Fishing the Mississippi in Winter: Walleyes, Saugers, and Panfish Thriving

As of December 26, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite unique given the current conditions. ### Weather and Water Conditions The weather is cold, with temperatures in the teens, which is typical for this time of year. The recent flooding in the summer has subsided, but the water levels are still higher than usual due to the heavy rainfall earlier in the year[2]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:53 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:34 PM. ### Fish Activity Despite the cold weather, the fish are still active. The Walleye and Sauger bite remains strong, especially in the northern parts of Pool 4 and around Lake Pepin. These fish are scattered throughout the channel due to the low current flow, so using side imaging to locate schools is crucial[1]. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Yesterday saw a good number of Walleyes and Saugers caught, with most fish ranging from 15 to 21 inches. Panfish such as Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch are also active, particularly in the backwater lakes and sloughs[1][3]. ### Best Lures and Bait For Walleyes and Saugers, vertical jigging with Berkley plastics like curly bones, bonefish, and ribworms has been highly effective. Colors such as white ice, greens, and purples are working well depending on the cloud cover. For panfish, small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow are recommended[1]. ### Hot Spots - The upper part of Lake Pepin and the northern section of Pool 4 are hot spots for Walleyes and Saugers. - The area around the dam in Pool 5 is good for Perch and scattered Walleyes. - Backwater lakes and sloughs in Pool 2, such as those near the Ford Dam to Hastings Dam, are excellent for a variety of fish species including Walleyes, Saugers, and panfish[1][5]. Overall, it's a great time to get out on the Mississippi River, despite the cold, as the fish are hungry and active. Just make sure to bundle up and use the right gear to locate and catch them. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.