Boundary Waters Outfitters
Boundary Waters Canoe Trips
Fishing Tackle

Need to know what to pack?  Here's our list of our tackle suggestions but feel free to put in your own secret lures.  Just remember to keep your tackle box small and easy to use.

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helpful info:  how to plan a trip BWCA entry points, routes & permits reservations

The Tackle Box

It is IMPORTANT to note that whatever you bring you must portage - so don't bring a lot of tackle.  Ideally all your gear (minus the filet knife and pliers) should fit into a small Plano or similar tackle box.  The list below is comprised of general items that have proven useful over the years.  Many of the items do have suggested colors.  These are only suggestions, "hot" colors change constantly so don't be afraid to experiment.   you also will want to tailor this list towards the type of fishing you plan to do, and don't forget to throw in a couple of your own secret lures.  We also highly recommend using live bait.  Nightcrawlers and ribbon leeches are the easiest to use and keep alive.  We do have a small tackle shop stocked with all the items listed below in the all "hot" colors.

Here's What to Bring:

Spinning Rod and Reel: Medium action rod with 6-10lb. test line, depending on your skill level and desired species of fish.

Hooks:  Minimum of 25, bait type with short shank in sizes 6-4.

Spinners:  "Pre-rigged" hooks with spinner blades, beads and approximately 12 inches of line.  Hook sizes from 6-4 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 an without spinner blades in 1/8 to 3/8 ounce sizes.  Chartreuse, white, yellow, black, and brown (examples: Mr. Twister and Fuzzee Grubs).

Plugs:  Both surface and diving.  Sizes from 2 to 5 inches (examples: Rapalas, Lazy Ikes, Heddon Torpedoes).

Spinner Baits:  Such as Mepps in sizes 1 and 2.

Sinkers, Split Shot, 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.

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.

Filet Knife

Suggestions for Specific Species
Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass Surface and diving plugs (not exceeding 2 inches); Spinner baits such as Mepps; hair and feather type and rubber bodied jigs; slip bobbers
Walleye Sinking plugs (not exceeding 2 inches); Spinners in mid sizes; 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 oz Jigs; Hair and feather type 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 Bobber
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

Don't forget...
BWCA Permit ▫ Food/Menu ▫ Overnight Accommodations ▫ Transportation ▫
Reservation & Deposit ▫ What to Pack

 

above: fishing guide showing off a decent lake trout

Outfitting Packages:

Outfitting Specials
Explorer Kevlar Package
Ultra-Light Canoe Package
Non-Profit Groups
Fishing Trips
Fly-In Trips & Packages
Family Packages
Guided Trips
Food & Canoe Packages
Partial Outfitting

Additional:

Menu - food for your trip
Overnight Accommodations
Transportation
Reservations & Deposits
BWCA Permits & Fees
Entry Points & Trip Routes
What to Pack

 Quetico Trips:

Quetico Trip Information
RABC Permit Information

 

Click on the following links for more information:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area
BWCA info, wildlife, trip routes, photos...

Canoe Trip Outfitting
all our packages, rates, menu...

Non-Profit Groups
discount packages for scouts, churches, schools, clubs, High Adventure Scout Trips, and more...

Boundary Waters Fishing
trips, tips, tackle & more...

Guided Trips
the best way to go...

Quetico Trips
information on trips into Canada...

About Us
who we are, directions to our base...

Contact Us
talk to our outfitting staff

For More Information Call:
1-800-777-7348
218-365-4879

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It is important to note that BWCA entry permits are reserved on a first come, first serve basis so the earlier you reserve your trip the better chance you have of securing the best entry point.  more info...


 

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Boundary Waters Canoe Trips

How to Plan a Trip
Step 1: What to see and do
Step 2: When are you going
Step 3: Plan your route
Step 4: Reserve entry permit
Step 5: Outfitting Needs
Step 6: Transportation
Step 7: Accommodations
Step 8: Final Touches

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Web Cam

Farm Lake Cam

View of Farm Lake

 

web pages:
Boundary Waters Outfitters in Ely Minnesota home page About UsContact Us
Boundary Waters Canoe AreaHow to plan a TripBWCA Entry PermitsBoundary Waters Canoe RoutesFishingWildlifePhoto GalleryBWCA Rules
Canoe Trip OutfittingOutfitting SpecialsKevlar Explorer Package Ultra-Light Canoe PackagePartial OutfittingNon-Profit Group Packages Family Canoe TripsFishing TripsGuided TripsFly-In Canoe Trips
Trip MenuOvernight Accommodations ▫  Transportation ▫  Reservations & Deposits
Quetico TripsRABC Information ▫ Links

A word from Boundary Waters Outfitters

Thank you for visiting our website.  We at Boundary Waters Outfitters are dedicated to our mission and to providing quality Minnesota Vacations to all who visit us here in the Northwoods.  It is our pleasure to serve you in anyway we can, whether it is planning a BWCA canoe trip, arranging a stay in one of the lakeside cabins at our full-service resort or helping you purchase just the right piece of gear for your next adventure.  Ely Minnesota and the Northwoods is our home and we are eager to share it with anyone who has the desire to experience all it has to offer.  With so much to see and do...from fishing, to exploring, to sunsets, the wildlife, to all the little canoeing and camping tips we have picked up over the years, we are here to help you make the most of your Boundary Waters vacation.  Thanks again for visiting our website and please let us know how we can help you with your Boundary Waters needs.
 sincerely,
  -Boundary Waters Outfitters owners and staff.


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