Smallmouths exceeding 20 inches and muskies over 42 inches are both possible on the Big Fork. To find the smallies, skip the areas with clay or sand bottoms and concentrate on rocky head-of-pool areas and eddies below islands.

The DNR offers a handy map of the Big Fork because it’s a designated (though seldom used) canoe route. The maps are available through local DNR offices or the central office in St. Paul at (888) 646-6367.

BIG & LITTLE BIRCH LAKES
While a handful of locals target the smallies, few other smallmouth devotees seem to be aware of Big and Little Birch lakes. That’s a mistake because both lakes boast excellent populations of bronzebacks. A short stream connects these two central Minnesota lakes that straddle the Todd and Stearns county lines north of Melrose.

Big Birch weighs in at a hefty 2,100 acres and Little Birch a respectable 840 acres. That’s plenty of water, but the lakes are small enough to traverse quickly and easily. Both lakes have above-average smallie numbers, with Little Birch claiming the highest number of fish per acre.

The lake has four boat landings and a nearby campground on state forestland on the west shore. Little Birch offers a boat launch on its north end.

For more information, contact the Melrose Chamber of Commerce at www.melrosemn.org .

KETTLE RIVER
A quiet, scenic stream in east-central Minnesota, the Kettle provides good canoeing, as well as good fishing. In fact, this Pine County stream offers several types of angling experiences.

The 10-mile stretch above the town of Willow River may be fished by the on-foot angler and is also canoeable during the higher flows of early summer.

The next 11 miles, from Willow River to Hwy. 23, may be canoed or kayaked year ‘round if flows are normal. Rock outcroppings and forested banks make great scenery and the long, rocky pools seem fishy. However, most of the predator fish in the Kettle -- smallmouths and walleyes -- are concentrated at the head of each pool. Thin-minnow crankbaits and in-line spinners will catch these eager fish. Just be careful not to park your canoe too close to your fishing spot. Anchoring 40 feet away is wise, and if the water is shallow, beach your craft and quietly approach on foot.

A series of rapids between Hwy. 23 and Sandstone causes most anglers to wisely avoid this stretch. The last 10 miles of the Kettle inside St. Croix State Park are more fishing-friendly. There are numerous riffles, but those with average paddling skills can handle them. Numerous bronzebacks relate to these fast-water zones. Some parts of the lower river can also be accessed from roads and trails inside the state park.