Episodes

  • Autumn Bounty on the Mississippi: Walleye, Sauger, and Panfish Thriving Despite Chilly Temps

    Autumn Bounty on the Mississippi: Walleye, Sauger, and Panfish Thriving Despite Chilly Temps
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River, particularly around the Minneapolis area, is quite promising despite the chilly autumn weather.

    ### Weather and Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-40s Fahrenheit. Water temperatures are around 38°F, which is typical for this time of year. The river's water level is currently low, resulting in reduced current flow.

    ### Fish Activity
    Walleye and Sauger are the main targets this time of year, and the bite has been consistent. Yesterday saw a good number of quality fish up to 21 inches being caught. The fish are scattered throughout the river, including areas from Lake Pepin to the dam.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    Vertical jigging and using Dubuque rigs have been highly effective. Berkley Powerbait, specifically curly bones, bonefish, rib worms, and ripple shads in green, purple, and white colors, are the top producers. Stickbaits on 3-way rigs are also working well. For those preferring live bait, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler have been successful for panfish like Bluegills, Crappies, and Perch.

    ### Hot Spots
    Focus your efforts on the northern part of Pool 4, particularly the upper part of Lake Pepin and areas around Wabasha, which still has a strong Walleye bite. Rock shorelines, wing dams, and areas with wood and weeds are also producing good numbers.

    ### Additional Tips
    Use your side imaging to locate schools of fish, as this can significantly improve your chances of a successful catch. With the low current flow, fish can be found almost anywhere in the channel.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the Mississippi River, and with the right gear and knowledge, you're likely to have a productive and enjoyable fishing trip.
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    2 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Forecast on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis

    Late Fall Fishing Forecast on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis
    Nov 21 2024
    For November 21st, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is looking promising despite the late fall season.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 32°F. While the Mississippi River does not have tides, water levels are currently stable after recent adjustments. Check the DNR's Cooperative Stream Gaging for the latest water levels before you head out.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 4:34 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a decent bite for walleye, sauger, and channel catfish. The fish are active, particularly in the deeper sections of the river. Walleyes are being found on the outside weed edges and off the deeper breaks. Channel catfish and freshwater drum are also plentiful, especially around structure like dams and rocky areas.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Anglers reported catching several eater-sized walleyes and saugers, along with some larger channel catfish. The Minnesota River, which is connected to the Mississippi, has been yielding good numbers of channel catfish, freshwater drum, and walleye[2][4].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes, Lindy rigs tipped with fathead minnows (4-6 inches) are highly effective. Trolling crankbaits using the 3-way swivel and drop weight method is also working well. For channel catfish and freshwater drum, nightcrawlers and chicken livers are good bait options. Muskie anglers are having success dragging large minnows on bobbers along the weed edges[3][4].

    ### Hot Spots
    - Below the Ford Dam in Minneapolis, the river offers good structure for walleye and sauger.
    - The area around the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Mississippi River is known for its diverse fish population, including channel catfish and freshwater drum.
    - Wegdahl County Park near Montevideo is a popular spot with good boat access and amenities, and it's known for its channel catfish and walleye fishing[2].

    Remember to dress warmly and stay safe on the water. Enjoy your day on the Mississippi River
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Mississippi: Cooler Temps, Hot Walleye Bite Near Minneapolis

    Fishing the Mississippi: Cooler Temps, Hot Walleye Bite Near Minneapolis
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 32°F, making it a crisp but manageable day for fishing. The Mississippi River, being a non-tidal river, does not have tidal fluctuations, so you can focus on other factors like water levels and current.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:34 PM, giving you a good window of daylight to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a decent bite on the river, with anglers reporting catches of walleye, sauger, and even some northern pike. The cooler water temperatures have moved the fish to deeper areas, but they are still active.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Anglers caught a mix of eater-sized walleye and sauger, along with some larger trophy fish. The walleye bite has been consistent, even with the water levels returning to normal.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleye and sauger, using Lindy rigs with lively minnows (4-6 inches) has been highly effective. Jigs tipped with minnows or leeches are also producing good results. For northern pike, dragging large minnows on bobbers along the weed edges or using big rubber lures to cover more ground has been successful.

    ### Hot Spots
    Two hot spots to consider are the areas around the Ford Dam and the confluence of the Minnesota River with the Mississippi. These areas often have good structure and current breaks that attract walleye and other species.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis, with the cooler weather and active fish making for a rewarding fishing experience. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the day on the water.
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    2 mins
  • "Promising Fishing on the Mississippi River: Walleye, Sauger, and Panfish Bites"

    "Promising Fishing on the Mississippi River: Walleye, Sauger, and Panfish Bites"
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in. Since the Mississippi River is a freshwater system, there are no significant tidal changes to note, but water levels are currently slightly above normal and stabilizing, which is ideal for fishing.

    The weather today is partly cloudy with a high of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees. Sunrise was at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 5:30 PM, providing a good window for both morning and evening fishing trips.

    Fish activity has been robust, particularly for walleye and sauger. As the water temperatures drop into the mid to low 40s, these species are becoming more active. Yesterday saw a decent walleye and sauger bite, with anglers catching eater-sized fish as well as some trophy catches, with some walleyes and saugers reaching up to 23 inches in length. These fish are putting on their fall weight, making them quite girthy.

    In addition to walleye and sauger, panfishing for bluegills, crappies, and perch has also been good, filling in the gaps when the walleyes are not biting. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are also active during this period.

