Boundary Waters Canoe Area Fishing

• Walleye
• Smallmouth Bass
• Northern Pike
• Lake Trout

Hundreds of lakes teeming with hungry fish, so where do I get started?

If this is your first trip to the Boundary Waters, using an outfitter is a great idea. Not only can an outfitter help you reserve your entry permits and supply additional gear, they can also be an invaluable resource to improve your catch. Most outfitters have spent their fair share of time on the water and have caught a fish or two, they also receive reports from all of their guests. Put this knowledge to work for you.

Can I eat the fish?

Sure you can, and they make a great canoe country meal. However, if we want this fishery to be preserved for the next generation we need to be responsible consumers. Only take what you're going to eat and return the larger fish for breeding stock. Perhaps by limiting our fish consumption we can enjoy spectacular fishing in the Boundary Waters for years to come.

Boundary Waters Journal

Reader Input - Add Your Thoughts or Advice

Is there anything else we should know about fishing in the BWCA? Anything special we should bring along? Let's hear your tips and advice.

Brent: Don't take your entire tackle box. Select which species you want to target and bring appropriate lures. Bring a few lures for other species. Remember that certain lures will catch all species and can greatly reduce the number of baits you carry along.

Tim: I was just up in the boundary waters and caught about 90 fish in a weeks time (released all but three). I used only artifical lures. 1/4 ounce lead heads and 3 inch plastic grubs. Natural colors and chartruse worked the best.

Jevon: When in doubt beat the shoreline! Sunny days in a bay have been especially good to me.

Phil: If you can find reefs in mid-lake, take advantage because they are great walleye hangouts. So are areas where wind is blowing. Paddle into the wind and then use the wind to troll. Walleye, Pike, Bass all will hand in the area where wind is channeled by the topography.

Davin: When practicing catch and release you can weigh your fish with a ruler rather than a scale that may harm the fish (lots of conversion charts on the web). I have found that a soft tape measure works well but has been forgotten at home on past trips. There is a simple product out there called a rodrule. It is a measuring decal that stick right on your rod or paddle – I never forget my rod! The advantage with a ruler on your rod is that you do not have to lay the fish down to measure, increasing the likelihood to survive and fight another day.