Midwest Fishing: Walleye, Sauger, and Catfish Sizzle on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Friday, May 23, 2025. We kicked off the morning with sunrise at 5:54 AM and we’ll see sunset around 8:24 PM, so there’s a solid stretch of daylight for you to get after it. The weather’s cooperating nicely, with mild spring temps and stable conditions. River levels remain a touch lower than average thanks to another dry spring, so boaters and waders should keep an eye out for exposed rocks and snags, especially around shallow runs. No tides to worry about on the river, but you’ll find steady flows and classic late May patterns holding up. Pool 2—from the Ford Dam down to Hastings—is still the spot for active fish. Word is the walleye and sauger bite is really rolling. Most anglers are running jigs tipped with fathead minnows or plastics, and those working crankbaits in the early mornings and evenings have reported solid hits. Crankbaits in shad or firetiger patterns are productive. Pool 2 is catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass, but the numbers of quality fish make it a fun zone for anyone looking to do some CPR fishing. Just below the dams and near current breaks have been especially hot for these species lately[2][5][1]. Catfish crews are seeing good numbers of both channel and flathead cats. Cut bait, nightcrawlers, and stinkbaits have all been getting bit, especially as water temps nudge upward. Try anchoring just upstream of deeper holes or along riprap for your best shot at a whiskered heavyweight[5]. Pike are concentrated in the backwaters and connecting lakes due to low river levels, so don’t skip the sloughs. Spinnerbaits and large swimbaits are turning up nice fish. Meanwhile, the white bass bite is picking up with small spoons and twister tails—you’ll find them chasing baitfish near sandbars and mouths of feeder creeks[5]. For panfish, stick to shoreline cover and backwater bays; waxworms and small jigs have worked well. Hot spots worth checking include the tailwaters below the Ford Dam, the confluence around Minnehaha Creek, and the deeper bends near Hidden Falls Park. All have been producing this week, especially for multi-species action. That’s the river report for today. Be safe out there, keep an eye on the water levels, and tight lines from Artificial Lure. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.