active in cold water, try using jigs tipped with minnows or leeches in deeper areas, typically between 10 to 16 feet of water. Walleye fishing has been improving in recent weeks, and these depths have been producing quality catches[4]. Channel catfish are also present and can be caught using nightcrawlers or stink baits. Look for areas with structure like rocks, weed beds, or sunken logs. As for hot spots, I highly recommend the Otsego and Elk River areas. The Otsego station has shown exceptional smallmouth bass activity, and the Elk River upstream section has produced impressive numbers of smallmouth bass as well, with catch rates of up to 140 fish per hour[1]. Another good spot is near the Xcel plant, where smallmouth bass and channel catfish are plentiful. Just be aware of any current restrictions due to flooding and lock closures[2]. In summary, while the weather is cold, the fishing can still be excellent. Use the right lures, target the right spots, and you'll be hauling in some great catches from the Mississippi River near Minneapolis. Stay warm and tight lines This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.