Fall Fishing on the Mississippi: Walleyes, Saugers, and More Await Anglers Near Minneapolis

As of November 7, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, despite the cooler weather. ### Weather and Tidal Report The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 34°F. There is no significant tidal activity on the Mississippi River, as it is a freshwater system. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise was at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM, giving anglers a decent window to get out on the water. ### Fish Activity The fish activity has been strong, especially as the water temperatures continue to drop. Walleyes and saugers are the main targets this time of year, and they have been active in various sections of the river. According to recent reports, the walleye and sauger bite continues to stay strong as the water temps start to drop. ### Fish Caught Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of eater-sized walleyes and saugers, along with some larger trophy fish. Other species such as crappies, smallmouth bass, and jumbo perch have also been caught in good numbers. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes and saugers, vertical jigging with ¼ ounce live bait jigs tipped with small fathead minnows or emerald shiners has been effective. Using subtle, hop-drop-hop-drop presentations on mid-lake structures has yielded better results than aggressive snap jigging. Crankbaits, especially on leadcore or longline trolling, have also been successful. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler have been working well. ### Hot Spots Some of the best spots to fish include the areas around wing dams, rock shorelines, and wood structures. The river sections near pool 4, particularly around the tributary mouths and rocky habitats, have been producing good catches. Another hot spot is the area below the Granite Falls Dam, where channel catfish, freshwater drum, and walleyes are often found. Overall, it's a great time to get out on the Mississippi River, with plenty of fish to be caught and comfortable fall weather to enjoy. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cooler temperatures. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.