Early Spring Walleye Bite Heats Up on the Mississippi - March 2026

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for all things fishin' on the mighty Mississippi right here in Minneapolis. It's early mornin' on March 13, 2026, and the river's callin'—prime time's heatin' up on these Minnesota waters, just like Outdoor News been sayin' since March 9. Weather's holdin' steady with that late winter chill from the National Weather Service's Duluth outlook—frozen ground, moderate frost 'round 9 inches, and snowpack water near normal on the Upper Mississippi, keepin' flood risk low. No tides on this big river, but flows are normal to below, with ice still coverin' most spots—watch for jams as thaw hits. Sunrise at 6:20 AM, sunset 6:15 PM, givin' ya solid daylight for jiggin'. Fish activity's rampin'—walleyes migratin' big time for feedin' and spawnin', per Outdoor News. Locals report solid catches of walleye, sauger, and early crappies through the ice; perch and northerns bitin' good too. Numbers are up from last week—dozens per angler on good days. Best lures? Jiggin' spoons and minnow-imitatin' soft plastics in glow colors for walleyes under ice or early open water. Switch to crankbaits like Rapalas in firetiger once it breaks. Live bait kings it—fathead minnows or shiners on tip-ups for pike and walleye; waxies for crappies. Hit these hot spots: Boom Island Park for easy access and current breaks holdin' walleyes; or the Lock and Dam #1 tailrace where sauger stack up. Stay safe on the ice! Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.