Mississippi River Fishing in Minneapolis - Ideal Conditions for Walleye and Sauger in December

As of December 8, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is quite unique given the recent weather and river conditions. ### Weather and River Conditions The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year. The river levels, after the significant flooding earlier in the year, have returned to more normal levels. However, it's important to note that the Upper Mississippi River experienced historic highs in water levels earlier this year, but as of now, the levels have stabilized[2][4]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:30 PM. ### Fish Activity Despite the cold weather, fish activity remains decent. Walleye and Sauger are still the main targets, and the bite has been consistent. Yesterday saw a good number of quality fish, including eater-sized walleyes and saugers, as well as some trophy fish here and there[3][5]. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Channel Catfish, Freshwater Drum, and Walleye are among the most common catches in this stretch of the Mississippi River. The recent flooding did not significantly impact the fish populations, as the river's diverse fishery has shown resilience[1]. ### Best Lures and Bait For Walleye and Sauger, using jigs tipped with minnows or fatheads is highly effective. Crankbaits and spinner rigs also work well, especially in the deeper pools. For Channel Catfish, nightcrawlers and stink baits are reliable choices. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots is below the Ford Dam, where the structure and current create ideal conditions for walleyes and saugers. Another hot spot is near the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Mississippi River, where the mixing of waters attracts a variety of fish species[1][5]. Remember to always check the current water levels and weather forecasts before heading out, and to exercise caution while boating on the river. Enjoy your fishing trip This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.