Minnesota
Cannon River at Welch
Location Snapshot
Cannon River at Welch is a southeastern Minnesota river reach with colder trout water overlapping warmer habitat farther downstream. Brown trout are the primary supported target, with brook trout adding a coldwater component and smallmouth bass contributing in warmer sections.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 514 CFS
- Gage Height
- 4.21 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 05355200 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
42°F
Feels like
36°F
Wind
6 mph NE
Wind gust
9 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 6:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 7 AM
Clear
Temp 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 11 AM
Clear
Temp 57°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 3 PM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 12 mph
Tue 7 PM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 11 PM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 3 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 67°F / Low 42°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 18 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 70°F / Low 44°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 21 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 73°F / Low 54°F
Chance 5%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 39 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Cannon River runs from Dundas to the Mississippi and enters a gorge below Cannon Falls.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Cannon River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Goodhue, Minnesota
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Goodhue
Management Category
Driftless trout river
Regulation Scope
Cannon River at Welch.
Regulation Summary
Cannon at Welch: MNDNR inland trout stream rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
brown-trout, brook-trout, smallmouth-bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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