Midwest Winter Ice Fishing Report: Walleyes, Perch, and Crappies Biting on the Mississippi River

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to guy for anglin' on the Mississippi River right here in Minneapolis. It's February 2nd, 2026, and we're smack in the heart of winter ice fishin' season. Sunrise hit around 7:30 AM, sunset's pushin' 5:15 PM—plenty of daylight if you bundle up against this frigid snap. Weather's bitter cold, highs barely crackin' 20°F with light snow flurries, straight out of that bomb cyclone chatter from NPR reports. No tides on the river, but current's steady under the ice, keepin' things movin'. Fish activity's solid for midwinter—walleyes and sauger are active in 15-25 feet off mud flats and current breaks, per Minnesota DNR updates and Jeff Sundin's reports. Recent catches include good numbers of eater walleyes (under 19.5 inches), slot fish 19.5-28 inches, jumbo perch, and mix of crappies and northern pike. Outdoor News statewide report from Jan 28 notes cold keepin' crowds down, but those who hit the ice pulled limits, especially deadsticking minnows off bottom evenin' hours. Best lures? Rippin' Raps, Buckshot spoons, small bucktails in chartreuse or gold, tipped with minnow chunks—work 'em vertical. Live minnows on jigs or under tip-ups for deadstickin' are killin' it, says Lake of the Woods guides, and same patterns hold here on the river. Solunar forecasts call today a top "Best" day with major bites 12:43-2:43 PM. Hot spots: Boom Island Park lagoons for perch and crappies—easy access, sheltered ice. And the deeper holes below Lock & Dam No. 1 for walleyes hangin' in current seams. Stay safe out there, check ice thickness, and respect regs—walleye season runs hot through April. Thanks for tunin' in, folks—subscribe for more tips! 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.