geckoes

Check out an earlier post from 15Jan for additional tips for a Boundry Waters trip.

If you go through an outfitter, most will provide a pack for a small fee. If you choose to purchase one yourself, consider waterproof bags such as Sealine. Also consider whether you'll be camping at one site and daytripping out from there or setting up camp at a different site each night. If basecamping, just plan to get your gear there; if not, remember that you'll be carrying(portaging) all your gear yourself. As to tackle, don't overpack. If you don't plan to use alot of plastic, you should be able to fit all you need in one double-sided utility box. Fish are aggressive in June and using subtle, finesse baits aren't necessary. Each year I go, I bring less tackle, and my PRIMARY reason for going is fishing. A good rainsuit will be your best friend. Hope you've been in a canoe before as you'll be in it all day. I've never rolled one, but it can spoil a trip fast. A well-padded seat w/ backrest can add hours of comfort; again, your outfitter can provide these items.

My first post-- I've been to the BW/Quetico area six times, all in July. If you're in a lake deep enough, lake trout can be added to your quest by trolling deep diving plugs. Live bait is NOT necessary; I've caught smb till my arms ached using Rapala DT series crankbaits, X-raps, spinnerbaits, flukes and my favorite, topwater! Forget about going small; I throw magnum torpedoes and buzzbaits all day long. My biggest smb(5#) came on a white saltwater x-rap. Pike will be everywhere and you will lose baits to them; I've never used leaders and land more pike (up to 17#) than I lose. A portable depth finder will be a big asset in locating reefs--target these. In June you should find smb in relatively (<20ft) shallow water. Consider a 20"er(~4#) a great catch as these guys grow much slower than down south. When paddling to your destination, be sure to throw out a crankbait and firmly anchor your rod--strikes are violent. Water temps are very cold and air temps fluctuate dramatically; dress accordingly...mainly for the biting flies and mosquitoes. Its a tag-team effect--the flies get you during the day (right through socks) and the skeeters come out in mass at dusk. Wind will be your biggest enemy so be careful crossing large bodies of water. You will be amazed at the solitude of the area--often going days w/o seeing another canoist. Regards, Scott