As we step into the final day of September 2024, the Mississippi River around Minneapolis is gearing up for what promises to be an excellent fall fishing season. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today.

**Weather and Conditions:**
Today, September 29th, you can expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s. The weather has been relatively calm, which is ideal for fishing. Water temperatures are currently around 64 degrees, a perfect range for many species to be active.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:53 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

**Fish Activity:**
The walleye and sauger bite has been strong as we head into fall. Yesterday, anglers reported catching walleyes and saugers in good numbers, particularly in areas with less bait concentration. These fish are gorging on baitfish, making them quite aggressive and plump.

**Types and Amounts of Fish:**
Walleyes and saugers are the main targets, with some catches reaching up to 23 inches. Panfish like bluegills, crappies, and perch are also active, filling in the gaps when the walleye bite slows down.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For walleyes and saugers, vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners or fathead minnows has been highly effective. Crankbaits, especially those on leadcore or longline trolling, are also producing good results. For panfish, small jigs with plastics or tipped with a chunk of crawler work well. Hair jigs in colors like white ice, purples, and chartreuse are also recommended.

**Hot Spots:**
One of the best areas to fish is around the wing dams and rock shorelines. These structures tend to hold a lot of fish, especially walleyes and saugers. Another hot spot is the area near Lake Pepin, where the river sections are producing good catches. If you can find areas with less bait concentration, the fish tend to be more aggressive.

**Tidal Report:**
While the Mississippi River does not have tides in the traditional sense, the water levels can fluctuate based on dam operations and rainfall. Currently, the river is at a relatively low level due to the lack of significant rainfall, but this has not deterred the fish from being active.

Overall, today looks like a great day to get out on the Mississippi River and enjoy some excellent fall fishing. Just remember to check the water levels and adjust your fishing spots accordingly. Happy fishing