As of September 26, 2024, the fishing scene on the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is looking promising, especially as we transition into the fall season.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather forecast for today indicates partly cloudy skies with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. There will be a gentle breeze out of the northwest, which should help keep the fish active. Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM.

### Water Conditions
The Mississippi River's water levels are currently lower than usual due to the lack of significant rainfall and snowmelt this year. However, this has not deterred the fish from biting. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s to low 60s, which is ideal for fall fishing.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a strong walleye and sauger bite, particularly in areas with less bait fish activity. Anglers reported catching walleyes and saugers using crankbaits on leadcore or longline trolling. Casting hair jigs and crankbaits near wing dams also produced good results. Panfish, including bluegills, crappies, and perch, were active as well, especially around rock shorelines, wood, and weed beds.

### Best Lures and Bait
For walleyes and saugers, crankbaits in natural colors like shad patterns or white and chartreuse have been effective. Hair jigs in white, purple, and chartreuse are also working well. When using live bait, a two-hook crawler harness with a spinner blade in gold, pink, or glow colors has been successful. For panfish, small jigs tipped with plastics or a chunk of night crawler under a bobber have been filling the gaps when the walleyes are not biting.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots has been the area around the wing dams, where the structure and lack of strong current have concentrated the fish. Another productive area is the rock shorelines and weed beds, particularly where there is a mix of gravel and weeds. These areas have been holding good numbers of perch and other panfish.

Overall, the Mississippi River near Minneapolis is shaping up for a great fall fishing season. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right structures, anglers should have a successful day on the water.