There were new regulations regarding fishing in Canada's Quetico Park waters last season. No live bait or organic baits are allowed in Quetico Park. Barbless hooks are also the law in Quetico Park. Make sure to click on the CANADA page of this website for more information. Also, to re-enter the United States from Canada (2009), you will need a current passport. This United States law will be enforced in 2009.
"Also, some advice I'd like to offer is take some time and experiment with the soft rubber baits, the flavored and un-flavored varieties, their riggings, hook styles, along with the liquid scents, etc. and consider non-toxic weights." Why? Due to the influx of exotic species (plant & animal) over our great North American fresh water ecosystems and the ease of mobility to travelling fisherfolks (which compounds the problem); the traditional live bait angling tecniques have already become heavily regulated, and more restrictions will be here in the near future. Also, it's not new 'NEWS' that lead is toxic, so expect more legislature regarding the use or should I say non use of this metal. And finally, I have seen first hand from all the years of netting, lipping and harvesting fish- single hook lures cause alot less damage to a fish's mouth than treble hook lures. Period! It is important to be a responsible fisherman, but make sure that you are adaptable as well. The soft rubber baits rigged with wide gap single hooks are being developed to catch fish and that they do- learn to use them! Also, with a year behind me fishing Quetico Park with only barbless hooks, I did not experience alot of lost fish. Actually, I firmly believe that all treble hooks should be barbless and/or have a hook removed from each treble, making them tandem hooks.
The following list of tackle is suggested for you to bring on your BWCA and/or Quetico fishing trip. Remember, you're here for only a week, give or take a few days, so there is no need to buy and bring large quantities. A small tackle box or tackle bag with a variety of the baits mentioned will suffice. It is best if your tackle bag can fit into your duluth bag when portaging the boundary waters.
Remember, you will be in the wilderness where there isn't a quick stop at the local tackle shop if something should break, so bring quality gear and equipment. If you must bring some extra that's fine, but too much gear will get cumbersome on those portages.
Two light, medium light, or medium spinning rods with matching reels spooled with fresh 4# - 10# line. I personally use 6# and 8# line. If you have spare spools with your reels, bring them wound with fresh monofilament of your choice. Two piece rods are the right way to go, especially if packed in rod holders. I've some one piece rods as well and they are a little tougher to pack and they do get banged up a bit more. If you are going to purchase rods and reels for your wilderness trip, please call, e-mail, or drop me a line before doing so.
If you're a bait caster, bring a medium weight outfit with 10# line and maybe a medium to heavy rod with a stiff backbone (spline) and matching reel wound with fresh 12# - 14# line for pike and lake trout fishing.
For terminal tackle, live bait hook sizes should be #4 or #6. Sinkers should be 1/16oz., 1/8 oz. and 1/4 oz., with maybe a few 3/8 oz. in either barrel shape or lindy-style slip. Bring a small bag of split shot sinkers of various sizes and at least 3 'cigar shaped' slip bobbers with bobber stops.
If you are bringing the 'soft rubber' baits, which I highly recommend; make sure to bring the matching hook size and style for that particular rubber bait. I personally use 2/0 and 3/0 Mustad, Eagle Claw, or Gamakatsu brands. Also, I love jigs. The 'Tube' is fantastic.Call or e-mail me for more information regarding 'finesse' fishing tecniques I use here in the BWCA and Quetico Park.
Using the information above, a dozen crank baits in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors will be plenty. Be sure to include some deep divers like Shad Raps(#9) and Rattle Traps and/or Rattle Raps. There are quite a few out there to choose from. I like to slow troll down to 10 to 15 foot depths. I'm a firm believer in the 'dark back/ light belly' colors; so the black and silver, perch, blue and silver, red and white color schemes seem to work best. Some people believe a splatch of red in the gill area helps (?). Confidence is a big player in all fishing, especially in lure selection. Call or e-mail me for more information about crankbait selction and fishing tecniques I use here in the BWCA and Quetico Park.
A pair of long needle nose pliers is a necessity plus nail clippers, and/or a small pair of scissors. Those 'multi- use' tools are sure handy! Find a jaw spreader at your local sporting goods store and buy one!
A seamstress tape works great to measure length and girth of possible trophy fish and expedites a quick release. A small notepad and pencil to jot down those measurements is also a good idea, especially for future graphite mounts, and don't forget that digital camera!
Jasper Creek will answer all (or attempt to) your fishing and tackle questions. Tackle selections and their use vary during different times of the year, so give us a call, e-mail, or drop a line. (No pun intended.)
