As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, especially with the fall season in full swing.
### Weather and Tidal Report
The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 34 degrees. Sunrise was at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM. The Mississippi River, being a non-tidal river, does not have tides, but water levels are currently at normal levels after recent adjustments.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a decent walleye and sauger bite on the river system. Anglers reported catching eater-sized walleyes and saugers, along with some trophy fish. The fall migration of fish from Lake Pepin into the river is in full swing, making this a great time to catch walleyes, saugers, and even some crappies and perch.
### Types of Fish Caught
The primary catches were walleyes and saugers, with some anglers also reporting crappies, perch, and pike. The fish are actively feeding as the water temperatures drop, preparing for the winter.
### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes and saugers, vertical jigging with frozen or live emerald shiners, or fathead minnows, has been highly effective. Crankbaits, especially those trolled on leadcore or longline, are also producing good results. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler are working well. Hair jigs in white, purple, and chartreuse colors are also recommended.
### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots is around the wing dams and rock shorelines near the Minneapolis area. These structures tend to hold a lot of fish, especially walleyes and saugers. Another good spot is the area near the Ford Dam, where the current breaks and structural elements attract a variety of fish species.
Overall, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is offering some excellent fall fishing opportunities. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right structures, anglers can expect a productive day on the water.