Title: Mighty Mississippi Fishing Report: Walleyes, Bass, Cats Bite Despite Fall Flows

Artificial Lure here with your Friday, October 31st fishing report for the mighty Mississippi River through Minneapolis. If you're up before sunrise, you're right on cue—the sun came up at 7:49 AM and we’ll have daylight until 6:05 PM. The weather is that classic late-October: mid-40s this morning, maybe nudging 50 by afternoon. Expect some light rain, so bring the rain gear—NEXT Weather on CBS Minnesota notes we might get on-and-off showers most of the day. The recent rains and river cresting earlier this week have kept water levels above normal, but the bulk of the flooding is south of Minneapolis, so local ramps and banks are accessible if a little muddy. Now, onto tidal action—well, tides aren’t a thing here, but fluctuating water levels still matter. With the river running high from all that upstream runoff, water clarity is down, so fish are hanging in slower, deeper runs and tighter to structure. Fish activity is on a fall upswing. That cooler water’s got walleyes feeding up ahead of winter, with most caught after first light through mid-morning, and again late in the afternoon. Walleye action has been strongest near deep holes by the dam downtown, under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, and around the mouth of Minnehaha Creek. Local reports this week say jig-and-minnow is hands-down the best approach—a 1/4-ounce jig with a fathead or shiner will get you bit. Orange or chartreuse jigs stand out in this stained water. Smallmouth bass slowed some as temps dipped, but patience pays—hit rocky banks and bridge pilings with 3- to 4-inch soft plastic swimbaits or a natural-colored tube on a 1/8-ounce head. Channel catfish have been a real surprise—just two weeks back, Outdoor News shared that Abel Wandrey released an 8.5-pounder right out of the downtown stretch. Cut sucker or goldeye on a heavy slip sinker rig and you’ll have a shot. For panfish—crappies are fair, moving into winter patterns and more scattered, but check the backwater slack near Boom Island and above the Lowry Bridge. Fish 18–25 feet down with a small jig tipped with minnow or a piece of nightcrawler. Northern pike reports are steady from slower-moving side channels and the mouths of tributaries, hitting large spoons or a suspended sucker. Best baits this weekend: Large fathead minnows, shiners, or cut bait for multispecies appeal. For artificials, try paddle-tail swimbaits (white or natural), jigging raps, bright-colored jigs, and meaty soft plastics for bass. Nightcrawlers and red worms will pick up odds and ends if you’re soaking bait off the bank. Some hot spots to try: the deep basin and riprap edges below the Stone Arch Bridge, the current breaks at Boom Island Park, and Pike Island where the Minnesota pours in. Both bank and boat anglers are picking up good numbers at these spots, especially at dawn or dusk. A quick note: due to flooding upstream, always use caution and check bank stability and current speeds before wading or anchoring. Thanks for tuning in to your loca This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.