    For lures, vertical jigging and Dubuque rigs are working well. Recommended baits include Berkley bonefish, curlybones, ripple shads, and rib worms. Hair jigs in colors like white ice, purples, and chartreuse are also effective. For trolling, crankbaits on leadcore or longline trolling have been successful, especially in areas with less bait.

    Hot spots include the areas below the dams, such as below Lac qui Parle Dam and Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge Dam. Rock shorelines, wing dams, wood, and weed beds continue to produce good numbers of fish. Another popular spot is near the wing dams on Pool 4 of the Mississippi River.

    Overall, the conditions are perfect for a productive day of fishing on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis.
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    2 mins
  • Autumn Walleye Blitz on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis

    Autumn Walleye Blitz on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is looking promising, despite the cooler autumn weather.

    ### 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 32 degrees. There is no significant tidal activity to worry about on the Mississippi River here, as it is a freshwater river.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:34 PM, giving anglers a good window to catch the prime fishing times, especially during the twilight periods.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw excellent fish activity, particularly for walleye and sauger. The cooling water temperatures, now in the mid-40s to low 50s, have made these species more active. Anglers reported catching a mix of eater-sized walleye and sauger, as well as some trophy fish.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Walleye and sauger have been the stars of the show, with many anglers reporting successful catches in the 18 to 29 feet of water range. Some nice schools of fish were found over mud flats with no specific structure, just a lot of forage that holds the fish.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleye and sauger, jigging with frozen emerald shiners or fathead minnows has been highly effective. Vertical jigging with 1/8-ounce live bait jigs tipped with fatheads has also produced good results. Trolling spinners on the weed edges, although less effective recently, can still attract pike and other species.

    ### Hot Spots
    Two hot spots to consider are the areas around the Ford Dam and the St. Paul area near the confluence of the Minnesota River. The Ford Dam area has been known for its consistent walleye and sauger bites, especially during the twilight hours. The St. Paul area offers a mix of structures, including weed flats and near-shore breaklines, which have been holding pike and other species.

    Overall, the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is offering some great fishing opportunities right now, especially for those targeting walleye and sauger. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the autumn fishing experience.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy on the Mississippi River Near Minneapolis

    Fall Fishing Frenzy on the Mississippi River Near Minneapolis
    Nov 10 2024
    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.
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    2 mins
  • Fall Fishing on the Mississippi River: Walleyes, Saugers, and Panfish Thrive Despite Cooler Temps

    Fall Fishing on the Mississippi River: Walleyes, Saugers, and Panfish Thrive Despite Cooler Temps
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, despite the cooler fall weather.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 32°F. Since the Mississippi River is not a tidal waterway, water levels are primarily influenced by rainfall and human management. Currently, the water levels have dropped below normal due to the lack of significant rainfall, but this hasn't deterred the fish activity.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset is at 4:43 PM, giving anglers a good window to hit the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fish activity has been strong, particularly as the water temperatures continue to drop. Walleyes and saugers are the main targets this time of year. Over the last couple of weeks, there has been a consistent bite on the river system, with both eater-sized walleyes and saugers, as well as some trophy fish, being caught.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday saw a good number of walleyes and saugers caught, especially in areas like Pool 4 near Redwing, Minnesota. The fish have been gorging on large shad schools, making them quite girthy. Panfish such as bluegills, crappies, and perch are also active, providing a mixed bag for anglers.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes and saugers, vertical jigging with lures like Berkley bonefish, curlybones, ripple shads, and rib worms has been effective. Colors such as white ice, purples, and chartreuse are working well. Crankbaits, either on leadcore or longline trolling, are also producing good results. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler are recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is around the wing dams and rock shorelines on Pool 4. These areas continue to produce good numbers of walleyes and saugers. Another spot is the transition zones from rock to mud, where the fish tend to congregate.

    In summary, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is offering some great fall fishing opportunities. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right spots, anglers can expect a productive day on the water.
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    3 mins
  • "Fall Fishing Forecast on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis"

    "Fall Fishing Forecast on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis"
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in.

    ### Weather and Tidal Report
    The day started with a sunrise at 7:34 AM and will end with a sunset at 5:53 PM, giving anglers a good window for both morning and evening fishing. The water temperatures are cooling down, which is invigorating the fish activity. There are no significant tidal changes to note, as the Mississippi River is a freshwater system.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, with walleye and sauger fishing being particularly excellent. The cooling water temperatures have made these species more active. Panfishing for bluegills, crappies, and perch has also been good, filling in the gaps when the walleyes are not biting.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Anglers have been catching a decent number of walleyes and saugers, ranging from eater-sized fish to some trophy catches. Bluegills and crappies are also plentiful, especially in areas with rock shorelines, wing dams, and weed beds.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For walleyes and saugers, crankbaits on leadcore or longline trolling have been effective. Casting hair jigs and crankbaits near wing dams has also yielded good results. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler under a bobber or pitched depending on the conditions are working well.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the area around Lake Pepin, where the wing dams and rocky habitats are producing good numbers of walleyes, bass, and bluegills. Another good spot is the river sections near Red Wing and Wabasha, where the break lines and big flats are holding good numbers of fish.

    Overall, the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is offering some great fishing opportunities as we head into the late fall season. Make sure to check the water levels and use your electronics to locate schools of bait and fish for the best results.
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    2 mins