I’m in a kayak so no worries about running aground, but my favorite stretch of river by far is anywhere between Danbury and Highway 70 landing. I had multiple outings last year where I caught 20+ smallies (including my pb, a 21.5 incher.)
Every once in awhile I’ll venture south of Taylor’s Falls but the remoteness, wilderness, and lack of people/overall boat traffic keep me driving north most of the time.