"Mississippi River Minneapolis Fishing Report: Walleye, Bass, and More Biting Big Time"

Artificial Lure here with your Mississippi River Minneapolis fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025. We’re starting off this morning with a sunrise at 5:26 AM, and you’ve got daylight stretching all the way to sunset at 8:51 PM—plenty of time to get on the water and chase the bite. Weather’s looking cooperative, with temps in the mid-70s and light breezes making for a comfortable day to be out along the river. Water levels are holding steady after last year’s swings, but keep an eye out for exposed structure in shallow stretches. Fish activity has been picking up big time all month. Pool 2, running from the Ford Dam down to Hastings Dam, is the go-to zone right now. Walleye and sauger are absolutely stacked along the drop-offs—catch-and-release only, but it’s consistent action, especially during those low-light periods at dawn and dusk, as reported by Outdoor News on June 18. If you’re after walleye, a jig paired with a minnow or half a crawler is still king, but don’t overlook trolling a shad-pattern crankbait through the deeper runs for bigger fish. White bass are busting bait in the main channel and slack-water eddies, hitting hard on small spinners, swimbaits, and even simple twister tails. Catfish anglers are putting up solid numbers of both channels and flatheads. Channel cats are favoring deeper holes with a slow current—nightcrawlers and cut sucker have been the ticket. Flatheads are lurking around downed timber and heavy structure, and nothing beats a lively bullhead or green sunfish for bait. Bass action is stellar right now, especially smallmouth. Work rocky shorelines, bridge pilings, and current seams with tubes and crayfish-pattern jigs. You’ll find plenty of eaters and some real slabs. Folks up near the St. Cloud metro are reporting great mixed-species days from shore—anything from smallmouth and walleye to crappie and rock bass, according to the DNR. If you’re limited to bank fishing, target the eddies and pool edges where the current slows down. Nightcrawler under a slip bobber will catch nearly anything swimming. Hot spots today include Hidden Falls Regional Park for easy city access and reliable walleye and catfish, and below the Coon Rapids Dam where the deep water and current breaks attract a mix of species all day long. Early risers along Boom Island are finding good numbers of bass and the odd northern pike. Remember, muskie season is open, though they’re not thick in Minneapolis proper—the occasional follow’s possible near deeper pools and current seams if you toss a big bucktail or glide bait. Tide fluctuations aren’t a factor on this stretch, but river current and water clarity are—if we catch rain, expect fish to slide closer to shore and into the side channels. Thanks for tuning in to the local scoop right here on the Mississippi. If you want more tips, be sure to subscribe, and don’t miss tomorrow’s report. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.