Ice Fishing the Mississippi: Walleyes, Perch, and More in Minneapolis' Winter Wonderland

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for all things rod and reel on the Mississippi River right here in Minneapolis. It's February 6th, 2026, and we're smack in the heart of ice fishing season—cold air, safe ice in spots, and fish hunkered down waitin' for ya. Sunrise hits at about 6:52 AM, sunset around 7:41 PM per Solunar Forecast, givin' us a solid 12 hours 49 minutes of daylight. No tides on this river, but solunar tables show average bite today: major times 2:51-4:51 AM and 3:21-5:21 PM, minor from 7:48-8:48 AM. Moon's a 24% waxing crescent, so fish are feedin' steady but not crazy. Weather's typical winter—bundle up, expect highs in the low 20s, light winds, maybe some flurries. Ice reports from Jeff Sundin's Minnesota Fishing say conditions are holdin' firm on area waters, similar to Lake of the Woods where walleyes and perch are hot. Fish activity's pickin' up as water chills. Recent catches around the Mississippi include walleyes in 15-25 feet off mud flats and points, usin' minnows on jigs or Lindy rigs—eaters mixin' with slot fish 19.5-28 inches. Jumbo perch schoolin' tight, crappies over deep basins on small tungsten jigs with wax worms or minnows. Northern pike stage near rocky points on big suckers. Bigmouth buffalo are around too, though populations are old and declinin' per wildlife reports—bowfishin' pressure's high, so go easy. Not many exact river numbers lately, but DNR notes renewed interest in rough fish like these. Best lures? Chartreuse bucktails, squid tails, or tubes for bottom bouncers—red/white glows best in low light. Jiggin' spoons or deadsticking minnows off bottom for perch and 'eyes. Live bait kings: minnows, wax worms, or suckers under tip-ups. Hot spots: Hit the mud flats near Lock and Dam 1 in 20-25 feet for walleyes and perch. Or try current breaks by the Ford Plant bends—pike and drum love the deeper holes. Get out there safe, check ice thickness, and tight lines! Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more reports! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.