Late Fall Fishing on the Mississippi River Around Minneapolis

Artificial Lure here with your fresh-off-the-water fishing report for the Mississippi River around Minneapolis, Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. Welcome to late fall in the North Country—plenty to talk about! We’re waking up to a true Minnesota transition: a major winter storm is on deck, with forecasters including DTN PF and AOL Weather both warning of 3–7 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph moving into the metro from Tuesday through Wednesday. Water temps on the river and metro lakes have cooled to the low-to-mid 50s, and there’s a definite chill in the air. Expect brisk northwest winds and a stiff chop on the water, so dress accordingly and mind slippery shoreline rocks. Today’s sunrise arrived at 7:18 AM, with sunset slipping in at 4:37 PM. Major solunar bite windows for the area are prime just after dawn, 6:52–8:52 AM, and right before dark, 7:03–9:03 PM, according to FishingReminder. That dusk slot could be the ticket if you’re sneaking out after work. Tidal influences are mild this far up the mighty Mississippi, but as per FishingReminder, low water is persisting despite some recent rain—the river is still running lower than normal, but it’s ticking up after last week’s showers. Expect one high at 3:03 AM (2.85 ft), low at 10:09 AM (0.49 ft), another high at 3:53 PM (2.62 ft), and low at 10:13 PM (0.49 ft). Now, let’s talk fish! Minneapolis metro anglers are reporting solid late-November walleye action on the Mississippi, especially Pool 1. Work 10–18 foot breaks, inside river turns, and any channel edge where bait is stacking after turnover. Walleyes are smacking 1/8–1/4 oz jigs tipped with fathead minnows, and Jigging Raps are putting plenty of fish in the net. Smallmouth bass are hugging the mid-river rubble and current seams—ned rigs and 3–4” swimbaits bounced right on bottom are the go-to. After turnover, slightly clearer water and scent-enhanced plastics or live bait can really help close the deal on the more finicky bites. Muskie action is heating up on the deeper metro lakes, but you might catch a river giant on a slow-rolled bucktail if you’re lucky. Northern pike are scattered around remaining green weed patches—burn spinnerbaits fast and cover water. Early ice-up isn’t here yet, but crappies are starting their seasonal slide to mid-depth basins. Find those with side imaging and hover small hair jigs or plastics under a float. Best baits: For walleye, fathead minnows are dynamite, but tougher bites call for adding scent or a piece of worm. For bass and pike, artificials dominate—ned rigs, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and bucktails. If going for crappie, stick to hair jigs or a crappie minnow below a slip bobber. For true hotspots: - Saint Anthony Falls Upper Lock and Dam is a classic for walleyes and smallies—try the seams and slackwater near the walls. - Nicollet Island and Boom Island are producing steady action and offer both easy access and multi-species opportunities. If you want to try a lake, hit Lake Harriet or This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.