"Spring Awakening: Fishing the Mississippi River Around Minneapolis"

Fishing Report for Mississippi River, Minneapolis – April 4, 2025 The Mississippi River around Minneapolis is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities as spring takes hold. Today started with clear skies, light winds, and mild temperatures in the upper 40s, climbing into the mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:42 AM, and sunset is expected at 7:42 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to hit the water. **Water and Fishing Conditions** The river is running at a stable level, though slightly low, which is common this time of year. Water clarity has improved, making it easier to target fish in their pre-spawn movements. Walleye, sauger, and a few perch have been actively moving into the river from Lake Pepin, especially in Pools 2 and 4. These conditions are prime for anglers looking to test their skills. **Fish Activity and Recent Catches** The walleye bite has been steady, with anglers reporting catches ranging from smaller eating-sized fish to occasional trophies over 25 inches. Sauger action is similar, with good numbers being caught. Some crappies are also showing up in oxbow-like backwaters and slackwater areas. Catfish—mainly channel and flathead—have been slightly less active this early in the season but remain a solid target in deeper holes. Recent local outings have yielded consistent success on Pool 4, particularly near Red Wing, with fish being caught along wing dams and current seams. Reports indicate that using live bait rigs with minnows has been highly effective, along with jig and plastic combos. **Best Lures and Baits** For walleye and sauger, a 3/8-ounce jig tipped with either a fathead minnow or plastic paddletail in chartreuse, white, or blue is hard to beat. If you’re targeting crappies, small tube jigs or curly tail grubs in bright colors like pink or white are performing well. For those trying their hand at catfish, fresh cut bait or live suckers are your best bets for a hook-up. **Hot Spots** Two excellent fishing locations to target today are: 1. *Red Wing (Pool 4)*: Focus on areas near the dam, as well as the backwaters and main channel breaks. Look for walleye and sauger along the edges of current seams. 2. *Hidden Falls Regional Park*: This spot near Minneapolis offers calmer water and is great for targeting a mix of species, including crappie, perch, and catfish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend warrior, today promises a productive day on the water. Keep it simple, stay patient, and let the river deliver its rewards. Tight lines! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.