Mississippi River Fishing Report: Walleye on Fire, Panfish Biting Strong in Minneapolis

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River fishing report for Minneapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. We've got ourselves another beautiful spring morning on the river, with stable conditions that are just perfect for getting some lines wet today. Sunrise was at 5:37 AM this morning, and we're looking at sunset around 8:36 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to work with. No tides to worry about on our mighty Mississippi, but water levels are still running a bit lower than usual after our dry winter and spring, so keep an eye out for rocks and snags if you're boating or wading today. The walleye action is absolutely on fire right now across Wisconsin and Minnesota sections of the river. These fish are in what we call a transitional period, moving from their spring patterns toward summer locations. Pool 2, from the Ford Dam down to Hastings, remains your best bet for consistent action. Just remember, it's catch-and-release only for walleye, sauger, and bass in Pool 2, but the quality and numbers make it well worth your time. What's working? Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are producing steady catches, especially around current breaks and just below the dams. Crankbaits have also been hot tickets, particularly during early mornings and evenings when these fish are most active. If you're heading out today, focus on those current seams and transition areas where walleyes are staging. The panfish bite is running above average this year too. We're seeing quality-sized bluegill, crappie, and bass throughout the system. For the best panfish action, target backwater areas and side channels where the water's had a chance to warm up a bit more. For hot spots, I'd recommend trying the stretch just below the Ford Dam early in the morning for some trophy walleye action. Later in the day, the wing dams near Grey Cloud Island have been consistently producing nice catches. If you're after some good eating fish, the backwaters around Pike Island have been giving up some beautiful crappies. One last tip from a local: with our lower water levels, some of those classic fishing spots are fishing differently this year. Don't be afraid to adjust your depth and presentation if your favorite spot isn't producing like normal. That's your Mississippi River report for today, May 17. Good luck out there, stay safe, and as we always say around here, "Keep your line tight and your stories tighter!" This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.