Late Fall Bites on the Mississippi in Minneapolis

This is Artificial Lure, your Mississippi River Minneapolis fishing expert, with today’s report for Monday, November 17th, 2025—live and local from the banks, where late fall’s in full swing. Air temps are crisp out there, so layer up because the wind bites a bit harder off the water these November mornings. The sunrise today hit at 7:09 a.m., with sunset rolling in at 4:43 p.m., so your best windows are short and sweet. Don’t forget, we’re riding a first quarter moon phase—according to Fishing Reminder, that means fish should be a bit more active around 7 a.m. and again just after 7 this evening, so time your casts around then. No tides to report on this stretch of river, but water clarity’s been mixed after a couple blustery days—watch for wind-blown edges and inside turns that pull baitfish, and steer toward areas where the water’s just a shade clearer. After turnover, those slight advantages matter more than ever; a little extra scent or live bait can tip things your way when the bite’s shy. Let’s talk fish activity. According to Mississippi River Minneapolis Fishing Report Today on Spreaker, walleye have been the main draw in recent outings, with steady numbers caught from Pool 1 and near Saint Anthony Falls. Jigging with a 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig tipped with fathead minnows or working a Jigging Rap along the 10–18 foot breaks has been the key. Early and late light has been most productive, and a light chop helps bring fish onto the bite. Smallmouth bass are still hanging on, pushing onto current seams and midriver rocks; ned rigs, compact swimbaits, even a well-paced jerkbait like the Jackall Rerange are putting fish in the net. Northern pike are prowling the last green weedbeds, so if you’re hunting toothy critters, burn spinnerbaits or slow-roll a white or chartreuse bucktail where you find remaining coontail patches. Muskie chasers are seeing more action on the metro lakes, but don’t sleep on the deeper river holes—glide baits and big plastics score follows, especially when bait clouds show on your electronics. For crappies, mid-depth basins near Pool 1 and Boom Island have been productive—hair jigs or plastics under a float are best, and if you’re getting short strikes, tip with a minnow for extra appeal. Recent catches, shared by local guides and anglers on Spreaker and in online forums, show mixed bags but solid numbers for late fall. Folks are still boating eater-size walleye and the odd trophy, though average size trends smaller on pressured spots. Bass action’s consistent but sporadic—smallies up to 18” reported, with most fish in that feisty 12–15” range. If you’re looking for hot spots, here’s where to set up shop: - **Saint Anthony Falls Upper and Lower Lock and Dam**—deep breaks and turbulent water hold both walleye and bass right now. - **Boom Island and Nicollet Island**—slower current and structure draws in mixed species, and you’re in prime position for evening bites. - **Bassett Creek inlet**—especially good on windy days w This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.