Midweek Mississippi Fishing Report: Walleye, Sauger, and Pike Bite on Pool 2 in Minneapolis

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Folks, we've got ourselves a fine mid-May morning on the mighty Mississippi! Temperatures are mild as we continue enjoying this beautiful spring season. The sun rose about 5:47 AM today and won't set until around 8:30 PM, giving you anglers plenty of daylight to work with. River conditions remain on the low side following our drier than normal winter and spring. Water levels are running below average, so watch those hazards if you're boating or wading. No tidal movement here in our freshwater paradise, but current flows are steady and predictable. The walleye and sauger action continues to be strong in Pool 2 from the Ford Dam down to Hastings. Remember, this stretch is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass, but the numbers make it worth your while. Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are still producing well, especially during the early morning hours. Crankbaits have been hot tickets too during the evening transition periods. Based on recent reports, some nice northern pike are showing up in the slower backwaters. Try spinnerbaits or large minnows under a bobber if you're targeting these toothy critters. For hot spots, I'd recommend focusing on the current breaks just below the dams, particularly in the early morning. The deep holes near Grey Cloud Island have been producing consistently as well. If you're shore fishing, the stretch near Hidden Falls Park has been giving up some decent smallmouth bass. Bait selection has been pretty straightforward - minnows are always a good bet this time of year, but don't overlook nightcrawlers, especially if you're after some of those channel cats that are starting to become more active with the warming water. The DNR reports that last fall and winter saw excellent walleye activity in connected waterways, and those patterns seem to be holding so far this spring, despite our lower water levels. One more tip from a local: with our current conditions, focus on the deeper channels during daylight hours, then move to the shallower flats as evening approaches. The fish are following that pattern like clockwork. Remember to check your regulations before heading out, and don't forget your sunscreen - that May sun can fool you! This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow. Tight lines, friends! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.