Fishing the Mississippi River Near Minneapolis: Spring Opportunities and Tips

Fishing Report for the Mississippi River Around Minneapolis - April 2, 2025 As spring takes hold, fishing conditions along the Mississippi River near Minneapolis are improving, with open water now accessible for anglers. Today’s sunrise was at 6:45 AM, while sunset will be at 7:35 PM, giving a good window for fishing activity during daylight hours. The weather forecast predicts a mild day with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s, light winds, and partly cloudy skies, creating favorable conditions for casting your line. **Fish Activity and Recent Catches** The river is in its pre-spawn phase for several species, meaning fish activity is ramping up. Recent reports indicate good catches of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleyes, and catfish in Pool 2 and surrounding stretches. Bass anglers are having success with both smallmouth and largemouth, primarily around submerged structures, eddies, and areas with slower current. Walleye catches have been notable, especially in deeper pools and channel edges using jigging techniques. Catfish, including channel and flathead varieties, have been caught near sunken logs and deeper river sections. Hot spots to check out include the Lilydale Regional Park area in Pool 2, where anglers have reported consistent bass catches, and the Ford Dam area for walleye. Both spots offer a mix of structure and deeper water where fish are staging. **Recommended Baits and Lures** For smallmouth and largemouth bass, shallow diving crankbaits, Ned rigs, and soft plastic swimbaits are performing well. Colors like green pumpkin and black-blue laminate are favored. For walleyes, a jig paired with a minnow, or a lipless crankbait like the Rippin’ Rap, has been highly effective, particularly in the early morning and late evening. Catfish anglers are seeing success with live bait, such as sucker minnows or cut bait. Nightcrawlers are another solid option, especially for channel catfish. Focus on areas where slack water meets the current. **Additional Notes on Conditions** The river’s turbidity remains high due to sediment runoff, which can make sight fishing challenging. However, fish are more likely to be found near structure where they can find shelter and food. Water levels and stream flow are near normal for this time of year, ensuring safe and accessible fishing conditions in most areas. **Tips and Final Thoughts** Today’s conditions are ideal for fishing in these calmer waters. Be sure to use lures that create vibration or noise to attract fish in the murky water. If you’re targeting walleyes or bass, prioritize low-light periods such as dawn and dusk for the best results. For catfish enthusiasts, targeting deeper pools or eddies with bait rigs will likely yield success. Remember to dress warmly, as water temperatures remain cold, and always wear a personal flotation device if you’re fishing from a boat. Anglers heading out should prepare for a productive day and keep those rods bent! Good luck! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.