Fall Fishing Forecast: Promising Catches on the Mississippi River Near Minneapolis

As of October 18, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, especially with the fall season in full swing. ### Weather and Tidal Report The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at 6:07 PM. Since the Mississippi River is not a tidal river, water levels are more influenced by rainfall and dam operations. However, it's always a good idea to check the current water levels using the DNR's Cooperative Stream Gaging before heading out. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity. Anglers reported catching a variety of species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike. The cooler water temperatures have increased the activity of these fish, making them more active and hungry. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught Walleyes were a highlight, with several anglers reporting catches in the 18- to 22-inch range. Smallmouth bass were also plentiful, particularly around rocky structures and weed beds. Channel catfish were caught in good numbers, especially near the river's backwaters and connected lakes. Northern pike were active, with larger ones setting up on major points and shallow rocky flats. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes, trolling crankbaits and using spinner rigs tipped with minnows have been effective. Anglers have also had success with jig/twister combinations and the classic crappie minnow and bobber setup, especially around sunken islands and weed beds. For smallmouth bass, small paddle tails and soft plastic minnow baits are working well. Channel catfish are biting on nightcrawlers and stink baits, while northern pike are being caught using large suckers and large soft plastic minnow baits. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots to try your luck is Pool 2 of the Mississippi River, which spans from the Ford Dam to the Hastings Dam. This area offers excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike. Another hot spot is the stretch of the Mississippi River above the Sartell Dam, where you can find good populations of walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. However, be cautious of shallower water upstream of the Rice Bridge. Overall, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is providing some excellent fall fishing opportunities. Make sure to dress warmly and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while you're out on the water. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.