Fishing Report: Late Summer Bite on the Mississippi in Minneapolis

This is Artificial Lure with your Friday fishing report for the mighty Mississippi around Minneapolis. It’s September 19th, and fall’s flirting with us, but this week's weather keeps holding onto summer—a string of warm days, hovering in the low 70s, cool nights in the low 50s, just brightening those river colors. According to CBS Minnesota, more rain’s headed our way through the weekend, and after the spotty storms yesterday, everyone’s watching those river levels carefully. In fact, water’s running high—so use caution with launching and currents, especially near flooded banks. Sunrise hit at 6:56 a.m., with sunset coming at 7:17 p.m. today. According to Solunar Forecast, your best major fishing time runs midday, from 12:43 to 2:43 p.m. Expect a minor flurry just after dawn, 6:06 to 7:06 a.m., and again just after dusk. With the recent up-and-downs in the barometer and water levels, fish are feeding in quick spells, then hunkering down until pressure stabilizes. The Outdoor News metro report from this week says it’s been a good multi-species bite, though warmer waters have fish a touch sluggish at times. Walleye and smallmouth bass have been the main draw in the Twin Cities stretch. Evening anglers caught several walleyes in deeper troughs in Pool 2, and the pools above and below the city are giving up some hefty smallies—one angler reported landing a chunky 19-incher near the Franklin Avenue Bridge. Numbers-wise, expect mostly eater-size walleye—14 to 18 inches—but don’t be surprised if you hook into a bruiser, especially after sundown. Channel catfish have remained active, with multiple folks reporting double-digit catches on cut sucker around Lilydale, and Pool 2 regulars are quietly bagging some crappie near snags and backwaters. If you’re chasing pike, troll slowly along weed breaks and current seams with large spinnerbaits—there are reports of respectable northerns up to 32 inches pulled from the Camden Bridge area. Muskie are still rare this far upriver, but as Tim Lesmeister mentioned in Outdoor News, don’t pass up a big bucktail or oversized soft plastic in shadowy spots right before dark—you might get a shock. Top baits right now include firetiger-colored crankbaits for walleye and smallies, and black/blue jig-and-craw combos fished slow on the bottom with the current. Live bait’s hard to beat: a fathead or nightcrawler under a slip float is a classic for river walleye and panfish, especially after a rain when water gets stained. For catfish, nothing beats fresh cut bait. If you’re looking for hotspots, check beneath the Ford Dam—there’s a deep pocket there walleye stack up in, especially late afternoon into dusk. Another productive stretch is below the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, especially for smallmouth and the occasional pike. Backwaters near Boom Island and the mouth of Minnehaha Creek are also producing nice panfish in early evenings. Remember, water’s running high and can be unpredictable—wear those life jackets and keep one This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.