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Fishing
BWCA Fishing Trips near Ely, Minnesota - Boundary Waters Outfitters
The Boundary Waters provides world-class freshwater fishing opportunities. Come prepared for the excitement of a fish on your line.
Fishing Tackle Suggestions
Some items may be available for purchase in our small but well-appointed outfitting shop.
It is very important to note that whatever you bring must be portaged - so don't bring too much tackle. Ideally all your gear should fit into a small (i.e., 8" x 11" x 2") tackle box. The list below includes items that have proven successful. Tailor this list to the type of fishing you plan to do, and don't forget to throw in a couple of your own secret lures. We also recommend using live bait in the BWCAW. Nightcrawlers and leeches are the easiest to use and keep alive. Barbed hooks and organic bait are prohibited in Quetico Provincial Park.
Spinning Rod and Reel: Medium action rod with 6-10 lb. test line.
Hooks: Minimum of 25, bait type with short shank in sizes 4 to 6.
Sinkers, Split Shots, Slip Sinkers: Bring an assortment of split shot from "bb" size on up; slip sinkers should range from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce. For deep trolling bring 1 to 3 ounce weights.
Plugs: Both surface and diving. Sizes from 2" - 5" (e.g.; Rapalas, Lazy Ikes, Heddon
Torpedoes).
Spinner Baits: Such as Mepps in sizes 1, 2 & 3.
Spinners: "Pre-rigged" hooks with spinner blades, beads and approximately 12 inches of line. Hook sizes from 4 to 6 with spinner blade colors in chartreuse, silver, hammered brass, yellow, red/white and black/white.
Jigs: 1/8 to 3/8 ounce sizes.
Hair and Feather Type Jigs: 1/8 to 1/4 ounce sizes in yellow, orange, chartreuse, red and white. For Lake Trout a few 1/2 to 1 ounce jigs in black, white, yellow, red/white, and black/white.
Rubber Bodied Jigs: With and without spinner blades in 1/8 to 3/8 ounce sizes. Chartreuse, white, yellow, black, and brown (examples: Mr. Twister and Fuzzee Grubs).
Swivels: Two and three way type.
Bobbers: Slip bobbers work well and are the most functional.
Stringer: One or two cord stringers work well and are compact.
Needle Nose Pliers: For releasing fish, and a must for sharp-toothed big pike and walleye.
Suggestions for specific species
| Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass |
Surface and diving plugs; spinner baits such as Mepps; hair and feather type and rubber bodied jigs; slip bobbers. |
| Walleye |
Sinking plugs, or floating plugs with weight to sink the rig; spinners in mid sizes; 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 oz jigs; slip bobbers. |
| Northern Pike |
Spoons, spinner baits, and surface and diving plugs in mid to larger sizes;
steel leaders from 6-12 inches. |
| Pan Fish |
Spinner and assorted jigs in small to mid sizes; slip bobbers. |
| Lake Trout |
Spring - Surface and diving plugs; spinner baits such as Mepps
Summer - Hair and feather type jigs in 1/2 to 1 ounce sizes in black, yellow, white, red/white, and black/white; spoons and deep running plugs. |
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CLICK HERE to explore Minnesota DNR fish surveys and depth maps for lakes on your route.
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