What You'll Find at Colvill Park

Colvill Park sits right on the Mississippi River in downtown Red Wing, giving you access to one of the most productive walleye zones in Minnesota without leaving the city limits. The park has a public boat launch, a fishing pier, and shoreline access—all free to use. You're fishing the main channel here, where the river narrows and deepens as it moves through the city, which concentrates both walleye and channel catfish.

The walleye bite at Colvill is strongest in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when fish move into shallower water to feed. Summer can be productive too, especially at dawn and dusk, but midday fishing slows considerably. Channel catfish are active all season, peak in summer, and will bite throughout the day if you're using fresh bait.

Key Takeaways

  • Colvill Park offers a public boat launch and fishing pier on the main channel of the Mississippi River, with walleye and channel catfish as the primary species.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye; summer catfish fishing is often better, especially at night or early morning.
  • The park is in downtown Red Wing with parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities, making it accessible for a half-day or full-day outing.
  • You'll need a Minnesota fishing license and must follow state regulations on daily limits and size restrictions for both walleye and catfish.

Walleye Fishing from the Pier and Boat Launch

The fishing pier at Colvill is your best bet if you don't have a boat. It extends into the main channel where walleye hold, especially during low-light periods. Early morning and evening are prime times—cast or jig along the pier pilings and the deeper water just beyond. Live bait (shiners or small shad) under a bobber works well in spring; in fall, vertical jigging with live minnows or soft plastics is more effective as fish move deeper.

If you launch a boat from Colvill, you have immediate access to productive water. The channel narrows here, which means fish concentrate in predictable spots. Work the deeper holes just downstream of the park, and don't overlook the slack water along the shoreline on both sides of the river—walleye often stage there before moving into the main current. Trolling crankbaits or pulling live-bait rigs along the channel edge produces steady results in spring and fall.

Channel Catfish: Summer and Night Fishing

Channel catfish at Colvill are less finicky than walleye and will bite in daylight, but they're most active from late afternoon through the night. Use fresh cut bait—shad, bluegill, or chicken liver—and fish the bottom with a simple three-way rig or slip sinker. Cast from the pier or from a boat anchored in deeper water, and give the fish time to find your bait. Catfish bite steadily through summer and into early fall.

Night fishing from the pier is popular and productive. Bring a headlamp, secure your rod in a holder, and check your line every 10 to 15 minutes. Catfish often bite hard and run, so a medium-action rod with good drag is worth the investment. The park has lights, which can actually help—they attract baitfish, which in turn attract catfish.

Facilities and Access at Colvill Park

Colvill Park is well-maintained and designed for public use. The boat launch is concrete and suitable for small to mid-size boats; there's a parking lot adjacent to the launch with room for trailers. The fishing pier is accessible year-round and requires no reservation. Restrooms are available, and picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, so you can make a full day of it.

Parking is free, and the park is open dawn to dusk (though night fishing is permitted from the pier). In winter, the pier remains accessible if ice conditions allow, but always check with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or local authorities before fishing on ice anywhere on the Mississippi.

What to Bring and What to Know

You'll need a valid Minnesota fishing license—purchase one online through the Minnesota DNR website or at any local bait shop in Red Wing. Daily limits for walleye are one fish per day (with a 15-inch minimum), and channel catfish have a 25-fish daily limit with no size restriction. These rules can change, so verify current regulations before you fish.

Bring more bait and tackle than you think you'll need. Live shiners and shad are available at local bait shops on Main Street and near the park. The water can be murky after heavy rain, which actually improves walleye fishing because they rely more on their lateral line sense. Catfish bite better in murky water too, so don't skip a trip just because the river looks brown.

When to Fish Colvill Throughout the Year

Spring (April–May): Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. This is the most consistent season for numbers and size. Water temperature ranges from 45 to 60 degrees. Fish early morning and evening, and focus on the pier and shallow channel edges.

Summer (June–August): Walleye bite is slower during the day but improves at dawn, dusk, and night. Channel catfish are at their peak. Water temperature climbs into the 70s and 80s. Night fishing becomes a real option and often outproduces daytime efforts.

Fall (September–October): Walleye bite improves again as water cools and fish move back into feeding zones. This is the second-best season after spring. Channel catfish remain active through September. Water temperature drops from 70 to 50 degrees.

Winter (November–March): The river can freeze, but Colvill's main channel often stays open or breaks up and refreezes unpredictably. Check conditions before visiting. Some years the pier is fishable; other years it's not. Walleye and catfish are present but less active in cold water.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Colvill Park is in downtown Red Wing at 1000 West Main Street. It's easy to find and close to restaurants, gas stations, and lodging if you want to make a longer trip of it. Red Wing itself is worth exploring—the city has a strong fishing heritage and hosts the annual Red Wing Fishing Contest.

If Colvill doesn't produce on a given day, you have other options nearby. The Levee Park area also offers shoreline access, and if you're willing to drive, the backwater lakes around Red Wing (like Lake Pepin, just downstream) hold different fish and different seasonal patterns. But for convenience and consistent access to walleye and catfish, Colvill is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Colvill Park?

No. The fishing pier gives you solid access to the main channel without a boat. You can catch walleye and catfish from the pier, especially during low-light hours. A boat expands your options and lets you reach deeper holes, but it's not required.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and evening (two hours before sunset to one hour after) are most productive for walleye. Channel catfish bite throughout the day but are more active from late afternoon into the night. If you can only fish midday, target catfish with fresh bait on the bottom.

Can I fish here in winter?

The pier is accessible year-round if conditions allow, but the main channel at Colvill rarely freezes solid because of current and depth. Check with the Minnesota DNR or local authorities before visiting in winter. Ice fishing is possible some years but not may provide.

Where do I get bait and tackle?

Red Wing has several bait and tackle shops within a few minutes of Colvill Park. Ask at the park office or check online for current locations. Live shiners, shad, and cut bait are standard stock. You can also buy tackle and licenses at these shops.

What size walleye can I keep?

Minnesota's current regulation is a 15-inch minimum for walleye with a one-fish daily limit. Regulations can change, so check the Minnesota DNR website or ask at a local bait shop before you fish to confirm the current rules.