"Mississippi River Fishing Report: Walleyes, Sauger, and Perch Thrive in Ideal Conditions near Minneapolis"

Fishing Report for Mississippi River, Minneapolis - April 4, 2025 The Mississippi River around Minneapolis offers an exciting angling experience today, with promising conditions for both seasoned fishers and beginners. Here's the latest: **Weather and River Conditions** Today's sunrise was at 6:43 AM, with sunset expected at 7:45 PM. The weather is mild with clear skies, making for perfect fishing conditions. Temperatures are hovering around the mid-50s to low 60s, with light winds from the west. Water levels in the river are stable but relatively low compared to average, aligning with patterns from previous years. This has shifted some fish activity closer to deeper channels and structures such as submerged trees and rock piles. **Fish Activity and Recent Catches** Reports indicate strong activity from walleyes, sauger, and perch in particular. Schools of walleye and sauger have migrated upstream from Lake Pepin into the river, frequently found in Pools 3 and 4. Walleyes in the 18–22-inch range and healthy-sized saugers are being caught consistently. Some anglers have also reported catching perch along the edges of weed beds and deeper holes in the main channel. **Best Baits and Lures** 1. Jigs tipped with live minnows or plastics: Chartreuse, purple, and natural colors are working wonders. 2. Blade baits: Effective in these pre-spawn conditions when used near current seams or drop-offs. 3. Crankbaits and vibrating jigs: Natural shad and blue-black combinations have been a hit for deeper runs. For catfish, using live bait, such as nightcrawlers or cut bait, is highly effective, especially in deep pools with moderate current. **Hot Spots** 1. **Lock and Dam No. 1 (Ford Dam)**: A prime location for walleyes and sauger, especially using vertical jigging techniques. 2. **Lake Pepin's Channel Edges**: Transition areas between Lake Pepin and the river have been active with perch and the occasional trophy-sized walleye. 3. **Hidden Falls Regional Park**: A great spot for shore anglers targeting channel catfish and smaller gamefish. **Tips for Success** Keep it simple. Focus on the current seams and areas with structure like wing dams, submerged logs, or rock piles. Fish are holding near these features due to low water levels and pre-spawn behavior. Using a slow and deliberate presentation will help entice bites. Enjoy the day out on the water, and happy fishing! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.