As of November 30, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is still quite active despite the late fall season.

Weather-wise, today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 45°F and a low of 32°F. The Mississippi River, being a non-tidal river, does not have tidal fluctuations, but the water levels are currently stable after recent adjustments.

Sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and sunset is at 4:34 PM, providing a decent window for both morning and evening fishing.

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 fish have been transitioning from Lake Pepin into the river, particularly in Pool 4, which has been a hot spot lately. Walleyes up to 28 inches and saugers up to 23 inches have been caught in this area.

Channel Catfish and Freshwater Drum are also active in these waters. For walleye and sauger, vertical jigging and Dubuque rigs have been working well. Recommended lures include Berkley bonefish, curlybones, ripple shads, and rib worms. Hair jigs in white, purple, and chartreuse colors are also effective. Crankbaits, especially on leadcore or longline trolling, have been successful in areas with less bait.

For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler under a bobber or pitched depending on the conditions have been productive. Rock shorelines, wing dams, wood, and weeds continue to produce good numbers.

Hot spots include Pool 4 of the Mississippi River and the areas around Lake Pepin. The transition zones where the fish are moving from the lake into the river are particularly fruitful. Additionally, the shallower bays and rocky points are good areas to target northern pike.

Overall, the cooler water temperatures, now in the mid-40s, have made the fish more active, and with the right lures and bait, anglers are having a successful fall fishing season on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis.