Late night shore fishing on the Mississippi

[Chemlight]

Hey guys, was hoping maybe someone could help me and my brother out.

We've been looking for a decent late night shore fishing spot along the Mississippi river. So far, everywhere we've been has been city land, and they close the parks around 10pm or so (and the cops drive by to make sure we leave). I even contacted the lock master at Lock and Dam #2 to see if the concrete pier was managed by the city or them - it is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, but they also verified that it is closed after 10pm.

So, in short, we are looking for a spot, either on the East side of the river between the 494 bridge and Hastings Bridge, or on the West side near said bridges, that we can fish all night when the urge strikes, where we don't have to worry about breaking any city ordinances. So far the cops have been nice about it (we usually stay until they roll up), but we would still like to stay out longer some nights.

Any ideas?

[aanderud]

I've seen fishermen shore fishing near the 494 launch well into the night (They were still fishing at 1:30 am last time I was out in the boat). Cops don't ever seem to chase them away there. I assume if you were causing trouble that'd be different of course but if you're just fishing, they usually leave you alone.

[Chemlight]

By the 494 launch, are you talking about the one at Lions Levee Park? Or a different one?

We've never caused trouble, been noisy, problematic. We always clean up after ourselves (and often times others), so that isn't really a concern. Unfortunately, the cop driving by doesn't know that.

[aanderud]

I mean the one on hardman avenue on the west side of the river right about directly under the bridge. There are always shore fishermen there.

[Chemlight]

Thanks! I didn't realize there was a boat launch there. Pretty obvious looking at Google Maps now.

I will definitely be spending some time down there soon.

[TrollnDrift]

I have seen people fishing very late on the south east side of spring lake on the Mississippi, there is a sand boat launch there they fish by. I do not know if it is a good spot or if the cops ever show up either.

[Mr Special]

There's quite a few shore spots on DT St Paul near Harriet island area aswell.