Fishing the Mississippi River in Minneapolis - December 2025 Conditions and Hotspots

Well, folks, it's Artificial Lure here with your fishing report for December 1st, 2025 on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis.

Today's conditions are looking pretty solid for getting out on the water. The sun rises at 6:52 AM and sets at 7:41 PM, giving us a decent day length of about 12 hours and 49 minutes. We're in a waxing crescent moon phase at 15%, which should keep fish moderately active through the day.

For the best fishing windows, your major bite times are hitting early morning from 2:51 to 4:51 AM and then again in the afternoon from 3:21 to 5:21 PM. If you can't make those, don't sleep on the minor times at 7:48 to 8:48 AM. The day's rating is showing as average, so conditions are workable.

Now, for what's been working out here on the Mississippi, the lure game is key. Premium choices include vertical presentation minnows with holographic finishes that really pop in our darker winter waters. Crankbaits in shad patterns are solid producers, and don't overlook worms rigged on shaky heads or drop-shot rigs. Swimbaits in natural colors like blue gizzard have been pulling some quality fish from offshore structures.

As for live bait, minnows and shiners are your bread and butter right now. Keep them fresh and lively—the fish respond to that panicked baitfish action.

For hot spots, check out the ledges and deeper structures near Fort Snelling State Park where the Minnesota River feeds into the Mississippi. You'll find schools hanging around there. Also, don't miss the deeper holes in the channel between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul—some solid walleye and northern pike territory this time of year.

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