As of October 17, 2024, the Mississippi River around Minneapolis is offering some excellent fall fishing opportunities. First, it's important to note that the Mississippi River is a non-tidal river, so water levels are influenced by rainfall and human management rather than tides. Currently, the water levels are slightly above normal but stabilizing, which is ideal for fishing.

The weather today is partly cloudy with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:47 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

Fish activity has been strong, particularly for walleyes and saugers. With the recent drop in water temperatures, these fish have become more active. Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity, with walleyes and saugers biting well as the water temps continue to cool down.

For walleyes, anglers have been successful using jigs and minnows, especially in shallow water. In the Mississippi River, walleyes have been caught in various depths, from 12 feet of water on the shoreline to 18-22 feet along the edges of shoreline-related breaks and mid-lake bars. Trolling crankbaits is also a effective strategy, especially in the fall as walleyes chase shiners.

Crappies are starting to school up and move to warmer, stable water temperatures, typically in the 12-16 foot range. Jig/twister, beetle spins, and the classic crappie minnow and bobber have been catching crappies just off weedbeds and around sunken islands.

Northern pike activity has increased with cooler water temps, and they are setting up on major points, shallow rocky flats, and river mouths. Large suckers, fished under a bobber, and large soft plastic minnow baits have been effective for pike.

Hot spots include Pool 4 of the Mississippi River, which includes Lake Pepin, and the areas around the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls to the confluence with Pool 3 of the Mississippi River. These areas offer solid fishing for a variety of species including walleye, sauger, muskie, white bass, and smallmouth bass.

Overall, the fall fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking very promising, with plenty of opportunities to catch a mixed bag of fish.