Smallmouth Bass

For Smallmouth Bass near Nerstrand, your best bet is to focus on the Cannon River. This river offers excellent smallmouth habitat with its rocky runs, riffles, and deeper pools. Summer and fall are generally the most productive seasons, as the water temperatures are ideal for smallmouth activity. Look for smallmouth near rocky structure, current breaks, and submerged timber. Crayfish imitations, tubes, and topwater lures can all be effective. Wading the river is a popular way to target smallmouth, but be cautious of the current and slippery rocks. The public access points along the Cannon River Wilderness Area provide good entry points. Consider using polarized sunglasses to spot fish and underwater structure. Be aware of water levels; high water can make wading difficult, while low water can concentrate the fish. The smallmouth in the Cannon River are known for their fighting ability, often putting up a fierce battle in the current. Respect the resource and practice catch and release to help maintain the quality of the fishery.