CANNON RIVER
I once fished the Cannon River the day before a big snowfall. That November day 30 years ago was downright chilly, but I still fondly remember all those nice smallies I caught. You, too, will have warm memories of this southeast stream once you learn its secrets.

From Faribault to Welsh in Goodhue County, the Cannon has suffered from heavy flooding and dam drawdowns over the years. However, its fertility always returns, and the stream is capable of producing some fine fish over 3 pounds.

Along with smallies, the lower 12 miles of this stream from Cannon Falls to Welsh offers many other species. Saugers, walleyes, white bass, channel catfish and drum are all available. Canoe-fishing is the most popular method here, and limestone bluffs of nearly 50 feet make floats through this section truly spectacular.

Upstream of Byllesby Reservoir to Faribault is another 25 miles of water that can produce good smallmouth fishing, though it has less total fish. However, this section of the Cannon floods easily and runs high for extended periods, so the fishing here is best if little rain has fallen for two weeks. Wade-fishing is possible upstream of Northfield. Rattling crankbaits are good in the Cannon's algae-stained flow.

Good maps are valuable for finding any fishing hole, and they're essential for river fishing. A Minnesota Atlas & Gazetteer (207/846-7000 or www. delorme.com) will show you nearby roads. DNR canoe maps will show river details. Maps for the Cannon and other state rivers are available from the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157. For up-to-the-minute reports on river levels, go to the USGS' "Real Time Data" Web site at www.waterdata.usgs.gov/mn.

SAGANAGA LAKE
Since Saganaga has produced numerous walleyes over 10 pounds -- including Minnesota's state record -- I suppose it is no wonder the lake is so famous for its big walleyes. When I fished it last summer, I saw plenty of walleye anglers but not another smallmouth angler in two days. However, "Sag" is actually great smallmouth water. Many fish in the 2- to 3-pound range are present in this 18,000-acre border lake.

Because it's part of the Boundary Waters, there's a 25-horsepower limit on the Minnesota side. But that's plenty of power to effectively work the numerous islands dotting Saganaga. With so many islands and bays, there are miles of good shorelines to try. Those with small rock and wood cover will hold the most bronzebacks. I especially like the islands that run down the middle of Saganaga.

The northern half of the lake also has potential. The Northeast Arm and Curran Bay are excellent, but require an Ontario fishing license. The west end of the lake is called Cache Bay and is another hotspot, but it's in Quetico Park, so it's "paddle only" and requires an entry permit.

For information on nearby services, check with the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-922-5000 or go to www.grandmaraismn.com.

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These and other waters will only remain great if anglers practice catch-and-release. Because smallmouths are so slow-growing and easily depleted, good fishing can only be maintained if we each do our part. The fish we release today will be the lunkers we catch in the future.