Fishing in the Boundary Waters and the Quetico Provincial Park can be some of the best fishing worldwide.  These lakes see very low fishing pressure resulting in an environment that is very conducive for reproduction.  As a result, the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park produces not only lots of fish, but huge fish.

With hundreds, even thousands of lakes, a remarkable habitat has formed for the game fish and all the inhabitants. Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Lake Trout, Crappie, Sunfish, and Bluegill all lurk in the waters of the wilderness.  The difficulty is deciding on what species to chase after and what lakes to explore! 

Generally, there are lures that you can count on to consistently catch fish.  However, at the time of your trip, you need to pay attention to seasonal trends and current conditions.  Current weather plays an important role on deciding which tackle, lures, and fishing techniques should be used.

Top Water & Surface Baits

Rebel Pop-R, Rapala Skitter Pop, Floating Frogs, Hula Popper, Floating Rapala, Buzz Baits, Booyah Pond Magic Spinners, Heddon Torpedo

Medium to Deep Running Lures

Beetle Spins, Mimic Minnow, Spinnerbait, Cotton Cordel Wally Diver, Rapala Shadrap, Mepps Spinners, Rebel Crawfish, Rattlin' Rapala

Live Bait (Minnows, Leeches, Night crawlers)

The use of live bait is a key component of fishing and preferred by many fisherman.  1/8 oz to 3/4 oz jigs, tipped with a biodegradable grub, such as Berkley Gulp, and live bait is an excellent tool to catch fish.  Jigs colors: orange, chartreuse, white, blue, pink, even purple.   Grub colors:  yellow, green, and white.

Trolling with Walleye Spinners or Crawler Harness's also works very well. Spinner blade colors: Orange, Chartreuse, Silver, Gold.  Hook sizes: #2 or #4

Slip bobbers combined with a leech or a night crawler works very well in the Boundary Waters lakes.  Thill 4" slip bobber, bobber stops, mediumed sized split shot weights, and #2 or #4 Gamakatsu colored hook.

Lake Trout

Little Cleo spoons, Northland Bionic Bucktail jigs, 1/2 to 3/4 oz Kastmaster lures

Fishing Equipment (Tackle)

Fillet Knife, Fillet Board, Tape Measure, 2 rods and reels per person with 6 lb to 10 lb test line, several small tackle boxes for easy storage, fishing line clippers, stringer, pliers or forceps, steel leaders 30 lb 9" to 12 ", mouth spreader, and a landing net per canoe. 

Ely Outdoors Company carries a full line of fishing tackle, including everything suggested above.