Staying Warm and Catching Fish on the Frozen Mississippi Near Minneapolis

As of January 25, 2025, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is quite active, despite the chilly winter conditions. ### Weather and Ice Conditions The weather has been cold, with temperatures hovering around 27°F, and there is a light breeze of about 5.8 mph. The ice conditions have improved, with ice thickness ranging from 9 to 14 inches, but it's crucial to check the ice safety with a spud bar or auger and wear appropriate gear like ice cleats and a floating ice suit[4]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:55 PM. ### Fish Activity Walleye fishing has been typical for January, which means it's been slow but consistent, especially during the evening hours and after dark. Anglers have been catching walleyes in depths of 10 to 12 feet of water, particularly on points and weed lines. Using a lively minnow on a deadstick or jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head has been effective[1][4]. Northern Pike are also active, with medium to large suckers and shiners working well on tip-ups in weedbeds at depths of 5 to 12 feet. These areas have been producing good numbers and size pike[1][4]. ### Best Lures and Bait For walleyes, minnows on jigging spoons or deadsticks are the best options. For northern pike, medium-sized sucker minnows or shiners on tip-ups are highly recommended. Small jigging spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms are also effective for brook trout, though this is more relevant in the BWCA area[1][4]. ### Hot Spots One of the hot spots is the Red Wing area, where you can find current seams and small flats with less current. This area is known for holding fish, especially as they start to slide down into Lake Pepin. Another good spot is the weed lines along the Mississippi River Pool 4, where walleyes and northern pike are often found[3][4]. In summary, while the weather is cold, the fishing on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is worth the effort, especially if you target the right spots and use the right bait and lures. Always prioritize ice safety and enjoy the winter fishing experience. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.