Promising Fishing on the Frozen Mississippi River in Minneapolis - Early January 2025 Conditions

As of January 4, 2025, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is quite promising, despite the winter conditions. ### Water Conditions The water levels at the Lower St. Anthony Falls are currently at a pool elevation of 720.00 feet and a tailwater elevation of 725.14 feet, as of the last update on January 3, 2025, at 18:00[2]. The flow-out is at 3240 cubic feet per second, and there has been no significant precipitation in the last 24 hours. ### Weather The weather is cold, typical for early January, with temperatures expected to be around the mid-teens to low twenties Fahrenheit. There is no significant precipitation forecasted for today. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at approximately 7:53 AM, and sunset will be around 4:43 PM. ### Fish Activity Winter fishing on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is known for its walleye, sauger, and panfish activity. Anglers have been reporting decent catches of these species, especially in areas with structural elements like drop-offs and near submerged logs. ### Catches Yesterday, anglers reported catching several walleyes in the 15-20 inch range, along with some saugers and panfish like crappies and sunfish. The fish are generally more active during the late morning and early afternoon. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes and saugers, using jigs tipped with fathead minnows or golden shiners is highly effective. For panfish, small jigs with waxworms or tiny crankbaits can work well. Ice fishing is also an option, and using small spoons or jigging raps with a slow presentation can attract these species. ### Hot Spots Two hot spots to consider are the areas just below the Ford Dam and near the confluence of the Minnesota River with the Mississippi. These areas tend to have good structural elements that attract walleyes and other species. Remember to dress warmly and use caution on the ice if you choose to ice fish. Enjoy your time on the river This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.