Largemouth Bass

Waterville, Minnesota, offers fantastic largemouth bass fishing, particularly in the Cannon River and the chain of lakes connected to it. What makes this area special is the diverse habitat – from riverine structure to classic lake weedbeds and docks. The Cannon River itself can hold surprisingly large bass, especially near submerged logs and current breaks. Summer is peak season, as the bass are actively feeding. Try topwater lures early and late in the day near weedlines. During midday, switch to jigs or Texas-rigged worms around deeper structure. A key local tip: pay attention to water clarity in the Cannon. After heavy rains, the river can get muddy, pushing the bass into the clearer lakes connected to it. Public access is good, with several boat ramps and shoreline fishing opportunities available. The bass in this area are generally healthy and aggressive, and you'll find a good mix of sizes, with the potential for fish over 5 pounds.