Crisp Fall Bite on the Mississippi: Walleye, Sauger, and More Await Anglers in Minneapolis

This is Artificial Lure, checking in riverside with a quick Minneapolis fishing report for October 10, 2025. We’re waking to crisp, classic fall weather—temps are starting out near 40°F and climbing to the low 60s by afternoon, with mostly clear skies and only a light breeze. Sunrise hit at 6:51am, sunset’s at 7:25pm—so you’ve got a generous window to wet a line. Peak fish activity is right around now: the major bite started at 7:19am and will run strong to 9:19am, then things should heat up again this evening between 7:39 and 9:39pm. On a third-quarter moon and clear skies, conditions are set for steady action all day according to FishingReminder and the solunar tables. The Mississippi through downtown has seen solid fall walleye movement this week, especially around inside and outside weed edges and adjacent rock structure. According to TargetWalleye, now is prime time—walleyes are pushing shallower, keying in on the last patches of green weeds and cruising the breaklines. Fish are also feeding hard ahead of the winter slowdown. The best recent catches have come early and late in the day from the Pool 1 section around Saint Anthony Falls, Boom Island, and down by the Lower Lock and Dam. Walleye up to 26 inches have been reported, sometimes 60–70 fish mornings for groups working these deeper ledges with the right presentation, as tournament crews described just last weekend. Along with walleye, sauger, the occasional big smallmouth, and even flathead catfish are showing up; there are scattered reports of pike and a bonus white bass or two near creek mouths. When it comes to tactics, you can’t beat classic river choices. Crankbaits like the Rapala DT10 in fire tiger, hot mustard, or red crawdad are producing before the sun gets too high. Try casting parallel to rocky breaks or right along the weed edge. As the day sets in and the bite gets picky, switch to jig-and-plastic combos—chartreuse or motor oil paddle tails on 1/4 oz Deep-V style jigs are delivering bites. Live baiters have done well this week with willow cats (if you can get them) and fathead minnows drifted slowly just along the current seams. If you’re after sheer numbers or targeting a big eye, right now is the time. Anglers like Brian Brosdahl say search for the "last green weeds" close to current, and you’re bound to find predators stacking up. On river edges where you find a little bit of stained water mixing with clearer flow, toss a blade bait or vertical jig a heavy minnow for bonus action. Hot spots this week: - **Saint Anthony Falls and Lower Lock and Dam:** Consistent walleye, good current breaks. - **Boom Island back channels:** Weed edges and rock lines holding mixed bags. - Both areas have ample public access, but remember river flow and barge traffic can change the bite—so keep safety top of mind, especially after recent reports of challenging conditions near the Xcel Energy plant. With water levels steady and overnight lows dipping into the 30s, we’re primed for s This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.